Fighting antibiotic-resistant infections in Africa with data science
Official title: Combatting AntiMicrobial Resistance in Africa Using Data Science (CAMRA)
Funded at Redeemer's University · NIH-11397882 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Using lab testing and data tools to better understand and reduce antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections that affect newborns, children, and other patients in parts of Africa.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Redeemer's University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ede, NIGERIA) |
| Project start | September 15, 2021 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $332,303 |
| NIH project number | 3U54TW012056-05S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11397882 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are patients who provide clinical samples at participating hospitals—particularly newborns, children, and mothers with suspected bacterial infections in the partner sites in Nigeria and Rwanda.
✕Less likely to help
People without bacterial infections, those outside the participating regions, or patients with non-bacterial illnesses are unlikely to benefit directly from this project.
What this research studies
Researchers will analyze thousands of archived and newly collected bacterial samples from blood, urine, and sputum at partner hospitals and sentinel labs in Nigeria and Rwanda. They will use molecular testing and genomic sequencing to find resistance genes and combine those results with clinical data, including outcomes for newborns and mothers. Data-science methods will map resistance patterns, detect outbreaks, and identify likely sources and spread of resistant bacteria. Results will be shared with local hospitals and health authorities to help guide antibiotic choices and infection-control actions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help doctors pick more effective antibiotics, reduce deaths from resistant infections (especially in newborns), and stop outbreaks sooner.
How similar studies have gone: Genomic surveillance and data-driven AMR programs have helped detect outbreaks and improve treatment choices in other regions, but applying this approach at scale in parts of Africa remains relatively new.
Where this research is happening
-
Redeemer's University
Ede, Nigeria Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Happi, Christian T. — Redeemer's University
- Study coordinator: Happi, Christian T.
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Combating Antibiotic Resistance in Africa with Data Science
A patient-friendly overview of a program using data and genomics to track and fight antibiotic resistance in Africa, with potential benefits for global health and future treatments.
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Using data to fight antibiotic-resistant infections in Africa
This project combines lab testing of bacterial samples and data analysis to find and track drug-resistant infections that make people—especially newborns and hospitalized patients—very sick in African hospitals.
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Using data science to fight antibiotic resistance in Africa
This study is looking at how some bacteria that cause infections in young children in Africa are becoming harder to treat, and it aims to find out which bacteria are involved and how they resist treatment, so we can improve how we diagnose and treat these infections.
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.