Cross-border malaria and its impact on local transmission in Uganda and Zimbabwe
Malaria across borders: Measuring imported infections and contributions to local transmission in Uganda and Zimbabwe
This project combines travel histories, screening for hidden malaria infections, and parasite genetics to find out how infections that cross borders affect communities in Uganda and Zimbabwe.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11145929 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From my point of view as someone who could take part, the team will ask about recent travel and collect blood samples even when people feel well to look for hidden infections. They will use genetic testing on the malaria parasites to see whether infections were brought in from other places or started locally. The work focuses on border districts in Uganda and Zimbabwe where cross-border movement may fuel ongoing transmission. Results aim to show where infections are coming from so local health programs can better target prevention and treatment.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults (21+) living in or near the participating border districts in Uganda or Zimbabwe who are willing to give a travel history and provide blood samples are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People who live far from the study areas, are younger than 21, or refuse to provide travel information or blood samples are unlikely to receive direct benefit from participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help local health programs focus treatments and prevention where imported cases drive outbreaks and speed progress toward elimination.
How similar studies have performed: Related efforts using parasite genetics and travel data have helped trace malaria spread elsewhere, but combining active screening for hidden infections with cross-border genomic tracking is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
San Francisco, United States
- University of California, San Francisco — San Francisco, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rodríguez-Barraquer, Isabel — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Rodríguez-Barraquer, Isabel
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 below.