The review and final selection of proposals for the 2024 LRI grants budget round has concluded, after which the applicants were notified of the outcome. This budget round was highly competitive, with 65 Letters of Intent received from researchers around the globe. From these, 19 were invited to submit a Full Proposal, and after extensive review over 2023, seven proposals were approved for funding. All LRI research priorities were represented in the accepted proposals.
The list of approved proposals can be found below, and more information can be accessed through the provided links to the individual project pages.
Congratulations to all researchers! We are looking forward to supporting you projects towards with a great impactful projects!
Diagnostic tests
- Seeking for immunological susceptibility markers for leprosy. Identification of SNPs in miRNAs binding sites and their role in immune response modulation in leprosy
This project aims to contribute to identification of host genetic risk factors for leprosy susceptibility. - Use of handheld ultrasound for the early detection of leprosy and evaluation of its value as compared to existing diagnostic tests
This study aims to explore the utility of a handheld point-of-care ultrasonography device, with a high-resolution probe to detect changes in the nerve affected by leprosy.
Disability
- Establishing the effectiveness of a peer support approach based Basic Psychological Support for NTDs to address mental wellbeing, stigma and social participation of persons affected by leprosy and LF in Jharkhand, India
This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of BPS-N-based peer support for addressing stigma, mental well-being and social and work participation of persons affected by leprosy or lymphatic filariasis.
Operational research
- Capacity Building for Leprosy
The aim of this study is to build evidence on the quality and impact of blended training packages developed as part of the Lift Leprosy Learning project based on identified learning needs of health workers .
Stigma and discrimination
- Addressing Leprosy Trauma Using the Traumatic Stress Relief Programme: An exploratory Trial with Persons with Lived Experience in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
The study aims to expand on our understanding of mental health difficulties of persons affected by leprosy and extend the interventions available for them through a Traumatic Stress Relief (TSR) programme known to reduce the trauma treatment gap and make feasible, acceptable, safe, early trauma stress relief available in LMICs.
Transmission
- Contribution of Drug-resistance and lepromatosis to persistent leprosy transmission in parts of Africa
The study aims to test whether drug resistance and M. lepromatosis infections contribute to transmission of leprosy in four African countries. - Holistic investigation for environmental presence of Mycobacterium leprae and its implications in leprosy transmission through WASH and One Health approach
The study aims to investigate and compare the association between the environmental presence of M. leprae in animals, water, and wastewater, in leprosy cases and healthy controls, with reference to the reported WASH behaviour.