Global health research and training on air pollution and heat exposure in Eastern Africa
Official title: Global Environmental and Occupational Health Research and Training for Eastern Africa
Funded at Addis Ababa University · NIH-11549931 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A mentored, multi-country research program explores how air pollution and heat affect lung and kidney health in children and adolescents, with training for researchers in Ethiopia, Kenya, and Uganda.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Addis Ababa University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Addis Ababa, Ethiopia) |
| Project start | September 28, 2015 |
| Project end | February 28, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $117,168 |
| NIH project number | 3U01TW010094-10S2 |
| Project ID | NIH-11549931 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Children and adolescents in Eastern Africa (0-18 years) with exposure to air pollution and extreme heat, who participate in the observational and health assessments.
✕Less likely to help
Children with conditions not related to air pollution or heat exposure may see less direct benefit.
What this research studies
This grant supports an interdisciplinary hub in Eastern Africa that partners with Addis Ababa University and regional institutions to study air pollution exposure and occupational heat stress. It includes training and mentorship components to build local research capacity and to test US-developed air quality monitoring tech in high-exposure settings. The work focuses on how pollution and heat impact lung development, respiratory health, blood pressure, renal function, and neurocognitive outcomes in young people. Results could help inform air quality standards and protect child health in Africa and beyond. The program emphasizes collaboration across institutions and aims to translate findings into public health practice.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could improve air quality guidelines and protect the health of children and adolescents exposed to pollution and heat.
How similar studies have gone: This work builds on prior population health studies and aims to replicate and extend proven approaches in new settings, with some aspects previously demonstrated in similar cohorts.
Where this research is happening
-
Addis Ababa University
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kumie, Abera Takele — Addis Ababa University
- Study coordinator: Kumie, Abera Takele
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.