Select Publications
Each year, we select up to ten (10) publications which exemplify our drive for interdisciplinary knowledge, impactful science, and high-quality research.
Our Select Publications in Medicine
Clinical Trials of Tuberculosis Vaccines in the Era of Increased Access to Preventive Antibiotic Treatment
Authors:
Molebogeng X. Rangaka, Mike Frick, Gavin Churchyard, Alberto L. García-Basteiro, Mark Hatherill, Willem Hanekom, Philip C. Hill, Yohhei Hamada, Matthew Quaife, Johan Vekemans, Richard G. White, Frank Cobelens
This article from The Lancet explores the critical need for integrating tuberculosis preventive treatment (TPT) into vaccine trials, given the expanding access to TPT globally. It highlights the ethical and methodological challenges faced by researchers, drawing parallels with HIV vaccine trials. The authors propose innovative trial designs that ensure ethical standards while advancing the development of effective TB vaccines, with a strong emphasis on community engagement and inclusivity.
Impact of Antibiotics on Gut Microbiome and Resistome in Early Childhood in Low- and Middle-Income Countries
Authors:
Charlie C. Luchen, Mwelwa Chibuye, Rene Spijker, Michelo Simuyandi, Caroline Chisenga, Samuel Bosomprah, Roma Chilengi, Constance Schultsz, Daniel R. Mende, Vanessa C. Harris
This systematic review examines the effects of antibiotic use on the gut microbiome and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes in children under two years old in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The study found that antibiotics generally reduced microbiome diversity and increased the abundance of resistance genes, with effects varying by antibiotic class and duration. The review highlights the urgent need for more research to understand the long-term health impacts of these changes in vulnerable populations, emphasizing the importance of regulating antibiotic use to mitigate the risk of AMR.
Our Select Publications in Medicine
Characterising Paediatric Mortality During and After Acute Illness in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia: A Secondary Analysis of the CHAIN Cohort Using a Machine Learning Approach
Authors:
This study, published in eClinicalMedicine, utilizes machine learning to analyze data from over 3,100 children hospitalized in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. The findings reveal that standard WHO/IMCI syndromes are insufficient for predicting mortality. Instead, anthropometric and laboratory markers are key indicators of death within 30 days of admission and in the six months post-discharge. The study advocates for integrating these markers into clinical guidelines to better identify and manage high-risk pediatric patients in low-resource settings.
Streptococcus suis Outbreak Caused by an Emerging Zoonotic Strain with Acquired Multi-Drug Resistance in Thailand
Authors:
Jaime Brizuela, Rattagan Kajeekul, Thomas J. Roodsant, Athita Riwload, Parichart Boueroy, Auttapong Pattanapongpaibool, Janjira Thaipadungpanit, Piroon Jenjaroenpun, Thidathip Wongsurawat, Elizabeth M. Batty, Boas C. L. van der Putten, Constance Schultsz, Anusak Kerdsin
This study, published in Microbial Genomics, investigates a Streptococcus suis outbreak in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand, during March-April 2021. The outbreak, linked to a Buddhist ceremony, resulted in 19 confirmed cases and two deaths. Genomic analysis revealed the strain was a novel sequence type (ST1656) within the emerging Thai zoonotic clade CC233/379, exhibiting multi-drug resistance, including reduced susceptibility to penicillin. This study underscores the ongoing public health threat posed by zoonotic S. suis strains in Southeast Asia.
Our Select Publications in Medicine
Antimalarial Chemoprophylaxis for Forest Goers in Southeast Asia: An Open-Label, Individually Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors:
Rupam Tripura, Lorenz von Seidlein, Siv Sovannaroth, Thomas J Peto, James J Callery, Meas Sokha, Mom Ean, Chhouen Heng, Franca Conradis-Jansen, Wanassanan Madmanee, Pimnara Peerawaranun, Naomi Waithira, Panarasri Khonputsa, Monnaphat Jongdeepaisal, Kulchada Pongsoipetch, Paphapisa Chotthanawathit, Ung Soviet, Christopher Pell, Jureeporn Duanguppama, Huy Rekol, Joel Tarning, Mallika Imwong, Mavuto Mukaka, Nicholas J White, Arjen M Dondorp, Richard J Maude
This study, published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases, evaluates the efficacy of antimalarial chemoprophylaxis using artemether-lumefantrine among forest goers in Cambodia. The trial demonstrated that this prophylactic intervention significantly reduced the incidence of malaria, with a protective efficacy of 85% against clinical and subclinical malaria cases. The findings suggest that malaria chemoprophylaxis is a valuable tool for targeting high-risk populations and accelerating malaria elimination in the Greater Mekong subregion.
