close search

Assessing the best way to deploy measles rapid diagnostic tests in Ethiopia

This project aims to deploy and evaluate new rapid diagnostic testing strategies for measles. 

Measles is a disease caused by a virus, and it spreads when an infected person breathes, coughs or sneezes. Infection can lead to serious health complications and death.

A safe and effective measles vaccine is available worldwide. In Ethiopia, factors such as drought and recent conflict have led to lower vaccination rates in children. As a result, measles is currently endemic in Ethiopia. This means the virus can spread and occur regularly. In September 2024, there were active measles outbreaks in the Oromia, Amhara, South Ethiopia and Southwest Ethiopia regions, according to the Ethiopian Public Health Institute. It is therefore important to detect and respond to this disease in Ethiopia.  

For this project, researchers will deploy quick tests for measles. These tests are called rapid diagnostic tests (RDT). They detect the antibody immunoglobulin M (IgM), which shows up early in patients with measles.

Understanding the accuracy and operational feasibility of these tests is important. If proven effective, RDTs can be used in Ethiopia to confirm measles cases in real time. These tests can also be used widely, outside of central and regional labs. This would help Ethiopia's health system detect, prevent and mitigate measles outbreaks. RDT testing could also assist with prompt, targeted public health action. For example, RDTs might be used to identify where vaccines are most urgently needed. This would save lives, especially those of children under 5 years old.

Our project is called Optimal Approach(es) for Measles IgM RDT Deployment in Ethiopia.

Project aims

This study will deploy IgM rapid diagnostic tests to detect measles in Ethiopia. We will evaluate these tests based on accuracy and impact. We will also analyse the cost-effectiveness and feasibility of using these tests.

Our findings will inform how RDT strategies can work in different settings. The project outcomes may also lead to more accurate and timely measles surveillance.

We aim to:

  • develop, implement and evaluate different measles RDT testing strategies in Ethiopia
  • compare our decentralised testing strategies to existing centralised strategies
  • explore how these tests can work with Ethiopia's national public health surveillance systems
  • calculate the cost effectiveness for different RDT testing strategies in Ethiopia
  • determine the risks, barriers and enablers of different measles RDT strategies.

Beyond Ethiopia, the learnings of our project could be applied by other countries with similar challenges.

Method

Occurring 2024–2025, the project includes 2 phases.

First, researchers review existing research on the topic. We survey stakeholders at national, provincial, district and health centre levels.

Second, we deploy and evaluate measles rapid diagnostic tests in Ethiopia. 

More information

For more information, please contact winhan.oo@burnet.edu.au.

Funding partners

Health Poverty Action