Crowd funding: Empowering local experts to fight antibiotic resistance (Uganda/Ghana)
In collaboration with Makerere University and Cape Coast Teaching Hospital, we support two local experts tackling antibiotic resistance where it matters most: at the frontline of patient care.
In Uganda, Gabriel Madut Akech combines surgical training with research on bone infections, improving treatment outcomes and preventing long-term disability. In Ghana, Joseph Elikem Efui Acolatse strengthens laboratory diagnostics and antimicrobial susceptibility testing, enabling physicians to prescribe the right antibiotic at the right time.
Together, their work bridges the gap between diagnostics and clinical care, reduces inappropriate antibiotic use, and directly improves patient outcomes. By investing in local expertise and infrastructure, this partnership builds sustainable solutions to one of global health's most urgent challenges.
Improving STI care in people living with HIV (Uganda)
In partnership with Kumi Hospital in Uganda, we evaluated rapid molecular point-of-care tests for chlamydia and gonorrhoea in people living with HIV.
By replacing symptom-based treatment with accurate testing, unnecessary antibiotic use was reduced by nearly 90%, while all patients with confirmed infections received correct treatment on the same day. This project demonstrates how improved diagnostics can directly enhance patient care and reduce inappropriate antibiotic use. The results of this project are currently being prepared for publication in a peer-reviewed scientific journal.
LUNAS: a new approach to malaria diagnosis (Uganda)
Together with Eindhoven University of Technology, we are evaluating LUNAS, an innovative diagnostic test that detects malaria DNA using CRISPR-based technology. In 2025, a clinical study was initiated in Uganda to assess the performance of this test in febrile patients presenting with suspected malaria in routine clinical care. Patient inclusion was completed in February 2026, and we are now conducting additional laboratory analyses and comprehensive data analysis.
Tackling antibiotic-resistant infections (Uganda)
Antibiotic resistance is a growing threat in Sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in severe infections where treatment is often initiated without diagnostic confirmation. In this pilot study, we are combining rapid resistance testing with advanced genetic analysis of bacteria causing serious urinary tract infections. In 2025, laboratory analyses were completed and bacterial isolates were prepared for whole genome sequencing to identify resistance genes. Whole genome sequencing will be performed to provide insight into regional resistance patterns and diagnostic performance.
Understanding vaccine protection against meningitis (Ghana)
Despite widespread vaccination, pneumococcal meningitis outbreaks continue to occur in northern Ghana. In this study, we are assessing how well the pneumococcal vaccine induces protective immune responses in patients with and without meningitis. We are also analysing cerebrospinal fluid samples to identify alternative causes of meningitis when pneumococcus is not detected. The collected data will provide important insight into vaccine performance and disease epidemiology in the region.
Market and implementation study for point-of-care diagnostics (Uganda)
To ensure that LUNAS, our innovative point-of-care diagnostic platform, can be effectively used in daily healthcare practice, we are conducting a market and implementation study in Uganda.
Through interviews, surveys and site visits, we assess how hospitals and laboratories currently diagnose infectious diseases, what healthcare workers need in practice, and which regulatory and market factors influence access to diagnostic tests. These insights help ensure that LUNAS can be introduced in a way that is practical, affordable and sustainable in low-resource healthcare settings.