Schweizerisches Tropen- und Public-Health Institut (Swiss TPH)

04.04.2024

Neue Entdeckung enthüllt Mechanismus der Malariainvasion

Schlüsselkomponente für die Malariainvasion gefunden

Swiss TPH "Eine neue Entdeckung gibt Aufschluss darüber, wie der Malariaparasit Plasmodium falciparum in menschliche rote Blutkörperchen eindringt. Die Studie unter der Leitung des Schweizerischen Tropen- und Public Health-Instituts (Swiss TPH) und des Institute for Glycomics an der Griffith University enthüllt die Rolle eines Zuckers namens Sialinsäure bei diesem Invasionsprozess. Die Ergebnisse, die gestern in der Fachzeitschrift Cell Reports veröffentlicht wurden, haben wichtige Auswirkungen auf die Entwicklung von Impfstoffen und Medikamenten gegen Malaria. Mit 249 Millionen Malariafällen und 608.000 Todesfällen im Jahr 2022 bleibt Malaria eine ungelöste globale Gesundheitsbedrohung. Der Malariaparasit Plasmodium falciparum ist die Hauptursache der schweren Malaria und für die meisten Malariatodesfälle verantwortlich."

02.04.2024

Parasitic Worms and Liver Disease in Rural Laos

Swiss TPH "A study published by Swiss TPH and partners in Lao PDR has revealed high rates of Steatotic Liver Disease in a rural region where liver fluke infections and diabetes are prevalent. Surprisingly, an infection with parasitic worms was inversely associated with the prevalence of Steatotic Liver Disease. The study sheds some light on the important interplay between infectious and non-communicable diseases."

01.03.2024

Noma: giving a face to a deadly disease

On December 15, 2023, the World Health Organization officially added noma to the list of neglected tropical diseases, which will make it easier to combat and research this poverty-related disease. Swiss TPH and the University of Basel both played a key role in ensuring noma was recognized in this manner. By Christian Heuss

SwissTPH "Many people prefer to look the other way when it comes to this disease, as the sight of young children suffering from its effects is unbearable. It causes open wounds on the face and whole sections of the cheek appear to have been eaten away. Children who survive the disease remain disfigured throughout their lives and struggle with speech disorders and eating problems. Noma typically affects children between two and six years of age. The disease starts seemingly harmless as sore gums and mild bad breath. At this stage, the disease would be easy to cure with a broad-spectrum antibiotic. If left untreated, the infection spreads to tissue necrosis within a few days. First soft tissues die, then cartilage structures and bones are attacked and literally eaten away by the infection."

01.03.2024

Swiss TPH Symposium: Improving Access to Healthcare in LMICs

Summary of the Symposium 8 February 2024

SwissTPH "Access to drugs, diagnostics and vaccines remains a challenge in many in low- and middle-income countries. Today, 8 February 2024, Swiss TPH hosted a symposium bringing together 350 experts and key players from academia, the pharmaceutical industry, politics and product development partnerships to assess current strategies and foster synergies in research, drug development and medicines’ implementation.

02.02.2024

Reducing Health Inequities in the Prevention of Cervical Cancer

Swiss TPH "Cervical cancer is the leading cause of cancer related deaths among women in sub-Saharan Africa. Women living with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are six times more likely to develop cervical cancer than those who are HIV negative. To tackle this issue, Swiss TPH together with partners developed the Cervical Cancer Prevention and Care Cascade – a framework to enhance cervical cancer screening programmes for women living with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa."

12.01.2024

Das Zentrum für Tropen- und Reisemedizin des Swiss TPH neu im Turmhaus am Aeschenplatz

Swiss TPH "Am Dienstag, 9. Januar 2024, wurde der neue Standort des Zentrums für Tropen- und Reisemedizin im Turmhaus 2 am Aeschenplatz offiziell eröffnet. Das Zentrum für Tropen- und Reisemedizin gehört zum Schweizerischen Tropen- und Public Health-Instituts (Swiss TPH). Eva Herzog, Ständeratspräsidentin und Präsidentin des Kuratoriums des Swiss TPH, richtete ein Grusswort an die Gäste aus Gesundheitswesen, Politik und Wissenschaft. Lukas Engelberger, Regierungsrat Kanton Basel-Stadt, war ebenfalls unter den Gästen."

