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Current Projects
Acceptability of moxidectin compared to ivermectin mass drug administration (MDA) for the control of onchocerciasis in Bié province, Angola
This study evaluates the acceptability of moxidectin compared to the standard regimen, ivermectin, for community-based mass drug administration (MDA) to control onchocerciasis in Bié province, Angola. Using cross-sectional surveys, in-depth interviews, and focus group discussions, the study explores acceptability, community perceptions, barriers, and factors associated with uptake of moxidectin. The project is led by the Bruyère Research Institute (Canada) and the University of New South Wales (Australia), in partnership with the Mentor Initiative (Angola) and the Ministry of Health (Angola)
Treatment acceptability study following pilot community-based mass drug administration of moxidectin for onchocerciasis in Twifo Atti Morkwa, Ghana
This study investigates the acceptability of moxidectin compared to the standard treatment, ivermectin, for community-based mass drug administration (MDA) in Twifo Atti Morkwa district, Ghana. Using mixed-methods research, including cross-sectional surveys, in-depth interviews, and focus group discussions, the study assesses the acceptability, community experiences, perceptions of adverse events, and feasibility of delivering moxidectin MDA. The project is led by the Bruyère Research Institute (Canada) and the University of Health and Allied Sciences (Ghana), in partnership with the Ghana Health Service, Medicines Development for Global Health (MDGH), and the Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases (TDR) at the World Health Organization.
Female genital schistosomiasis (FGS) Accelerated Scale Together Package or The FAST Package, Madagascar
Madagascar is the world’s second-largest island country with 114 districts. Over 24 million in 106 districts are at risk of schistosomiasis (SCH) infection. Among these, 27 districts report the presence of S. haematobium and the risk of female genital schistosomiasis (FGS). This project strengthens Madagascar’s SCH control and elimination efforts through the FGS Accelerated Scale Together (FAST) Package, that is focused on raising awareness about FGS. The FAST Package is led by the Bruyère Research Institute (Canada), the University of Health and Allied Sciences (Ghana), and the Association K’olo Vanona (Madagascar).
Acceptability of new serological sero-surveillance tests for trachoma in selected communities in Amhara Region, Ethiopia and in global and national decision-makers
This study evaluates the acceptability of two new serological sero-surveillance tests for trachoma among healthcare workers and caregivers in selected communities in the Amhara Region of Ethiopia, as well as perspectives from national and global decision-makers. The research aims to understand the usability, feasibility, and operational readiness of these tests to support population-level surveillance in both endemic and post-endemic areas. The project is led by the Bruyère Health Research Institute (Canada), in partnership with Jimma University (Ethiopia), The Carter Center (USA), and the Drugs & Diagnostics for Tropical Diseases initiative (USA).
Past Projects
Addressing never treatment to eliminate lymphatic filariasis as a public health problem in Guyana
Guyana continues to face challenges in eliminating lymphatic filariasis (LF) as a public health problem, with persistent microfilaria (MF) infections in three hotspot areas. Despite multiple rounds of mass drug administration (MDA), many individuals in these hotspots have never received treatment. This project strengthens Guyana’s LF elimination efforts by conducting participatory workshops to understand barriers to MDA uptake and develop strategies to increase participation among never treated individuals. The workshops are led by the Bruyère Health Research Institute (Canada) in collaboration with the Ministry of Health (Guyana) and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO).
Female Genital Schistosomiasis Accelerated Scale Together (FAST) package
The Female Genital Schistosomiasis Accelerated Scale Together (FAST) package, addressed a common sexual and reproductive health issue affecting women and girls in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Exploring patterns of non-participation across multiple health campaigns: an exploratory study using qualitative methods in Ghana and Indonesia
This study explored the potential that ‘never treatment’ or ‘zero dose’ is a household phenomenon that spans more than one health domain (Neglected Tropical Diseases, vaccines, bed net use, Covid-19 measures) in selected regions of Ghana and Indonesia.
Applied Research to Determine Stopping Decisions for Mass Drug Treatment with Ivermectin plus Diethylcarbamazine plus Albendazole for Lymphatic Filariasis IN PAPUA NEW GUINEA
This implementation research project was part of a larger study to inform stopping decisions related to the treatment of lymphatic filariasis (LF) in Papua New Guinea. The parent study was led by Washington University (USA), Case Western Reserve University (USA) and the Institute for Medical Research PNG (PNG-IMR). The purpose of the BRI-led study was to assist the health department of East New Britain Province (ENBP) in assessing implementation and communities' acceptability of a new treatment regimen for LF following its rollout. This study also aimed to assess the performance, motivation and resilience of the health workers and volunteers responsible for distributing the new treatment regimen.
