Understanding how air quality affects the health of mothers and children in sub-Saharan Africa
Official title: CHaracterizing Effects of Air Quality In Maternal, Newborn and Child Health: The CHEAQI-MNCH Research Project
Funded at Centre/sexual Hlth/hiv Aid Res/zimbabwe · NIH-10928732 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how air pollution and heat during pregnancy can affect the health of mothers and their babies in sub-Saharan Africa, especially for those who are most at risk, to help improve health care and support for these families.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Centre/sexual Hlth/hiv Aid Res/zimbabwe NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Harare, Zimbabwe) |
| Project start | September 14, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $249,999 |
| NIH project number | 5U01ES036146-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10928732 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include pregnant women and children under the age of 11 living in areas with high levels of air pollution in sub-Saharan Africa.
✕Less likely to help
Patients living in regions with good air quality or those not affected by environmental pollution may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of air pollution on maternal and child health in sub-Saharan Africa, focusing on vulnerable populations. It aims to identify how exposure to poor air quality and heat stress during pregnancy can lead to adverse health outcomes such as miscarriages and low birth weight. By utilizing advanced data science techniques, the study seeks to analyze the relationship between environmental factors and health risks, ultimately informing health sector responses and interventions. The research emphasizes the importance of understanding socio-economic factors that contribute to vulnerability in these communities.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved health outcomes for mothers and children by informing targeted interventions to mitigate the effects of air pollution.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown associations between air pollution and adverse health outcomes, but this study aims to fill gaps specific to African populations, making it a novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Centre/sexual Hlth/hiv Aid Res/zimbabwe
Harare, Zimbabwe Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Makanga, Prestige Tatenda — Centre/sexual Hlth/hiv Aid Res/zimbabwe
- Study coordinator: Makanga, Prestige Tatenda
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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.