Improving treatment decisions for respiratory infections in young children in Tanzania
Official title: Clinical decision support algorithm to optimize management of respiratory tract infection in children attending primary health facilities in Kilimanjaro Region, Tanzania
Funded at Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre · NIH-11075876 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is creating a helpful tool for doctors in Tanzania to better diagnose and treat respiratory infections in young children, making sure they get the right medicine and reducing unnecessary antibiotics for mild illnesses.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Moshi, TANZANIA U REP) |
| Project start | July 15, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $78,410 |
| NIH project number | 5K43TW012585-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11075876 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children under five years old presenting with respiratory tract infections in primary health facilities in the Kilimanjaro Region.
✕Less likely to help
Patients over the age of five or those with non-respiratory conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to develop a clinical decision support algorithm to help healthcare providers in Tanzania accurately diagnose and manage respiratory tract infections (RTIs) in children under five years old. By using a combination of clinical indicators and novel biomarkers, the project seeks to differentiate between viral and bacterial infections, which is crucial for appropriate treatment. The goal is to reduce unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions for non-severe viral infections while ensuring that severe bacterial infections are treated effectively. This approach will be implemented in primary health facilities in the Kilimanjaro Region.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better management of respiratory infections in young children, reducing preventable deaths and antibiotic resistance.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success in developing clinical decision support tools for managing infections, indicating that this approach has potential for effectiveness.
Where this research is happening
-
Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre
Moshi, Tanzania U Rep Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ngocho, James Samwel — Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre
- Study coordinator: Ngocho, James Samwel
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.