BRIGHT Network is pleased to announce the awards of the 2023/2024 BRIGHT Grant Call. Out of 31 proposals submitted, five proposals were selected for funding. The awards can be viewed below.

Development of Nutrient Dense Snack Bar Based on Biofortified Beans to Address Micronutrient Deficiency Among School Children and Adolescent in Tanzania

Principal Investigator: Anselm Moshi

Organization: Tanzania Food and Nutrition Centre, Tanzania

Location: Dar-es Salaam, Tanzania

Project Overview

Various efforts have been done in Tanzania to address the problem of micronutrients deficiencies. However, the problem is still alarming in various regions including Dar-es Salaam where the prevalence of iron deficiency anemia is above 50%. Besides, most of the investment in nutrition has been largely focused on children under five, as well as on pregnant and lactating women. Children and adolescents (6 to 19 years) remain largely neglected, and to date there are limited interventions targeting this group. Therefore, the objective of this study is to reduce the prevalence of micronutrient deficiency among school children and adolescents (6-19 years old) through convenient nutrient dense ready to eat biofortified high Iron Zinc Beans (HIZB) based snack bar in Dar-es Salaam, Tanzania.

The research team will (i) develop iron dense ready-to-eat biofortified high iron zinc beans-based snack bar for school children and adolescents using biofortified bean; (ii) assess acceptability of the developed snack in school children and adolescents; (iii) assess willingness to pay for the developed snack bar in school children and adolescents; (iv) measure the effect of consumption of the developed snack bar on improving micronutrient status and growth indicators among school children and adolescents; and (v) establish a strategy for mass production and distribution of the developed product.

The research team anticipate that this project will highlight the gaps in malnutrition interventions targeted on children and adolescence (6-19 years). They are also interested in exploring how to optimize the entire value chain (sourcing of raw material, in-factory processes and marketing functions) to ensure the product reaches intended consumers at lowest possible price. The results will be disseminated with relevant stakeholders through presentations, conferences, and publications.

Empowering Women Living with HIV through Patient-initiated HIV Viral Load Testing: A Cluster Randomized Trial in Tanzania

Principal Investigator: Peter Karoli

Organization: National Institute for Medical Research, Tanzania

Location: Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Project Overview

Worldwide, and in Tanzania, women are disproportionally infected by HIV, while HIV viral load testing (VLT) is recommended for monitoring treatment outcomes in care for HIV patients. The Tanzania HIV Impact Survey shows that uptake of VLT is suboptimal among people with HIV receiving antiretroviral treatment (ART) in Tanzania. In particular, women are mostly affected at risk of failing to monitor their treatment outcomes. Women empowerment plays a vital role in addressing this disparity. It has been observed that empowering women in healthcare decision-making processes can lead to better health outcomes, not only for themselves but also for their families and communities. By giving women greater control over their health, treatment choices, and access to vital services, we can create a more inclusive and equitable healthcare system.

The overall goal of this study is to implement an intervention based on the patient and peer educator initiated VLT model through a clustered randomized controlled trial to test the effectiveness of the intervention in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. The investigators are keen to explore the intervention by incorporating patient’s perspectives and empowering women to actively participate in their healthcare will increase the number of VL tests ordered, performed and number of VL tests results available for the patient.

This project has the potential to influence the government and other stakeholders by testing an approach that could be scaled up at similar facilities throughout Tanzania that suffer similar challenges with low uptake of VLT among people with HIV on ART.

Assessment of Pharmaceutical Management System and Domestic Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Capability and Production Capabilities of Essential Medicines in Tanzania

Principal Investigator: Omar Juma

Organization: Ifakara Health Institute, Tanzania

Location: Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Project Overview

The pharmaceutical industry plays a crucial role in ensuring access to essential medicines and strengthening healthcare systems in developing countries. However, Tanzania faces significant challenges regarding high levels of drug consumption and insufficient local pharmaceutical manufacturing. This study aims to assess the capacities and capabilities of the pharmaceutical manufacturing industry in Tanzania and evaluate its potential for local production sufficiency, improved access to essential medicines, enhanced pharmaceutical management systems, and effectiveness in research and development (R&D).

