Improving disease surveillance and prevention for influenza and respiratory infections in South Africa
Official title: IP24-017 - Collaborative research on influenza and other respiratory pathogens in South Africa
Funded at National Health Laboratory Service · NIH-11052079 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is all about improving how we track and prevent flu and other respiratory illnesses in South Africa by using digital tools to gather information from people about their health, which will help us spot outbreaks and understand trends, while also working with nearby countries to boost public health efforts together.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | National Health Laboratory Service NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Johannesburg, South Africa) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $3,000,000 |
| NIH project number | 1U01IP001269-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11052079 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals living in South Africa or neighboring countries who are at risk for influenza and other respiratory infections.
✕Less likely to help
Patients outside of South Africa and neighboring regions may not benefit directly from this research.
What this research studies
This project focuses on enhancing disease surveillance and prevention strategies for influenza and other respiratory pathogens in South Africa. It aims to implement digital participatory surveillance to gather data on respiratory illnesses and health-seeking behaviors, which will help identify outbreaks and monitor seasonal trends. Additionally, the research will evaluate the effectiveness of influenza genomic surveillance to inform vaccine composition and strengthen regional laboratory capabilities. By collaborating with neighboring countries, the project seeks to improve public health responses across the African region.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better prevention and treatment strategies for respiratory infections, ultimately reducing illness and death rates in the region.
How similar studies have gone: Similar approaches in other regions have shown promise in improving disease surveillance and public health responses, indicating potential success for this project.
Where this research is happening
-
National Health Laboratory Service
Johannesburg, South Africa Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cohen, Cheryl — National Health Laboratory Service
- Study coordinator: Cohen, Cheryl
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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.