12.01.2024

Bekämpfung der übermässigen Verschreibung von Antibiotika bei Kindern: Eine schweizerisch-tansanische Innovation mit vielversprechenden Ergebnissen

Swiss TPH "Eine gross angelegte Studie des DYNAMIC-Projekts zeigt vielversprechende Ergebnisse: Durch den Einsatz eines neuen digitalen Tools zur klinischen Entscheidungshilfe konnte die Verschreibung von Antibiotika um das Zwei- bis Dreifache reduziert werden. Diese Ergebnisse, die gestern in der Fachzeitschrift «Nature Medicine» veröffentlicht wurden, sind ein wichtiger Schritt zur Eindämmung der bakteriellen Antibiotikaresistenz."

12.01.2024

Limited Trust in Health Systems Hinders Universal Health Coverage

Swiss TPH "A series of papers in the Lancet Global Health published yesterday finds that only one-quarter of people thinks their health system works well. The People’s Voice Survey analysed people’s views and trust in the system in 15 countries, adding a missing component to how one evaluates health system performance. Swiss TPH contributed to these studies, which were led by the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and the Quality Evidence for Health System Transformation (QuEST) network."

19.12.2023

EMA Recommends Arpraziquantel for Treatment of Schistosomiasis in Preschool-Aged Children

Swiss TPH "Arpraziquantel, developed by the Pediatric Praziquantel Consortium, receives positive scientific opinion by the European Medicines Agency for the treatment of schistosomiasis in preschool-aged children. The Consortium's work to develop, register, and provide access to arpraziquantel is a tangible contribution to the elimination of schistosomiasis as a public health problem. As a member of the consortium, Swiss TPH conducted the clinical trials together with local partners."

19.12.2023

Milestone in the Fight Against Sleeping Sickness

Swiss TPH "The European Medicines Agency has adopted a positive opinion of fexinidazole for the treatment of T.b. rhodesiense sleeping sickness, found in Eastern and Southern Africa. The positive opinion is followed a clinical trial conducted by the HAT-r-ACC Consortium, of which Swiss TPH is a part. This is an important milestone in the fight against this acute and lethal form of the neglected tropical disease."

04.12.2023

Kelly Chibale: Learning to Fail Your Way to Success

Swiss TPH "Kelly Chibale was – to say the least – not born into science. Yet, he has become one of the most influential researchers in the field of drug discovery and development globally. Born in a rural part of Zambia, Kelly’s childhood was a struggle for bare survival. There was no running water, let alone television to provide entertainment. Instead, dusty roads, poverty and violence. “Education, which was free at the time, was the only way out of poverty for me,” Kelly Chibale recalls. Secondary school awakened in him a talent and fascination for chemistry. Mixing liquids to make them appear in new colours turned out to be a real miracle."

09.11.2023

The Politics of Pandemics: Navigating the Global Landscape

by Jürg Utzinger, Professor of Epidemiology and Director of Swiss TPH

Swiss TPH "The politics of pandemics is about more than just health. It is about how we work across sectors, balancing the complex interplay between health, politics and conflicts, ensuring equity and security in times of crisis. The lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic should guide us towards a safer and more resilient future. Proactive global health governance, based on science, diplomacy and solidarity, is key to tackling future crises. (...) The political dimension of pandemics is reflected in how nations choose to share data and information, allocate resources and work together for a common goal. Countries that foster diplomatic relations and support international initiatives are better equipped to respond effectively to pandemics. A new International Treaty on Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness and Response will be discussed at next year’s World Health Assembly, including roles and responsibilities on how to deal with pandemics by the international community."

09.11.2023

Long-term Partnership in Tanzania Improves Access to Healthcare

Swiss TPH "The Health Promotion and System Strengthening (HPSS) project, funded by SDC and implemented by Swiss TPH, supported the Government of Tanzania in addressing major challenges of the health system. Over the past 12 years, the project improved access, quality, and affordability of healthcare with innovative solutions, like the "improved Community Health Fund" (iCHF), which provides affordable health insurance for low-income populations. HPSS substantially strengthened the pharmaceutical sector, health technology management, and health promotion, recognising the importance of community involvement for lasting improvements."