Results reporting using stories of change
Global Affairs Canada (GAC) partnered with the Threads Lab to develop a methodology for the collection and analysis of stories of change as part of GAC’s efforts to better tell the results story for its investments in health and nutrition.
LSCS (Lymphedema Self-Care Sustainability Study)
LSCS (Lymphedema Self-Care Sustainability Study) project is an observational
follow-up study that builds on (a) LEDoxy studies - aimed at assessing the efficacy of doxycycline on lymphedema - in over 1,500 lymphedema patients in Sri Lanka, Mali and
India between 2018 to 2020, and (b) TAKeOFF clinical trials. Patients who participated in these studies received training in self-care practices, including WHO's EPC (Essential Package of Care), and were then left to self-manage their condition.
The LSCS study now seeks to address a crucial question: Why do many lymphedema patients fail to adhere to recommended self-care practices despite their proven benefits?
Fostering CDD Resilience and Well-Being: Strategic Adaptations to Promote Safe and Effective MDA and COVID-19 Response
As COVID-19 continued its global spread, national and local health systems urgently needed to mobilize resources to implement surveillance, contact tracing, community sensitization, and stigma reduction and treatment to mitigate transmission and bring the outbreak under control.
Treatment acceptability study pre-/post- mass drug administration using 3-drug (Ivermectin, Diethylcarbamazine and Albendazole) Therapy for Lymphatic Filariasis in Belitung District, Indonesia
A mixed methods study will be carried out to understand factors that affect compliance with past and recent public health interventions in Belitung, Indonesia. Results from this study will assist the District Health Authority as they prepare to rollout a new treatment regimen for lymphatic filariasis.
Acceleration of elimination of onchocerciasis in Mali - towards high coverage and acceptability of mass drug administration amongst hard-to-reach populations
This mixed methods implementation research will guide the preparation of mass drug administration (MDA) for the elimination of onchocerciasis in the KA05 zone of Mali.
Impact evaluation of the pilot
Vanier Social Pediatrics Hub program
The Vanier Social Pediatrics Hub (VSP Hub) is a child-focused social pediatrics program designed to provide comprehensive health and social services, and support in accessing the social determinants of health to children in a geographic area which is amongst the poorest in Vanier, Ottawa, Ontario.
Opportunities and barriers to health campaign integration across Vitamin A, polio, immunisation, neglected tropical diseases and insecticide treated bed nets: voices from the field
In low and middle-income countries, health campaigns are used as a significant part of the strategy to address high-priority health areas, such as Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs), Malaria, Polio and other vaccine-preventable diseases (e.g., measles, yellow fever, typhoid, tetanus, meningitis, HPV), and nutrition (vitamin A).
Treatment acceptability study following the Community Based Safety Study of 2-drug (Diethylcarbamazine & Albendazole) versus 3-drug (Ivermectin, Diethylcarbamazine & Albendazole) Therapy for Lymphatic Filariasis in Papua New Guinea, Haiti, Fiji, Indonesia & India
The acceptability of a new combination treatment regimen for lymphatic filariasis (ivermectin, plus DEC and albendazole, or IDA) was assessed as part of a larger community-based safety study in Fiji, Haiti, India, Indonesia and Papua New Guinea.
Female genital schistosomiasis (FGS) Accelerated Scale Together Package or The FAST Package,
ETHIOPIA
Ethiopia is located in East Africa and consists of 11 regional states subdivided into 68 zones, then 832 districts, 180 cities and 16,223 kebeles (kebele is the smallest administrative unit in Ethiopia). Ethiopia had a total estimated population of 114.963 million in 2020 and is a highly diverse country in terms of ethnicity, with over 80 different groups.
In 2020, the population at risk of schistosomiasis infection in 2020 was estimated to be 53.3 million people living in 480 districts of the country. The prevalence of urogenital schistosomiasis was high in Abobo District (Gambela Region), followed by Amibara (Afar Region) and Kurmuk (Benishangul Region) districts, respectively. For the purposes of this study, the FAST Package will be piloted in Abobo district in the Gambela regional state, where prevalence is high following the Baro and Alwero rivers. The rivers create favorable conditions for the breeding of snail intermediate hosts of the Schistosomes, and the transmission of schistosomiasis.
