Using big data to understand infection patterns in Africa
Official title: Role of Data Streams In Informing Infection Dynamics in Africa- INFORM Africa
Funded at Institute of Human Virology · NIH-10889039 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how we can use large amounts of data to better understand and manage diseases like COVID-19 and HIV in Africa, especially in Nigeria and South Africa, so that we can improve health responses and help keep people safe.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Institute of Human Virology NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Abuja, Nigeria) |
| Project start | September 15, 2021 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $1,300,000 |
| NIH project number | 5U54TW012041-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10889039 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit include individuals living in Nigeria or South Africa who are affected by COVID-19 or HIV.
✕Less likely to help
Patients outside of Nigeria and South Africa or those not affected by COVID-19 or HIV may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on leveraging big data to improve our understanding of infectious disease dynamics, particularly for COVID-19 and HIV in Africa. By utilizing existing data from Nigeria and South Africa, the project aims to develop population-scale data streams that can inform public health interventions and enhance pandemic preparedness. The research involves collaboration between established NGOs and academic institutions to analyze transmission patterns and identify effective strategies for managing these diseases. Patients may benefit from improved public health responses and targeted interventions based on the findings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective public health strategies and interventions for managing infectious diseases in Africa.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success in using big data analytics to inform public health strategies, making this approach promising and relevant.
Where this research is happening
-
Institute of Human Virology
Abuja, Nigeria Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Abimiku, Alash'le G. — Institute of Human Virology
- Study coordinator: Abimiku, Alash'le G.
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Ghana malaria drug resistance warning system that uses maps and genomics
A U01 grant is building a geospatial and genomic monitoring system to detect emerging antimalarial drug resistance in West Africa, with collaboration between Akros and WACCBIP/IHV-N.
-
Understanding how data streams from Africa inform infection spread and preparedness
A U54 grant uses big data from Africa to understand how local readiness affects the global spread of infections like COVID-19 and HIV, with the aim of guiding smarter interventions that protect people in the U.S. and worldwide.
-
Geo-linked system to find and respond to antimalarial drug resistance in Ghana
This project will use small community blood samples and GPS-linked data in Ghana to spot early signs of malaria parasites becoming resistant to antimalarial drugs so treatments keep working.
-
Using big data to track HIV and COVID in Africa
This project combines existing health and population data from Nigeria and South Africa to improve how we detect and understand the spread of HIV and COVID.
-
Using large-scale data to track HIV and COVID spread in Africa
This project uses health and population data from Nigeria and South Africa to learn where and how HIV and coronavirus spread so local health teams can better protect people.
-
Using population data to track HIV and coronavirus spread in Africa
This project uses large-scale health and population data from Nigeria and South Africa to map how HIV and coronaviruses move through communities so responses can better protect people.
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.