Investigating ways to prevent malaria during pregnancy to improve birth outcomes in Africa

Examining the mechanisms and optimization of malaria chemoprevention strategies to improve birth outcomes in Africa

NIH-funded research University of California, San Francisco · NIH-10890683

This study is looking at how two different malaria treatments for pregnant women can help improve the health of both moms and their babies in Africa, focusing on reducing low birth weight and other health issues.

Quick facts

Grant typeCareer grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of California, San Francisco NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (San Francisco, United States)
Project IDNIH-10890683 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on improving birth outcomes in Africa by examining malaria prevention strategies for pregnant women. It evaluates the effectiveness of a specific treatment called dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine (DP) compared to the standard treatment sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP). The study aims to understand how these treatments affect low birth weight and maternal health, considering factors like infections and inflammation. By conducting randomized controlled trials, the research seeks to identify the best approach to reduce the impact of malaria on pregnancy.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are pregnant women living in areas where malaria is common.

Not a fit: Patients who are not pregnant or those living in non-endemic malaria regions may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved birth weights and healthier pregnancies for women in malaria-endemic regions.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results with similar malaria prevention strategies, but this specific approach is still being evaluated for its effectiveness.

Where this research is happening

San Francisco, 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.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.