Improving surgical and injury care in sub‑Saharan Africa with data science
The Data Science Center for the Study of Surgery and Injury in Africa (D-SINE-Africa)
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · UNIVERSITY OF BUEA · NIH-11396192
Using available health data and local training to help people in Cameroon, South Africa, and Uganda get faster, safer surgery and better injury care.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF BUEA (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (BUEA, CAMEROON) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11396192 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This program brings universities, health ministries, and data scientists together to use hospital and community data to track injuries and surgical needs across Cameroon, South Africa, and Uganda. It combines two research projects with cores for data management, administration, and local capacity building to strengthen surveillance, prevention, and treatment of surgical conditions. Teams will develop data‑constrained methods suited to low‑resource settings and train local staff to collect and analyze clinical and follow‑up information. The goal is to identify gaps in access and quality and support practical changes that make surgical care more available and safer for patients.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People in Cameroon, South Africa, or Uganda who have experienced traumatic injuries or who receive surgical care at participating hospitals or clinics are the most likely candidates to be involved or benefit.
Not a fit: People outside the participating countries or those with health issues unrelated to injury or surgery are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could lead to earlier detection of surgical needs, safer operations, improved follow‑up, and broader access to quality surgical care in participating countries.
How similar studies have performed: Data‑driven quality improvement programs have improved surgical tracking and outcomes in some low‑resource settings, but this multi‑country hub and capacity‑building approach is relatively new in sub‑Saharan Africa.
Where this research is happening
BUEA, CAMEROON
- UNIVERSITY OF BUEA — BUEA, CAMEROON (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: CHICHOM, ALAIN MEFIRE — UNIVERSITY OF BUEA
- Study coordinator: CHICHOM, ALAIN MEFIRE
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.
Conditions: Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome Virus, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome Virus