Contact IRGPH: Email us at info.irgph@ub.edu.bi

Our Collaborations

Building partnerships for impactful public health research

Collaborative Research

Working Together for Better Health

At IRGPH, we believe that the most impactful research emerges from collaboration. We actively partner with national and international institutions, research organizations, and public health agencies to address critical health challenges in Burundi and the Great Lakes Region. Our collaborative projects bring together diverse expertise to generate evidence-based solutions for pressing public health issues.

Ongoing Collaborative Projects

Current research partnerships and initiatives

Investigating HRP2 Deletions in Burundi

Malaria Research

Project Overview

This collaborative research project focuses on investigating the prevalence and patterns of Histidine-Rich Protein 2 (HRP2) gene deletions in Plasmodium falciparum parasites in Burundi. HRP2 deletions can lead to false-negative results in rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs), which are widely used for malaria diagnosis. Understanding the extent of HRP2 deletions is critical for maintaining effective malaria diagnosis and surveillance programs.

Objectives:
  • Determine the prevalence of HRP2 gene deletions in malaria parasites across different regions of Burundi
  • Assess the impact on rapid diagnostic test performance
  • Provide evidence-based recommendations for malaria diagnostic strategies
Partners:

National Malaria Control Program, International Research Institutions, WHO

Geographic Scope:

Multiple provinces across Burundi

Investigating Malaria Drug Resistance in Burundi

Antimalarial Resistance

Project Overview

This critical research initiative monitors and investigates antimalarial drug resistance patterns in Burundi. With the emergence and spread of artemisinin resistance in Southeast Asia, surveillance for resistance markers in Africa is paramount. This project employs molecular and clinical approaches to detect resistance markers and assess treatment efficacy, ensuring that malaria treatment protocols remain effective.

Objectives:
  • Monitor molecular markers of antimalarial drug resistance
  • Assess therapeutic efficacy of first-line antimalarial treatments
  • Identify emerging resistance patterns early to inform treatment policy
  • Build local capacity in drug resistance surveillance
Partners:

Ministry of Health, National Reference Laboratory, Regional Research Networks, Global Malaria Program

Research Methods:

Molecular genotyping, In vivo efficacy studies, Pharmacokinetic analysis

AI4Mpox in Burundi, DRC and Rwanda

Regional Collaboration

Project Overview

AI4Mpox is an innovative regional collaboration leveraging artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies to enhance mpox (monkeypox) surveillance, detection, and response capabilities across Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and Rwanda. This cutting-edge project integrates advanced technology with epidemiological expertise to strengthen disease surveillance systems and improve outbreak preparedness in the Great Lakes Region.

Objectives:
  • Develop AI-powered diagnostic and surveillance tools for mpox detection
  • Establish regional data-sharing platforms for real-time disease monitoring
  • Build capacity in AI/ML applications for public health in the three countries
  • Enhance early warning systems for outbreak detection and response
  • Create predictive models for disease spread and resource allocation
Partners:

Ministries of Health of Burundi, DRC & Rwanda; Regional Research Institutions; Technology Partners; WHO African Region; Africa CDC

Geographic Scope:

Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda (Great Lakes Region)

Technologies:

Machine Learning, Computer Vision, Natural Language Processing, Big Data Analytics, Mobile Health Technologies

Expected Impact

Faster detection and response times

Enhanced regional collaboration

Increased local AI/ML capacity

Strengthened health security

Interested in Collaborating?

We welcome partnerships with researchers, institutions, and organizations committed to advancing public health.

Get in Touch