Abstracts are not currently available in GtR for all funded research. This is normally because the abstract was not required at the time of proposal submission, but may be because it included sensitive information such as personal details.

Abstracts are not currently available in GtR for all funded research. This is normally because the abstract was not required at the time of proposal submission, but may be because it included sensitive information such as personal details.

Neurocysticercosis (NCC) is a fatal zoonotic disease following ingestion of eggs of the pork tapeworm, Taenia solium. The eggs develop to larval forms (cysticerci) in various tissues, including those of the central nervous system, leading to NCC, mainly characterized by epileptic seizures. NCC management guidelines have been published by the WHO, however, their uptake in national policies is very limited. In NeuroSolve, we will demonstrate and promote a methodological approach for conducting health research that leads to improved adoption into policy and clinical practise. We will validate the approach by investigating evaluation- and implementation of an antiparasitic combination treatment and a serological test. Two health innovations that can make a major positive contribution to NCC management. The proposed approach includes (1) strengthening of clinical and research capacity through training and mentoring of early career researchers, clinicians and frontline healthcare workers as well as upgrading infrastructure for surveillance and control, (2) demonstrating the improved pragmatic effectiveness of the combined treatment on quality of life (3) evaluating the potential impact of serological testing on the patient outcomes and the wider health system through a simulation study, (4) demonstrating the cost-effectiveness and cost-benefit of the proposed health technologies, (5) developing and validating an implementation strategy that addresses identified barriers for uptake using the robust implementation frameworks and 6) enhance research results uptake into national and international guidelines and health policy through engagement of relevant policy makers throughout the project period and beyond. If the intended impacts are reached, NeuroSolve will improve health outcomes of NCC patients, provide a blueprint for meaningful implementation research and demonstrate to policy makers how research can strengthen healthcare systems.

Control of soil transmitted helminths (STH) and Schistosomiasis (SCH) has been part of routine programmes for many years, yet, the efficacy and effectiveness of these programmes is challenged by low and failing drug efficacy and growing concerns of anthelmintic resistance, calling for a revision of the MDA-drug strategies. In this regard, the novel fixed-dose co-formulation (FDC) including albendazole and ivermectin has proven to be safe and to overcome most of the challenges in drug efficacy for STH. For T. solium the situation is very different from STH and SCH as currently there are no countries routinely implementing control. 3SI-CONTROL will assess the safety and cost-effectiveness of the FDC co-administration with praziquantel in reducing the prevalence of T. solium, STH and SCH, in a randomised controlled trial embedded in solid implementation research. Results from 3SI-CONTROL will thereby provide a scientific evidence base on the safety and effectiveness of integration of T. solium control with STH and SCH, considering the One Health approach. Beyond this, the substantial implementation research component will enable bridging the gap between the evidence-based practice (results on safety and effectiveness) and the actual implementation in the routine, real-world setting. These results, joined by a comprehensive dissemination and advocacy plan, will provide leverage to stimulate uptake of T. solium in the existing routine NTD control programmes, enabling the implementation of a safe and integrated control strategy with a higher effectiveness, tackling three top ranking NTDs. By harnessing advanced concepts in One Health, implementation research, and pharmacovigilance, our project aims to deliver transformative impacts in NTD control, reducing the individual, social and economic burdens of resource poor rural populations.

The main aim of the project Navigating the digital landscape: universities partnering for change (NIAGARA) is to utilize the partnership between universities in Zambia, Tanzania, Poland and Norway to improve and expand information services by developing libraries’ ICT infrastructure and librarians’ digital competencies.The specific objectives of the project are as follows:1. To strengthen the digital infrastructure in partner university libraries in Tanzania and Zambia that will benefit all students and staff and ensure inclusive and equal access to library and information services2. To examine current digital competencies needed for efficient provision of library and information services3. To develop and implement short-term courses The primary target groups are the HEI-librarians and LIS-students in Zambia and Tanzania. Further target beneficiaries are all students and faculty members (including those with fewer opportunities) working in the noted countries. NIAGARA relates strongly to UN SDG4: Quality education and 10: Reduce inequality.NIAGARA is composed of seven work packages (WPs): WP1: Management, WP2: Digital competency assessment, WP3: Education and Research support, WP4: Inclusion and equity, WP5: Infrastructural capacity, WP6: Blended mobility, and WP7: Dissemination and sustainability. Some important outputs are open courses and interactive learning materials on digital competency and data management. Information and outputs will be accessible through the project website and social media.Knowledge gained from the project will be informative for policy makers and leaders in higher education as well as governing bodies in regions that are looking to increase citizens’ digital competencies and even out digital divides. The results will be transferable to other HEIs, library and information science educators, and academic libraries and will contribute to scholarly discussions and research on issues related to open access and accessibility.