A digital toolkit to improve diagnosis and treatment of skin diseases in children in low-resource settings.
Official title: MIND-the-SKIN Project: Multi-functional Innovative Digital Toolkit for the Skin Diseases in LMICs and Beyond
Funded at Tulane University of Louisiana · NIH-11084359 · Data updated 2026-11-12
The MIND-the-SKIN Project is creating a helpful app called 'eSkinHealth' to support local healthcare workers in diagnosing and treating skin diseases in children in sub-Saharan Africa, making it easier for them to provide care for conditions like Buruli ulcers and leprosy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Tulane University of Louisiana NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Orleans, United States) |
| Project start | August 25, 2021 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $272,152 |
| NIH project number | 5R33TW011860-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11084359 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children under 12 years old living in sub-Saharan Africa who are at risk for or suffering from skin diseases.
✕Less likely to help
Patients outside of sub-Saharan Africa or those over 12 years old may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
The MIND-the-SKIN Project aims to develop a mobile health application called 'eSkinHealth' to assist local healthcare workers in diagnosing and managing skin diseases prevalent in children in sub-Saharan Africa. This project addresses the high prevalence of neglected tropical diseases, such as Buruli ulcers and leprosy, which can lead to severe physical and social consequences if untreated. By leveraging technology and providing targeted training, the project seeks to enhance the capabilities of healthcare workers in remote areas, enabling them to provide timely and effective care. The application will facilitate clinical decision support and telemedicine, making it easier for healthcare providers to deliver care in challenging environments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve early detection and treatment of debilitating skin diseases in children, reducing long-term health impacts.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in using mobile health technologies for disease management in similar low-resource settings, indicating a promising approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Tulane University of Louisiana
New Orleans, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yotsu, Rie — Tulane University of Louisiana
- Study coordinator: Yotsu, Rie
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.