Improving health in Rwanda by promoting cleaner household energy sources

Sustainable Household Energy Adoption in Rwanda (SHEAR): Promoting Rural Health with Solar and Natural Gas

['FUNDING_R01'] · COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY · NIH-11237442

This study is looking at how using cleaner energy sources like solar and natural gas can improve health for people living in rural Rwanda by reducing harmful air pollution from traditional fuels like wood and charcoal.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorCOLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY (nih funded)
Locations1 site (FORT COLLINS, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11237442 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates the impact of adopting sustainable household energy sources, such as solar and natural gas, on health outcomes in rural Rwanda. It aims to reduce exposure to harmful household air pollution caused by traditional fuels like wood and charcoal, which affect millions of people. By conducting a randomized controlled trial, the study will assess the effectiveness of these cleaner energy solutions in improving overall health and reducing disease burden. The approach includes collaboration with public and private sectors to ensure successful implementation and adoption of these technologies.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are rural households in Rwanda that currently rely on traditional energy sources for cooking and heating.

Not a fit: Patients who do not reside in rural Rwanda or who already use clean energy sources may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve health outcomes by reducing air pollution-related diseases in rural communities.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that interventions promoting cleaner household energy can lead to improved health outcomes, although this approach of focusing on total household energy is relatively novel.

Where this research is happening

FORT COLLINS, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: burden of disease

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.