29.09.2023

30 Years of R&D Towards New Drugs for Tropical Diseases

Swiss TPH "In today’s interconnected world marked by complex challenges, looking back serves as a compass for charting the way forward. As we celebrate the 80th anniversary of the Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (Swiss TPH), it is an opportune moment to reflect on our journey. Join me as I delve into one notable aspect of our history: the research and development (R&D) of new drugs for tropical diseases."

08.09.2023

Wissenschaftler bekämpfen Tollwut mit Spieltheorie

Swiss TPH "Die Eliminierung der Tollwut in Afrika könnte durch einen besser koordinierten “One-Health»-Ansatz in greifbare Nähe rücken. Eine innovative Studie des Swiss TPH und seiner Partner hat die Spieltheorie eingesetzt, um wirksame Strategien für die betroffenen Länder zu identifizieren. Die heute in der Fachzeitschrift Nature Communications veröffentlichte Studie zeigt, dass eine bessere Zusammenarbeit zwischen den Ländern dieser tödlichen Krankheit ein Ende setzen könnte. Dies hätte einen erheblichen gesundheitlichen, wirtschaftlichen und sozialen Nutzen zur Folge. Die Tollwut ist eine vernachlässigte Tropenkrankheit (Neglected Tropical Disease, NTD), die jährlich noch immer schätzungsweise 59 000 Todesfälle verursacht, darunter viele Kinder. Die Krankheit wird fast ausschliesslich durch Hundebisse übertragen. Sobald Symptome auftreten, verläuft die Krankheit zu 100% tödlich."

08.08.2023

The long road to schistosomiasis elimination in Zanzibar: A systematic review covering 100 years of research, interventions and control milestones

A new study by Swiss TPH and partners

Science Direct "Zanzibar is among the few places in sub-Saharan Africa where interruption of Schistosoma transmission seems an achievable goal. A new study by Swiss TPH and partners reviews 100 years of research and efforts to control schistosomiasis in Zanzibar. We have contributed to these efforts through our long-standing research into the disease. The review identify milestones in the fight against the parasitic worm disease. A major achievement was the reduction of infected individuals from historically over 50% to under 5% in 2020, leading to a substantial improvement in the health for the Zanzibari population. While challenges remain, the results published in Advances in Parasitology suggest that with sustained commitments, the transmission of the disease could be stopped by 2030."

07.08.2023

Auch moderat heisse Temperaturen fordern Todesfälle, nicht nur Hitzewellen

Swiss TPH "Analysen des Swiss TPH zeigen, dass hitzebedingten Todesfälle auch durch moderat heisse Temperaturen verursacht werden – und nicht nur durch Hitzewellen. Im Auftrag des Bundes ermittelt das Swiss TPH neu jährlich die hitzebedingten Todesfälle in der Schweiz. Mit diesem Monitoring können die Auswirkungen des Klimawandels auf die Gesundheit langfristig erfasst und Anpassungsmassnahmen abgeleitet werden."

24.05.2023

Neue Behandlung von parasitären Wurminfektionen beim Menschen erweist sich als hochwirksam

Erster vielversprechender Wirkstoff zur Bekämpfung parasitärer Wurminfektionen seit mehreren Jahrzehnten

Swiss TPH "Ein neuer Arzneimittelkandidat zeigt vielversprechende Ergebnisse bei der Behandlung parasitärer Wurminfektionen. Forschende des Schweizerischen Tropen- und Public-Health-Instituts (Swiss TPH) testeten die Wirksamkeit und Sicherheit von Emodepsid gegen die drei wichtigsten durch den Boden übertragenen Helminthen auf der Insel Pemba in Tansania. Emodepsid ist der erste vielversprechende Wirkstoff zur Bekämpfung parasitärer Wurminfekionen seit mehreren Jahrzehnten. Das Swiss TPH wird nun gemeinsam mit Bayer an der weiteren Entwicklung des Medikaments arbeiten."

28.04.2023

Neues Hebammen-Betreuungsmodell verbessert das Wohlergehen vulnerabler Familien

Swiss TPH "Ein neues häusliches Hebammen-Betreuungsmodell hat sich als vielversprechend erwiesen, um das Wohlergehen von Frauen in vulnerablen Familiensituationen zu verbessern und chro-nischem frühkindlichen Stress vorzubeugen. Zu diesem Ergebnis kommt eine neue Studie, die kürzlich in der Fachzeitschrift BMC Health Services Research publiziert wurde. Das neue Be-treuungsmodell entstand aus einer Partnerschaft zwischen dem Schweizerischen Tropen- und Public Health-Institut (Swiss TPH) und Familystart beider Basel, Schweiz. Das Modell könnte für alle Schweizer Kantone angewendet werden."

