GHI researchers receive seed funding for mobile phone-based TB treatment monitoring

Six collaborative, international research projects housed at the University of Georgia have received seed funding under UGA’s Global Research Collaboration Grant program.

The program funds a range of early-stage projects with significant global impact. Each initiative received between $4,000 and $8,000 to cover initial project costs.

“Some of the most important challenges facing researchers today are global in nature,” said Brian Watkins, director of international partnerships at the Office of International Education. “Solving them requires international engagement. By providing initial support to promising projects, UGA can enhance its global reach and reputation.”

Funding is provided twice a year by the Office of International Education and the Office of Research, matched by academic departments.

“These types of seed grants showcase the depth and breadth of the international research collaborations being carried out by UGA faculty with partners in the top universities around the world,” said Noel Fallows, associate provost for international education. “Our facilitation further positions the Office of International Education as the nexus for international teaching and research initiatives at UGA.”

Juliet Sekandi, a faculty member in the epidemiology and biostatistics department, and Christopher Whalen, Ernest Corn Professor of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, both from the College of Public Health, are collaborating with Esther Buregyeya, Lynn Atuyambe and Frederick Makumbi from the Makerere University School of Public Health in Uganda on mobile phone-based treatment monitoring for tuberculosis patients. The project will develop a pilot mobile app and test the feasibility of remote observation by heath workers to ensure patients are complying with their treatment regimens.

Read the entire story on the Global Health Institute website. This story originally appear in UGA’s Columns.

Posted September 27, 2017.