Manhica

Mozambique faces a high burden of malaria, especially in the northern regions, requiring varied strategies for control and elimination. Researchers aim to strengthen and expand molecular malaria surveillance MMS to guide public health decisions under the National Malaria Control Programs 2023-2030 strategy. The study focuses on tracking diagnostic test effectiveness, antimalarial resistance, transmission sources, and vector control through genomic data. Participants include children, pregnant women, and individuals of all ages with suspected malaria symptoms. The study collects biological samples using finger-prick blood spots from health facility surveys, targeted sentinel sites, and antenatal clinics. Advanced genomic sequencing and molecular techniques analyze malaria parasites and mosquitoes to detect resistance markers, gene deletions, and transmission patterns. Data integration and continuous training enhance surveillance quality and use. Participants will undergo malaria rapid diagnostic testing, with additional LDH-based testing added in some cases. Researchers will perform molecular and epidemiological analyses to monitor resistance prevalence, parasite genetic diversity, and vaccine escape variants. Data collection uses digital tools and quality control measures. The study includes regular reporting, capacity building, and stakeholder engagement to ensure data informs malaria control efforts over approximately three years from 2024 to 2027.

Group B Streptococcus GBS is a leading cause of sepsis and bacterial meningitis in newborns during the first 90 days of life, contributing significantly to newborn deaths. Researchers are preparing for maternal GBS vaccine trials in Africa to improve infection prevention through better data collection, surveillance, and vaccine confidence. The PROTECT project supports sites in Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, and Uganda to establish uniform pregnancy and infant health data, monitor GBS incidence, and understand factors affecting vaccine acceptance. The study consists of three main parts creating pregnancy exposure registries using electronic health records to track pregnancy and infant outcomes conducting a prospective observational GBS surveillance study among infants under 90 days with confirmed GBS infection at sentinel sites and assessing vaccine confidence through surveys and interviews with pregnant women, healthcare workers, and community leaders. These activities aim to strengthen healthcare systems for future vaccine trials and rollout. Participants include pregnant women and their infants up to hospital discharge for the registry infants under 90 days with confirmed GBS infection for surveillance and pregnant women, healthcare workers, and community stakeholders for vaccine confidence research. The study involves collecting and analyzing medical records, microbiological data, and survey responses over periods ranging from 12 months to two years. Researchers will monitor pregnancy and infant outcomes, GBS infection rates, and vaccine knowledge to prepare for vaccine safety monitoring and effective vaccine implementation.

Tuberculosis TB remains a leading cause of illness and death worldwide. This research investigates the role of asymptomatic TBwhere individuals carry the bacteria without symptomsin spreading the disease. The study aims to provide direct proof of TB transmission from asymptomatic cases to their close contacts and to better understand this stage in the natural course of TB infection. It is an observational, epidemiological field study conducted in a high TB and HIV burden district in Mozambique. The study enrolls both asymptomatic and symptomatic TB patients and their close contacts. Initial screening identifies bacteriologically confirmed TB cases among people living with HIV during routine care visits. Two groups of close contacts exposed to either asymptomatic or symptomatic TB cases will be followed for 12 months to observe new infections and secondary TB cases. Additional longitudinal assessments will monitor symptom development, clinical progression, and the characteristics of non-infectious asymptomatic TB. Participants will undergo regular evaluations including symptom tracking, microbiological and radiological tests, and clinical examinations over the study period. Researchers will measure the proportion of secondary TB cases linked to index patients and assess symptom presence and disease progression among asymptomatic individuals. The study will generate important evidence to inform TB control strategies and improve understanding of TB transmission dynamics over a 12-month follow-up.