RESEARCH & STUDY STAYS IN THE GLOBAL SOUTH 24-25: On-site district hospital visits, data collection and training in the framework of a clinical trial for improved diagnostic management of neurocysticercosis in Zambia and Tanzania

Neurocysticercosis is a highly important but neglected disease, endemic in many areas of the Global South, including sub-Saharan Africa. Early diagnosis of the disease, followed by early initiation of treatment, is essential to improve affected patients’ quality of life. Adequate and timely diagnosis is not straightforward, but immunological tests could potentially improve and accelerate the diagnostic pathway. The proposed project fits within a hospital-based clinical trial conducted in both Zambia and Tanzania. During the research stay, participating hospitals will be visited for on-site observations, collection of data, and trainings to healthcare staff. The main focus will be to assess whether immunological tests have the potential to be routinely implemented in the observed settings. A close collaboration is foreseen with local PhD students working on the project, building up a sustainable North-Global South relationship.