28.04.2023

Time to Deliver Zero Malaria: Invest, Innovate, Implement

Swiss TPH "Although malaria can be prevented and treated, global investment in the fight against the disease is declining. World Malaria Day is therefore a reminder that the goal of a malaria-free world must remain on the political agenda, both in Switzerland and on a global scale. To mark the day, Swiss TPH experts hosted a panel discussion on 25 April 2023 to discuss the current work on malaria tools and interventions and future priorities."

03.04.2023

Mathematical Modelling to Inform Next-Generation Malaria Interventions

Swiss TPH "Global progress against malaria has stagnated and novel medical interventions are urgently needed. In a new publication, researchers from Swiss TPH and the Gates Medical Research Institute describe how modelling evidence is crucial for accelerating the development of new malaria vaccines, monoclonal antibodies and chemoprevention. Results were published today in Communications Medicine from Nature."

03.04.2023

Swiss TPH-Symposium zu Tuberkulose: Aufruf zum Handeln

Swiss TPH "Über 10 Millionen Menschen erkranken jedes Jahr an Tuberkulose (TB). Mit 1,6 Millionen Todesfällen pro Jahr ist die Krankheit nach wie vor eine der grössten Todesursachen der Welt. In den vergangenen Jahren wurden die Bemühungen und finanziellen Mittel zur Bekämpfung von TB von der COVID-19-Pandemie überschattet. Aktuell veranstaltet das Schweizerische Tropen- und Public Health-Institut (Swiss TPH) ein zweitägiges Symposium in Allschwil, um die neuesten Erkenntnisse der TB-Forschung auszutauschen, die Öffentlichkeit zu sensibilisieren und politische Veränderungen anzustossen. Wissenschaftlerinnen, Experten und Entscheidungsträgerinnen diskutieren Erkenntnisse und Ideen, um die weltweiten Bemühungen zur Eliminierung von TB als Problem der öffentlichen Gesundheit bis 2030 voranzutreiben."

27.01.2023

Experten fordern eine verstärkte Zusammenarbeit bei der Gesundheit von Mensch, Tier und Umwelt

Medienmitteilung

Swiss TPH "Die COVID-19-Pandemie hat Schwachstellen in den globalen Gesundheitsnetzwerken der Welt aufgezeigt. Ein globaler One-Health-Ansatz ist entscheidend für die Prävention, Überwachung und Bewältigung künftiger Gesundheitskrisen. Zu diesem Schluss kommen die Autoren einer vierteiligen Serie, die gestern in The Lancet veröffentlicht wurde. Das Swiss TPH mit seiner langjährigen Erfahrung im Bereich One Health hat zu dieser Serie beigetragen. In der Lancet-Serie zu One Health und globaler Gesundheitssicherheit fordern die Autoren verstärkte Investitionen in den One Health-Ansatz, insbesondere in Massnahmen zur Prävention und Vorbereitung auf Gesundheitskrisen. Hierfür werden weltweit jährlich Milliarden von US-Dollar benötigt – ein kleiner Bruchteil der Kosten für die Bewältigung der COVID-19-Pandemie. Jakob Zinsstag, Leiter der Einheit Human and Animal Health am Swiss TPH und Hauptautor des ersten Artikels der Serie sagte: «Es gibt klare Belege für die Vorteile in Form von geretteten Menschen- und Tierleben und finanziellen Einsparungen durch eine enge Zusammenarbeit im Bereich der Gesundheit an der Schnittstelle zwischen Mensch, Tier und Umwelt.»

18.01.2023

Supporting countries on their path to universal health coverage

Swiss TPH designs and implements health insurance solutions

Swiss TPH "Every year, 100 million people are pushed into poverty because they have to pay out of pocket for healthcare. To make sure that people can access health services without financial hardship, many countries have committed to ensuring universal health coverage and social protection. Swiss TPH provides tailor-made support to these countries."

