Optimising Large-scale Public Health Interventions To Control Neglected Tropical Diseases
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$318,768.00
Summary
Neglected tropical diseases (NTD) are a group of health conditions that affect the poorest of the poor, particularly in remote and rural areas. They affect the most vulnerable communities and cause substantial, chronic health harms impairing personal and social development. Several debilitating NTD are common in remote indigenous communities and Pacific islands. I propose a series of studies to investigate new strategies to control NTD in large populations where these diseases are endemic.
Behavioural And Microbial Risk Factors Associated With Bacterial Vaginosis In Young Women
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$290,032.00
Summary
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is one of the commonest genital infections in women of reproductive age. Few data have determined the incidence of BV among young low risk women and the associated risk factors. This study aims to establish the incidence of BV in a cohort of young women and determine if BV is sexually transmitted. We hope this research will led to improvements in management and treatment of BV.
School Versus Community-based Albendazole Deworming For Control Of Soil Transmitted Helminths In School-age Children In The Philippines – A Cluster Randomised Controlled Trial
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,336,408.00
Summary
Intestinal parasites are a global health problem. The World Health Organization recommends regular distribution of deworming drugs, targeting school aged children. This is effective for the children receiving the drugs but does not have an impact in the wider community. We aim to determine the best strategy for delivery of deworming drugs, to achieve the maximum benefit both for children and wider community, by directly comparing the benefits of a school-targeted vs a community-mass approach.
Investigation Of Candidate Aetiologic Organisms Of Bacterial Vaginosis In Diverse And Unique Epidemiological And Clinical Studies
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$564,438.00
Summary
Bacterial vaginosis (BV), a vaginal infection affecting 10% of Australian women, is an important cause of premature birth, yet its cause is unknown. We are conducting studies to understand the cause of BV in order to improve diagnosis and treatment.
Sustainable Control And Elimination Of Neglected Tropical Diseases In The Asia-Pacific
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$428,065.00
Summary
The neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) are of major public health importance. Parasitic worms are the most common infecting almost a third of the world’s population. Multi-component integrated intervention strategies will be required for sustainable control and elimination of NTDs in the Asia-Pacific. I will develop and lead the first Australian Centre for Population Health Research on NTDs that will undertake research into their epidemiology, control and elimination.
Innovative Approaches To Reducing The Impact Of Blood Borne Viruses And Sexually Transmitted Infections On Young People.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$246,859.00
Summary
Over the next 5 years I will undertake a program of research centred on reducing the impact of blood-borne viruses (BBVs) and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in vulnerable populations, particularly young people. I will study how these infections are transmitted, associated risk behaviours including drug and alcohol use and sexual risk, and develop interventions to improve the detection and management of infected individuals.
Minimising Infection Risks Associated With Water Exposure And With International Travel: Addressing Data Gaps To Improve Policy And Practice
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$401,361.00
Summary
This project will provide better understanding of health risks associated with two areas of infectious diseases: i) exposure to water, including water recycling and ii) imported infections associated with international travel. Both these issues are highly topical, and new information about exposure risks is important to help guide appropriate preventive advice.
Using Total Population Data To Describe The Characteristics Of Respiratory Infections In Order To Predict Future Epidemics And Recommend Vaccination Strategies For Western Australian Children
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$294,892.00
Summary
Respiratory infections are a major reason for children to go to hospital. I am an epidemiologist and I will be using previously collected and linked laboratory and hospital data from Western Australian children to better understand how these infections flow through the population over different seasons. I will then be able to predict future epidemics of respiratory infections and how different vaccine programs might have an impact in reducing how many children are affected by these infections.