Understanding the causes of sudden unexpected infant deaths in Zambia and Africa
Official title: Project Chisoni: a study to define the burden of SUDI and its modifiable risk factors in Zambia and other African countries
Funded at Boston University Medical Campus · NIH-11044093 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking into the causes of sudden unexpected infant deaths in Zambia and other African countries to find ways to prevent these heartbreaking losses, and it’s aimed at helping families and communities understand and reduce the risks.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston University Medical Campus NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2024 |
| Project end | December 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $569,166 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HD113615-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11044093 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include infants under the age of 1 year who are at risk of sudden unexpected deaths due to modifiable factors.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are older than 11 years or those not residing in the targeted regions of Zambia and other African countries may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the burden of sudden unexpected infant deaths (SUDI) in Zambia and other African countries, focusing on identifying modifiable risk factors that contribute to these tragic events. By analyzing data from a large-scale infant mortality surveillance project, the researchers aim to uncover the prevalence of SUDI and its causes, which have been largely overlooked in low and middle-income countries. The study will involve collecting and analyzing data on infant deaths to inform public health strategies and policies aimed at reducing these preventable deaths.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to significant reductions in infant mortality rates in Africa by identifying and addressing preventable causes of sudden infant deaths.
How similar studies have gone: While there has been significant success in high-income countries with similar public health campaigns, this research aims to address a largely unstudied area in low and middle-income countries, making it a novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Boston University Medical Campus
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Herlihy, Julie Moriarty — Boston University Medical Campus
- Study coordinator: Herlihy, Julie Moriarty
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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.