Arba Minch

Researchers are evaluating a revised weight-based dose of tafenoquine for treating vivax malaria. This Phase 3 trial aims to determine if the revised tafenoquine regimen, targeting 7.5 mg per kg of body weight, is not less effective than a high dose of primaquine (7 mg/kg over 7 days), and if it is better than a fixed 300 mg dose of tafenoquine. The study also looks at whether this revised dosing is safe, tolerable, and practical for patients. Participants will receive oral treatment with either the revised weight-based tafenoquine dose, fixed dose tafenoquine, or high dose primaquine. The study compares these groups to assess safety and effectiveness. Treatment dosing is adjusted based on weight bands to reach the target dose in the revised tafenoquine group. During the trial, researchers will monitor participants for four months to measure the risk of vivax parasitaemia returning. Participants will be followed for six months in total, with assessments including clinical monitoring and safety evaluations. The study focuses on ensuring the revised tafenoquine dose is both effective and well tolerated in patients with vivax malaria.

Micronutrient deficiencies, especially folate deficiency, are a significant health concern in Ethiopia, particularly for women of reproductive age. This deficiency contributes to conditions like anemia and increases the risk of neural tube defects and child mortality. The Ethiopian government has implemented nutrition policies and mandatory fortification programs for iodine and other nutrients, and recently mandated the fortification of edible oil and wheat flour with folic acid and vitamin B12. However, challenges remain in reaching rural populations who rely on small-scale mills for staple foods, making it important to assess if fortified foods are acceptable to these communities before wider distribution. This research evaluates the sensory acceptability of cereal-based meals prepared with flour fortified with folic acid and vitamin B12 among rural women in Ethiopia. Standard meals such as porridge and bread will be made using both fortified and unfortified flour produced locally. Two main tests will be conducted: a preference test where women rate meals made with fortified flour on factors like color, taste, flavor, texture, and overall liking; and a triangle test to see if women can detect differences between meals made with fortified and unfortified flour. The study will take place in selected villages in Southern Ethiopia covering different climatic zones. Women of reproductive age will participate in the sensory tests, with data collected through observations, questionnaires, and interviews. Researchers will measure how much the women like the fortified meals and if they can perceive differences compared to unfortified meals. This information will help determine potential acceptance and adherence to fortified foods in rural Ethiopian communities.

Advances in HIV treatment have transformed HIV from a deadly disease into a manageable chronic condition, allowing children infected at birth to live longer and healthier lives with effective antiretroviral therapy. However, HIV-related stigma continues to pose challenges for people living with HIV, particularly adolescents, by affecting their health-seeking behavior, clinical outcomes, psychological wellbeing, and timely diagnosis. This study aims to evaluate whether a digital peer-support intervention can reduce internalized and anticipated HIV stigma among adolescents living with HIV in South Ethiopia, while also exploring effects on psychological wellbeing, retention in care, and viral load suppression. The study compares two approaches: a digital peer-support anti-HIV stigma intervention and the standard in-clinic in-person psychosocial peer support. Participants in the digital intervention remotely attend educational sessions facilitated by trained peer leaders via the Telegram messaging platform, receiving audiovisual content across 12 sessions organized into two modules over 16 weeks. Smartphones and internet data are provided to support participation. The control group receives routine monthly in-person peer support sessions at their care hospitals, involving discussions, playtime, and shared meals with healthcare provider supervision. Participants will be assessed from enrollment through the 16-week intervention period. Researchers will measure HIV-related stigma using a validated 12-item scale, along with psychological wellbeing via depression and anxiety questionnaires. Retention in care will be tracked by visit attendance over the preceding 12 months. These evaluations aim to determine the intervention's effect on stigma reduction and related health outcomes in adolescents living with HIV.

Researchers are evaluating the safety and effectiveness of high dose primaquine treatment in patients with Vivax Malaria who have different levels of G6PD enzyme activity. This Phase 4 observational study focuses on patients with intermediate G6PD activity (30-70%) and those with G6PD deficiency (less than 30%). The study aims to understand how well primaquine works and how safe it is for these groups. Patients with intermediate G6PD activity will receive schizontocidal treatment plus a high dose of primaquine at 1 mg/kg daily for 7 days. Those with G6PD deficiency will be treated with schizontocidal treatment plus weekly primaquine at a dose of 0.75 mg/kg for 8 weeks. Treatments are given according to the patient's enzyme activity level. Participants will be followed for six months to monitor safety and treatment effectiveness. Researchers will assess outcomes including safety measures and the ability of the treatment to control malaria. The study includes regular health checks, monitoring of hemoglobin levels, and tracking any side effects or complications over the study period.

Researchers are evaluating a breast cancer screening approach that combines clinical breast exams and AI-supported breast ultrasound imaging, especially designed for areas with limited resources. This study aims to assess the safety, feasibility, and clinical performance of this community-based screening method, where trained nurses or clinical officers perform AI-assisted point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) after a short training program. The study includes women who are either asymptomatic or have symptoms related to breast health. The screening process begins with a clinical breast exam (CBE). Women who test positive in the CBE or present with symptoms then receive targeted AI-supported breast POCUS on the affected area. Initially, expert breast radiologists will be present on site to examine the same women and provide a reference standard. Later, if the clinical safety is confirmed, the study will proceed without on-site radiologists, and images will be reviewed remotely by experts. Women with positive ultrasound findings or concerning symptoms will be referred for further follow-up. Participants will undergo breast exams, AI-supported ultrasound imaging, and expert assessments. The study measures the sensitivity of this screening approach approximately two months after enrollment, focusing on the ability to correctly detect breast cancer cases. Safety and clinical performance will be continuously monitored, with referrals arranged for positive cases to ensure timely follow-up care. The study welcomes women aged 18 and older, with specific age criteria based on symptom status.