Understanding how extreme weather and disasters affect women’s health in sub-Saharan Africa
Official title: Evaluating the effects of extreme weather, disasters, and mobility patterns on women's health outcomes in sub-Saharan Africa
Funded at Trustees of Indiana University · NIH-11616399 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A data-driven project uses mobile phone data and AI to study how shocks like weather disasters and conflicts impact women’s health in sub-Saharan Africa.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Trustees of Indiana University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Bloomington, United States) |
| Project start | September 20, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $249,000 |
| NIH project number | 4R00HD112500-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11616399 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Women in sub-Saharan Africa (particularly Kenya) affected by extreme weather, natural disasters, or mobility disruptions.
✕Less likely to help
Women in the region not experiencing mobility disruption or disaster events may receive less direct benefit.
What this research studies
This project will analyze how extreme weather, disasters, and mobility patterns influence health outcomes for women in Kenya, using big data from mobile phones and machine learning. It aims to reveal when and where health risks rise after shocks and how movement during crises affects access to care. The work includes training and building expertise to apply AI methods to population health in resource-limited settings, with a focus on female health outcomes. The study plans to partner with local organizations to responsibly access data and translate findings into practical guidance for communities and health systems.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, findings could help tailor emergency health responses for women and improve support services during disasters.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work shows mobility data can illuminate health risks during shocks, but applying it to women’s health in this setting is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
-
Trustees of Indiana University
Bloomington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Luetke, Maya — Trustees of Indiana University
- Study coordinator: Luetke, Maya
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.