18.01.2023

R. Geigy-Preis 2022: Auszeichnung für Einsatz gegen Malaria und Tuberkulose in Afrika

Swiss TPH "Die beiden Forschenden Lorenz Hofer und Mgeni Tambwe versuchen in Tansania die Übertragung der Malaria zu stoppen. Astrid Knoblauch befördert Tuberkulose-Medikamente mit Hilfe von Drohnen in Madagaskar. Dafür verleiht ihnen die R. Geigy-Stiftung den mit CHF 20'000 dotierten 12. R. Geigy-Preis 2022. In Gedenken an den Biologen und Gründer des Schweizerischen Tropen- und Public Health-Instituts (Swiss TPH), Rudolf Geigy, verleiht die Stiftung alle zwei Jahre diesen Preis an junge Forschende und Public Health-Spezialisten, die sich durch hervorragende Leistungen auf dem Gebiet der armutsbezogenen und vernachlässigten Tropenkrankheiten auszeichnen."

16.01.2023

Eva Herzog wird neue Präsidentin des Swiss TPH Kuratoriums

Swiss TPH "Die Regierungen der beiden Basel haben Eva Herzog, Ständerätin des Kantons Basel-Stadt, als neue Präsidentin für das Kuratorium des Schweizerischen Tropen- und Public-Health-Instituts (Swiss TPH) gewählt. Sie tritt ihr Amt per 1. Januar 2023 an. Das Kuratorium ist das oberste Aufsichts- und Entscheidungsorgan des Swiss TPH. Die Präsidentin bzw. der Präsident wird jeweils von beiden Regierungen gemeinsam gewählt."

16.01.2023

Jürg Utzinger wird neuer Präsident der R. Geigy-Stiftung

Swiss TPH "Der Stiftungsrat der R. Geigy-Stiftung wählte Jürg Utzinger, Direktor des Schweizerischen Tropen- und Public Health-Instituts (Swiss TPH) zum neuen Präsidenten der R. Geigy-Stiftung ab 1. Januar 2023. Er folgt in diesem Amt Marcel Tanner, der die Stiftung während 25 Jahren präsidierte. «Ich freue mich riesig, ab Januar 2023 als Präsident die Geschicke der R. Geigy-Stiftung zu leiten», sagt Jürg Utzinger. «Die R. Geigy-Stiftung entwickelte sich in den letzten Jahrzehnten zu einem strategisch wichtigen Gefäss für das Swiss TPH. Gerade junge Forschende konnten immer wieder von gezielten Anschubfinanzierungen profitieren, um ihr grosses Potenzial zu entfalten.»

02.12.2022

New Project to Improve the Care of Patients with Non-Communicable Diseases in Kosovo

Swiss TPH "Diabetes affects about half a billion people worldwide, most of them in low- and middle-income countries. Every year, 1.5 million deaths are directly attributed to diabetes, and both the number of cases and the prevalence of diabetes are constantly increasing. In Kosovo, diabetes is highly prevalent, yet often poorly controlled or undiagnosed. A new project funded by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and implemented by Swiss TPH aims to tackle the burden of non-communicable diseases in Kosovo by supporting the development of a sustainable health system that provides high quality, affordable and integrated care for affected patients."

02.12.2022

Improving Diagnosis for Extrapulmonary Tuberculosis

Swiss TPH "Tuberculosis (TB) remains one of the world’s biggest infectious disease killers. It is a complicated disease to diagnose and treat, even more so when it affects organs outside of the lung. A clinical trial in Tanzania tested a diagnostic algorithm including point-of-care ultrasound to increase the proportion of correctly managed patients. While the proportion of correctly managed patients could not be increased, the study indicates that this diagnostic algorithm could be a feasible approach to increase confirmation of TB. This is the first clinical randomized controlled trial successfully conducted at the St. Francis Referral Hospital in Ifakara, highlighting the excellent clinical research knowhow and collaboration between the Ifakara Health Institute, Swiss TPH, and other partners. The results were published in the peer-reviewed journal Clinical Infectious Diseases."

02.12.2022

World AIDS Day 2022 - Equity for all!

Swiss TPH "(...) For this years’ World AIDS Day, CDCI and the Ifakara Health Institute have teamed up with the district AIDS coordinator in Ifakara to celebrate World AIDS Day – to meet people in the community and raise a loud voice for equity for those infected with HIV or at risk to become infected. During the day, HIV testing will be offered together with other preventive health measures, and people living with HIV will share how HIV has affected their lives and how they manage to live a normal life in the community. Games for children, dances and theatre plays will convey the message of U=U (undetectable equals untransmittable), claiming equity for all!"