COVID-19 and Mental Health in 8 Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors:
Nursena Aksunger, Corey Vernot, Rebecca Littman, Maarten Voors, Niccolò F. Meriggi, Amanuel Abajobir, Bernd Beber, Katherine Dai, Dennis Egger, Asad Islam, Jocelyn Kelly, Arjun Kharel, Amani Matabaro, Andrés Moya, Pheliciah Mwachofi, Carolyn Nekesa, Eric Ochieng, Tabassum Rahman, Alexandra Scacco, Yvonne van Dalen, Michael Walker, Wendy Janssens, Ahmed Mushfiq Mobarak
This study examines the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health in 10 populations from 8 low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The findings reveal a significant increase in depression symptoms following the onset of the pandemic, with effects persisting over time, particularly in areas with stringent lockdown measures. The study highlights the need for targeted mental health interventions in LMICs to address the pandemic’s long-term psychological impact.
Our Select Publications in Law
EU Health Policy in the Aftermath of COVID-19: Neofunctionalism and Crisis-Driven Integration
Authors:
Eleanor Brooks, Anniek de Ruijter, Scott L. Greer, Sarah Rozenblum
This article, published in the Journal of European Public Policy, analyzes the European Union’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic through the lens of neofunctionalism. The authors argue that the crisis accelerated EU health policy integration, particularly through initiatives like the European Health Union. The study highlights how existing EU health mechanisms were strengthened and expanded, demonstrating a pattern of crisis-driven integration where member states chose deeper cooperation to address shared challenges.
The Council of Europe’s AI Convention (2023–2024): Promises and Pitfalls for Health Protection
Authors:
Hannah van Kolfschooten, Carmel Shachar
This article, published in Health Policy, discusses the Council of Europe’s forthcoming AI Convention, focusing on its implications for health protection. The authors highlight the Convention’s potential as the first legally binding international treaty on AI, emphasizing its human rights-based approach and its application across all sectors, including healthcare. However, they also point out challenges, such as the sector-neutral approach and the risk of diluting its effectiveness through global negotiations. The article calls for a strong commitment to health-specific protections within the Convention.
Our Select Publications in Social Science
Self-Care Interventions for Advancing Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights – Implementation Considerations
Authors:
Manjulaa Narasimhan, Carmen H. Logie, James Hargreaves, Wendy Janssens, Mandip Aujla, Petrus Steyn, Erica van der Sijpt, Anita Hardon
This viewpoint article from the Journal of Global Health Reports discusses the implementation of self-care interventions to advance sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR). The authors propose a framework that emphasizes key considerations such as agency, information, availability, and social support. The framework aims to guide the integration of self-care into health systems, ensuring that interventions are accessible, acceptable, affordable, and of high quality, particularly in low-resource settings.
Outcomes in Children Admitted to the First PICU in Malawi
Authors:
Mirjam A. de Visser, Diana Kululanga, Singatiya S. Chikumbanje, Emma Thomson, Tiyamike Kapalamula, Eric S. Borgstein, Josephine Langton, Precious Kadzamira, Jenala Njirammadzi, Job B. M. van Woensel, Gunnar Bentsen, Patricia M. Weir, Job C. J. Calis
This study evaluates the outcomes of children admitted to the first Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) in Malawi, revealing a mortality rate of 28%, significantly higher than rates observed in high-income countries. Neonates, especially those with congenital anomalies, exhibited the highest mortality. The study identifies key factors associated with mortality, including severe hypotension, decreased mental status, and acidosis. The findings highlight the need for targeted improvements in PICU care, particularly for neonatal patients, infection prevention, and nutritional support, to enhance survival rates in low-resource settings.