Neurocysticercosis (NCC) is a potentially fatal zoonotic disease following ingestion of eggs of the pork tapeworm, Taenia solium. The eggs develop into larval forms (cysticerci) in various tissues, including the central nervous system, leading to NCC, mainly characterized by epileptic seizures. NCC is one of the leading preventable causes of epilepsy worldwide, affecting 2.56–8.30 millions of people. NCC management guidelines have been published by the WHO, however, their uptake in national policies is very limited.
The pork tapeworm (Taenia solium) is responsible for approximately 212 human deaths per year in Tanzania and is responsible for almost 60% of epilepsy in endemic areas.
In NeuroSolve, we are demonstrating and promoting a methodological approach for conducting health research that leads to the adoption of improved approaches into policy and clinical practice. The proposed approach includes (1) strengthening of clinical and research capacity through training and mentoring of early career researchers, clinicians and frontline healthcare workers as well as upgrading infrastructure for surveillance and control, (2) demonstrating the improved pragmatic effectiveness of the combined treatment on quality of life through a hospital-based, randomized, open-label study for the treatment of neurocysticercosis in Tanzania and Zambia, (3) evaluating the potential impact of serological testing on the patient outcomes and the wider health system through a simulation study, (4) demonstrating the cost-effectiveness and cost-benefit of the proposed health technologies, (5) developing and validating an implementation strategy addressing identified barriers for uptake using the robust implementation frameworks and (6) enhance research results uptake into national and international guidelines and health policy through engagement of relevant policy/decision-makers throughout the project period and beyond.