05.11.2022

Multiscale transmission dynamics of rabies in Africa: The urban-rural interface

Swiss TPH "Researchers at Swiss TPH have launched a new project focused on rabies control in Chad with the help of artificial intelligence. Read more about how the research project takes a transdisciplinary One Health approach and uses public engagement and multilingual communication to achieve results. Dog mediated rabies, although entirely preventable, kills every year over 25,000 people in Africa. It has been demonstrated that rabies transmission can be interrupted with successful dog mass vaccination in N’Djamena, the capital city of Chad. However, most of the strategies to control and eliminate human rabies still stagnate mainly due to a lack of resources to support such interventions. One way that we can tackle rabies in Africa is by introducing relatively new, low-cost interventions, which is what our research project on Rabies Control in Chad aims to address."

05.11.2022

Current Recommended Treatment against Whipworm Shows Better Results than New Drug Combination

Swiss TPH "Swiss TPH researchers tested two different drug combinations against the parasitic worm Trichuris trichiura on Pemba Island, Tanzania. Findings show that a new treatment combination (moxidectin and albendazole) is inferior compared to the current recommended treatment combination (ivermectin and albendazole). However, moxidectin might serve as an alternative in areas in which ivermectin is not readily available or potentially where there are resistances against ivermectin. Results were published on 28 October in the Lancet Infectious Diseases Journal. More than 1.5 billion people worldwide are infected with soil-transmitted helminths. The infections occur mainly in tropical and subtropical areas in sub-Saharan Africa, the Americas, China and East Asia and is closely linked to poverty. Infections can lead to nutrient deficiency, anaemia, and impaired growth, thus children and adolescents are especially vulnerable to these detrimental effects. Soil-transmitted helminth infections are caused by several species of parasitic worms. One of them is the whipworm Trichuris trichiura."

07.10.2022

Organizations that bring science to impact – new actors for Sustainable Development?

Swiss TPH "Currently, world leaders are convening at the 77th United Nations General Assembly in New York. In parallel, the Science Summit is being held, with the central theme being the role and contribution of science in attaining the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Jasmina Saric reflects on the emergence, role and future of organisations that combine research and implementation for sustainable development. New findings on this topic will be presented at the Science Summit in a session convened by Swiss TPH."

12.09.2022

Coping with emerging public health problems

Interview with Nicole Probst-Hensch, Head of the Department of Epidemiology and Public Health at Swiss TPH

Swiss TPH "Around a quarter of the population in Switzerland suffers from chronic diseases. These are some of the most frequent causes of death and cause physical and mental stress as well as high health care costs. Swiss TPH has extensive expertise in long-term studies involving biobanks that conduct research into chronic diseases and the impact of behavioural and environmental factors. Samples stored in biobanks and linked to the health data of the sample donors supply the evidence for successful prevention and health promotion. They also help us to understand the long-term health impacts of air pollution, heatwaves, traffic noise or chemicals. Swiss TPH is therefore making an important contribution to health monitoring in collaboration with other research institutions. In addition, biobanks are also the bedrock of medical progress in the early detection and diagnosis of chronic diseases, especially in cooperation with private companies."

04.08.2022

The significance of effective communication in times of COVID-19

Swiss TPH "Access to information is a basic human right. In times of crisis, timely and accurate information plays an important role in controlling a situation. Our partners of the AQH project share how effective communication saved lives during the COVID-19 pandemic in Kosovo. In Kosovo, as in many other places worldwide, the COVID-19 pandemic was accompanied by another contagious phenomenon, namely disinformation or fake news. Conspiracy theories around COVID-19 vaccines also met interest in Kosovo and the wider Balkan region."

04.08.2022

Digital Tool Improves Quality of Care for Children

Swiss TPH "Digital tools are critical to improve the care for sick children, particularly in resource-constrained settings. In a new study, Swiss TPH and partners were able to show the positive impact of a digital clinical decision support system on improving the management of childhood illness in primary care in Nigeria. The findings, published in BMJ Open, support the use of digital tools for health systems strengthening on a broader scale."