The study will be conducted in Dar es Salaam, involving all 12 pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities, as well as key stakeholders such as the Medical Stores Department, Tanzania Pharmacy Council, Tanzania Medical Devices and Drugs Authority, Muhimbili National Hospital, three health facilities in Dar es Salaam, three health facilities in Bagamoyo District, the National Institute of Medical Research, and the Ifakara Health Institute.

The evaluation using a cross-sectional qualitative and quantitative design will encompass various aspects, including manufacturing capability, production capacities, compliance with international marketing authorization standards, distribution channel efficiencies, essential drug supply chain and access, regulatory compliances, and pharmaceutical R&D outputs.

The findings of this study will provide valuable insights to support the formulation of strategies and actions towards promoting domestic medical product manufacturing facilities in Tanzania, enhancing self-sufficiency in essential medicines, and strengthening the overall pharmaceutical sector.

“Together We Can”: Collaborations Between Government and Non-Governmental Organisations in Providing Health Care Services to People Living with HIV in Iringa Region, Tanzania, 1980s-2022

Principal Investigator: Andrea Kifyasi

Organization: University of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Location: Iringa, Tanzania

Project Overview

Tanzania, like many other African governments, welcomed both local and international non-govermental organisations (NGOs) to collaborate at enabling access to the services of people living with HIV (PLHIV). Therefore, both government and NGOs are pivotal to the HIV response and in supporting access to HIV services since the start of the epidemic. The objective of this study is to examine the implications of government-NGO collaborations in the provision of health care services to PLHIV in the Iringa region of Tanzania from the 1980s to 2022.

The research team will examine the interface between government-NGOs collaborations in the provision of health care services to PLHIV; study the usefulness of the approaches employed by the government and the NGOs in the provision of health care services to PLHIV; analyse the kinds, reach and scope of the services provided to PLHIV by both the government and NGOs; and explore the best ways and practices the government and NGOs should adopt to improve health care services to PLHIV.

Unlike previous studies mainly using quantitative data, this study will integrate both quantitative and qualitative data into the analysis. The structured questionnaires will be administered to randomly selected HIV survivors, government leaders, NGO staff, and health care service providers. A qualitative approach will draw from archival materials, oral testimonies, government reports, and other published research literature. Therefore, this study has the potential to add knowledge to a few available studies examining the government-NGOs collaborations in global health challenges.

Community Centered Digital Health Intervention for Prevention of Teenage Pregnancies and Support to Teen Mothers in Informal Settlements in Nairobi

Principal Investigator: Tammary Esho

Organization: Amref International University, Kenya

Location: Nairobi, Kenya

Project Overview

Nairobi, the capital city of Kenya, is home to several informal settlements areas characterized by overcrowded living conditions, poverty, limited access to education, and inadequate healthcare facilitie. In informal settlements, several factors contribute to the high incidence of teenage and adolescent pregnancies. Limited educational opportunities and resources often result in girls dropping out of school, leaving them with fewer prospects for the future and potentially leading to early marriages or engagements in risky behaviors. Leading Edge Acceleration Projects (LEAP) digital health technology can enhance accessibility to sexual and reproductive health information, provide targeted interventions, and facilitate remote healthcare services, thereby overcoming traditional barriers and reaching marginalized adolescents in slum settings. Despite the potential benefits of LEAP technology, there is limited empirical evidence on its effectiveness and acceptability among teenage and adolescent populations in Nairobi's slums.

This study aims to investigate the utilization of LEAP technology piloting as a strategy to prevent teenage and adolescent pregnancies and support teenage and teenage mothers in informal settlements in Nairobi, Kenya.

The investigators will assess status of teenage pregnancies in informal settlements, explore gaps in teenage pregnancy prevention and support to teen mothers living in the selected informal settlements within Nairobi County; determine gaps in the identification, referral and support of teenage mothers, mental, physical and sexual and reproductive health including a policy analysis; strengthen training modules in existing digital health platforms to support teenage pregnancy prevention and support teen mothers; and strengthen capacity building for community health workers/promoters to support teenage pregnancy prevention and teen mothers.

The findings from this study will contribute valuable insights into the effectiveness and feasibility of employing innovative digital health solutions to improve the reproductive health outcomes and overall well-being of vulnerable adolescents in resource-constrained settings.