Using fingerprint-linked digital records and reminders to help children finish their malaria and routine vaccines
Testing a Biometric Identification System to Improve Malaria Vaccine Completion
NA · University of Michigan · NCT07261280
This project will test whether a biometric-linked digital vaccination system plus voice-message reminders can help children in Ghana complete their malaria and routine vaccines.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 4715 (estimated) |
| Ages | 15 Years to 49 Years |
| Sex | Female |
| Sponsor | University of Michigan (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Oti Region) |
| Trial ID | NCT07261280 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This cluster-randomized controlled trial in Ghana's Oti Region will test a biometric-linked digital vaccination record system to improve completion of the four-dose malaria vaccine and routine infant immunizations. Participating health facilities will use Simprints' biometric IDs to automatically identify children who are behind schedule and guide health worker outreach, while caregivers receive automated voice-message reminders. Pregnant women in their last two trimesters and mothers of infants under six months who remain in the area and consent will be enrolled, with randomization at the community or facility level. The primary outcome is the proportion of children completing malaria and routine vaccination schedules, measured through the digital records and health service data.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are pregnant women in their second or third trimester or mothers of infants under six months, aged 15–49, who plan to stay in the area for at least 12 months and provide consent.
Not a fit: Men, non-emancipated minors, women outside the 15–49 age range, people who plan to move away within 12 months, those who do not consent, and children already fully vaccinated are unlikely to benefit from joining.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the system could raise vaccine completion rates and lower malaria illness, hospitalizations, and deaths among young children.
How similar studies have performed: Automated reminders have improved vaccination adherence in other settings, but biometric-linked systems for childhood vaccine completion are relatively novel and less widely tested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Pregnant women (in the last two trimesters), aged 15-49 years old, who do not plan to permanently move in the next 12 months. * Women with children under 6 months old, aged 15-49 years old, who do not plan to permanently move in the next 12 months. Exclusion Criteria: * Non-age-eligible women. * Men and non-emancipated minors. * Women who do not consent.
Where this trial is running
Oti Region
- Communities in Oti Region — Oti Region, Ghana (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Elisa Maria Maffioli, PhD — University of Michigan
- Study coordinator: Elisa Maria Maffioli, PhD
- Email: elisamaf@umich.edu
- Phone: 443-875-4930
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions: Vaccination, Vaccine, Malaria, Adherence, Biometrics, Health Systems