Research
ERC carries out research studies, both at single and multiple sites within Rwanda or Outside. It also facilitates both individuals and Institutions in the implementation of various research projects.
CABSiR
Launched in January 2019, The Community Acquired Bacteremic Syndromes in Rwanda ( CABSiR) is a study that purposes to determine the etiologic agent of BSI in children (0-15 years) who present with clinical sepsis in Rwanda, determine the antibiotic susceptibility profile of BSI isolates from objective 1 and, Archive BSI isolates and sera for future evaluation of genetic determinants of antimicrobial resistance and cytokine profiling respectively. Screening of outpatient children in the above age group is done. Symptoms considered are fever, hypothermia, respiratory distress, convulsion, prostration or altered consciousness. This study is implemented at Muhima, CHUK and Nyamata Hospitals.
Umbiflow
Launched in October 2018, this study aims to determine the prevalence of raised umbilical artery flow resistance indices, including AEDF, in unselected obstetric populations at 28 - 34 gestation in Rwanda, using a single screening with the Umbiflow device. Enrolment of pregnant women (28-34 weeks) who have consented to the study is done and a follow up within 7 days after delivery, to know and assess their health status and that of the baby. This study is carried out at Muhima and Kibagabaga Hospitals.
HAPIN
Started in 2017 with a pilot study and the main trial was launched in 2018. This study aims to conduct a randomized controlled trial of LPG stove and fuel distribution in Rwanda, to deliver rigorous evidence regarding potential health benefits across the lifespan. Pregnant women and additional older women residing in the same household are enrolled, and randomizing the households to either receive an LPG stove, cylinder and 18months of LPG supply (intervention arm), or to continue with standard cooking practices (control arm) for the length of follow-up. Once born, the children are also followed-up until 1year of age. This study is carried out in Kayonza District.
Motto Crashes & Helmet Use in Rwanda
This is a pilot study started in January 2019, with an aim of investigating the motorcycle crash dynamics, correlation of impact forces sustained by helmets worn during the crashes with injuries and evaluation of helmet use behaviours via qualitative and quantitative methodology. Completion of this pilot study will fulfil necessary initial steps needed to improve our understanding of the forces that impact the head in Motto Crashes, develop policy recommendations to improve helmet use behaviors and ultimately design a new standard of helmet tailor-made for the LMIC setting. This study is carried out in within Kigali (Gasabo, Kicukiro and Nyarugenge Districts).
Hapin 2
This project aims at Assessing the 5-year Effects of 500-day liquidified Petroleum Gas Cooking Intervention on health, Determining the exposure-response curves for HAP and health in four diverse LMIC populations and Determining relationships between LPG intervention and biomarkers of exposure/health effects. The Biomarker Centre will conduct both targeted and exploratory (metabolomics) analyses.
ESBL
The Extended Spectrum beta-lactamas (ESBL) Carriage & Development of Surgical Site Infections in Rwanda is a project aimed to improve the Understanding of extended- spectrum beta-lactamase producing Enterobacateriaceae (ESBL-PE) carriage and its association with surgical site infections (SSI). We hypothesize that ESBL-PE carriage is a risk factor for ESBL-SSI and intervention targeted toward ESBL carriers can reduce the risk of SSI
“Clean modern energy for all” Benefiting health, Society, environment and Climate in Sub-saharan Africa to achieve the 2030 SDGs. This is a multi-site study with various aims including; Reducing ‘stacking’ with polluting fuels: Assessing the utility of pressure cookers to encourage exclusive use of clean fuel through time, fuel and cost savings. Addressing national priorities in Rwanda: Mapping of current fuel use practices for cooking, heating and lighting in public institutions. Facilitating clean cooking and enhanced nutrition in schools: Evaluation of impacts on air pollution and school fuel costs from a clean fuel and cooking innovations (pre-cooked beans and pressure cookers) intervention package in primary schools. Contrasting HAP exposure by fuel use: Quantifying levels of PM associated with polluting cooking fuels and LPG to model health impacts from clean cooking.
The Combating Antimicrobial Resistance in Africa is a study a multi-site project implemented with various aims including; to develop an antibiogram based on phenotypic resistance profiles that can be easily referenced by clinicians to guide the choice of empiric antibiotics, to contribute to the global bacterial genome database, to evaluate the epidemiology, clinical risk factors and outcomes of human infections caused by MDR bacilli, to develop new screening tools that can guide judicious use of antibiotics, to improve our understanding of the dynamics of transmission of AMR genes, apply One Health principles to investigate the interactions between humans, animals and the environment, and utilize bacterial genomic data to develop new drugs that can be used for treatment in resource constrained settings, such as ours. This focus on children (0-5years) with serious Bacteria Infections.
Post Caesarean Infections
The Post Caesarian Infections project is aimed to Determine the actual prevalence of post-Caesarean infection at hospitals in Rwanda; and identify hospital- and individual-level causal factors associated with these infections.
Human Papilloma Virus
This study aims at comparing the Human Papillomavirus Nucleic Acid Amplification test kit (Assessment Reagent) with “Cobas HPV of Roche (Contrast Reagent), to verify the clinical performance of the assessment reagents and evaluate the applicability, effectiveness, and detection accuracy. Patients that will be found to HPV positive will be informed and guided/ referred for treatment.