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IMAGINE: Implementing Molecular Assays in Gondar to Fight Infectious Eye Disease

Health Partnerships – GlobalMicrobiology and laboratory diagnostics
The project objective of the partnership between the Faculty of Medicine at Leipzig University and University Hospital Gondar in Ethiopia is to strengthen molecular diagnostics for infectious eye diseases at the Ethiopian hospital. Background: Worldwide, eye infections are the number one cause of preventable blindness and are caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi or parasites. Around four million people in Ethiopia are blind or suffer from severe visually impairments. The country does not have suitable laboratories for ophthalmic diagnostics where tests for eye diseases can be carried out. Rapid differentiation between infectious eye pathogens often relies on laboratory tests and is essential for targeted and timely treatment. Activities: - Developing a course of instruction and teaching materials on diagnosing and treating eye infections - Drawing up guidelines for clinical practice - Acquiring and installing diagnostic equipment - Training laboratory staff in molecular diagnostics and taking samples from the eye - Providing three-month targeted training courses in molecular-diagnostic techniques for Ethiopian colleagues in Leipzig Impact: Patients benefit from specific therapies thanks to the targeted use of tests and the improved diagnosis of eye pathogens. These therapies aim to prevent the risks of a chronic visual impairment and the resulting restrictions in everyday life.
Partner Country
Ethiopia
Partner organisation in partner country
University of Gondar, University Hospital
Partner organisation in Germany
Universitätsklinikum Leipzig
Project duration
10/1/2020 – 9/30/2022
Funding amount
Up to 50,000 €
Funded by
Health Partnerships – Global
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