08.07.2022

Nicole Probst-Hensch erhält Wissenschaftspreis der Stadt Basel

Swiss TPH "Nicole Probst-Hensch, Leiterin des Departements «Epidemiology and Public Health» am Swiss TPH wird von der Stadt Basel mit dem diesjährige Wissenschaftspreis ausgezeichnet. Sie erhält den Preis für ihre bahnbrechenden Forschungen über die Auswirkungen der Luftverschmutzung auf die menschliche Gesundheit und ihre Leistungen im Aufbau von Biobanken und Langzeit-Kohortenstudien."

01.06.2022

Swiss TPH Awarded Four New Research Grants in Paediatric Health

Swiss TPH "Swiss TPH has been awarded four out of six new research grants from the Principal Investigator Initiative of the Botnar Research Centre for Child Health (BRCCH). The initiative aims to drive interdisciplinary research that addresses critical challenges in global paediatric health and medicine. (...) The projects bring together researchers from its partner institutions and international partners to deliver innovations and intervention strategies for paediatric health diagnosis, disease treatment and prevention on a global scale. Swiss TPH and partners were successful in this highly competitive call, and will obtain funding for four out of six exciting research projects. Each project is supported with up to CHF 1 million for a duration of four years."

01.06.2022

Zahl der Legionellose-Fälle in der Schweiz steigt weiter an

Swiss TPH "Die Zahl der Legionellose-Erkrankungen in der Schweiz ist in den vergangenen 20 Jahren um das Fünffache gestiegen. Eine heute im International Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health veröffentlichte Studie des Schweizerischen Tropen- und Public Health-Instituts (Swiss TPH) analysiert die Fallzahlen von 2000 bis 2020 und beleuchtet mögliche Auswirkungen der COVID-19-Pandemie auf die Meldezahlen. In den letzten Jahren beobachteten die Forscher*innen einen verstärkten Anstieg der Erkrankungen in den Sommermonaten. Die Schweiz hat eine der höchsten Legionellose-Inzidenzen in Europa."

Assessing the Potential Health Impact of Omicron

Swiss TPH Cases of SARS-CoV-2 variant Omicron are surging in numerous settings, with early evidence suggesting Omicron is more infectious than the Delta variant. It is not yet known, however, if Omicron has higher severity or if vaccines are less effective. New research from Swiss TPH now provides guidance to decision-makers on Omicron’s potential public health impact for a range of different scenarios. The paper is currently under review and available as pre-print.

03.02.2022

Langzeitstudie über 20 Jahre zeigt: Malariakontrolle bei Kleinkindern rettet Leben bis ins Erwachsenenalter

Tansanische Langzeitstudie über zwei Jahrzehnte mit 6700 Kindern liefert neue Erkenntnisse über die langfristigen Vorteile von Moskitonetzen für die Gesundheit.

Swiss TPH Laut einer über 22 Jahre laufenden Studie in Tansania retten Moskitonetze langfristig Leben. Zum ersten Mal wurde nachgewiesen, dass Kinder, die schon in jungen Jahren unter einem Moskitonetz schlafen, eine höhere Wahrscheinlichkeit aufweisen, das Erwachsenenalter zu erreichen. Im Rahmen der in der Fachzeitschrift New England Journal of Medicine veröffentlichten Studie wurde die Entwicklung von mehr als 6700 Kindern beobachtet.

06.12.2021

Eliminierung einer Krankheit in Sicht: Rückgang um fast 60 % bei der Verbreitung der vernachlässigten Tropenkrankheit Bilharziose

Swiss TPH "In einer neuen Studie des Schweizerischen Tropen- und Public Health-Instituts (Swiss TPH) haben Forscherinnen und Forscher herausgefunden, dass die Verbreitung von Bilharziose bei schulpflichtigen Kindern zwischen 2000 und 2019 um fast 60 % zurückgegangen ist, was auf eine gross angelegte Medikamentengabe und die soziale und wirtschaftliche Entwicklung auf dem afrikanischen Kontinent zurückzuführen ist. Die Ergebnisse der Studie lassen auf die Eliminierung dieser schweren vernachlässigten Tropenkrankheit hoffen. Die Studie wurde gestern in der Fachzeitschrift «Lancet Infectious Diseases» veröffentlicht."

23.09.2021

Neue Leitlinien der WHO für Luftqualität sollen Millionen von Menschen vor Luftverschmutzung schützen

Swiss TPH "Heute hat die Weltgesundheitsorganisation (WHO) ihre neuen globalen Luftqualitätsleitlinien vorgestellt, die den Schutz der Gesundheit der Bevölkerung durch die Reduzierung der wichtigsten Luftschadstoffe zum Ziel haben. Das Swiss TPH hat mit seinem Fachwissen aus über 30 Jahren Forschung zum Thema Luftverschmutzung und Gesundheit zu den neuen Leitlinien beigetragen, indem es durch zahlreiche Langzeitstudien Evidenz geschaffen und politische Empfehlungen abgegeben hat. Die Leitlinien werden den politischen Entscheidungsträgern als Orientierungshilfe für die Gesetzgebung zur Bekämpfung von Luftverschmutzung und Klimawandel dienen."

06.09.2021

Collateral Damage of COVID-19 on Low- and Middle-Income Countries

Swiss TPH The COVID-19 pandemic has had a major impact on both human health, the economy and society at large. There is no doubt that the disease and control measures indirectly effect people’s health and well-being, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where the crisis has amplified and deepened existing inequalities. To mitigate the collateral damage, Swiss TPH worked on a myriad of projects to support vulnerable populations around the globe.

09.07.2021

Swiss TPH Symposium: Global Health in the 21st Century

Presentations and Session Recordings

Swiss TPH Though much progress has been made in improving global health, many new obstacles have emerged. On 28-30 June 2021, Swiss TPH hosted a virtual symposium 'Global Health in the 21st Century', which brought together experts from the public, private, non-profit and governmental sectors to discuss the pressing global health issues of our time.

31.05.2021

Together, we can make the world a healthier place

Annual Report 2020

Swiss TPH "We are delighted to present to you the Swiss TPH Annual Report 2020, which reflects on this past year’s highlights and milestones, goes in-depth into a newly acquired portfolio of COVID-19 related projects, provides an overview of key facts and figures and much more. At the heart of this report lies the commitment of our staff and students and the terrific support of our partners and funders all over the world. We would like to thank our colleagues, partners and donors for their continued trust and collaboration. Together, we will emerge stronger from the COVID-19 pandemic and continue to work together towards our mission of making the world a healthier place."

29.04.2021

Jeunes3 Programme Comes to a Close

JeuneS3 reached over 45,000 young people in schools and more than 10,000 young people out of schools in the DRC

Swiss TPH The JeuneS3 (Santé, Sécurité, Sexualité) programme, which focused on improving adolescent and youth sexual and reproductive health in four Francophone African countries, has come to a close after four successful years. Swiss TPH, within a consortia led by Cordaid, contributed to the implementation of the national life skills education programme in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which supported young people being able to make informed decisions about their health, and to ensure that their rights are respected.

Med in Switzerland #28

Februar 2021

COVID-19: Haben wir wirklich etwas aus früheren Lektionen gelernt? Globale Dimensionen mit dem Schwerpunkt Afrika

Eine Analyse von Marcel Tanner, Präsident der Akademien der Wissenschaften Schweiz und ehemaliger Direktor des SwissTPH

Die SARS-CoV-2-Pandemie führte weltweit zu schwerwiegenden Kollateralschäden in vielen Gesundheits- und Sozialsystemen; insbesondere Afrikas. Gleichzeitig offenbart die Krise auch grosses Innovationspotenzial bei der Forschung und Entwicklung neuer Medikamente und Impfstoffe.

Improving Access to COVID-19 Screening and Testing in African Countries

A joint initiative between several collaborator inlcuding the Swiss TPH and SolidarMed

Swiss TPH A new joint initiative from the Botnar Research Centre for Child Health and the European and Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership will support three COVID-19-related projects in low- and middle-income countries, including a project led by Swiss TPH and Zambart that improves access to COVID-19 screening and testing in Lesotho and Zambia.

15. April 2024 – Prep phase (self-directed): 15 April-10 May 2024; Hybrid face-to-face week: 13-17 May 2024 Post phase (self-directed): 20 May-28 Juni 2024; Venue: Allschwil, Switzerland and online

Health Policy and Systems Analysis (HPSA) - hybrid

Application Deadline: 8 April 2024

Swiss TPH The course analyses the relationships between global health strategies and national and local health policies and systems development. It focuses then on health systems frameworks, the role and behaviour of institutions and stakeholders, the major innovations in financing and delivering health services, and on how health systems are responding to global changes.