NIMCURE

NIMCURE is a collaborative research and development project between CcHUB and the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR). The project seeks to develop a digital tool to support and enhance adherence to treatment by Tuberculosis patients in Nigeria.

Tuberculosis (TB) remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide and is considered as one of the most important infectious diseases across most of the developing nations (WHO, 2018). TB is a major public health threat in Nigeria and a leading cause of death in HIV infection. Through this project, we aimed to identify the extent to which technology can play a role in ensuring adherence, thereby reducing the cases of drug resistant TB and improving the health of individuals across the country.

We delivered a solution called NIMCURE. Using the NIMCURE app, patients are paired with caregivers who support and manage treatment remotely. The app innovates around the current method of treatment, Direct Observe Therapy (DOT) by the use of vDOT (video Direct Observe Therapy).

The team conducted 6 months clinical trial with 30 patients and 6 caregivers that resulted in an incredible 98% adherence rate.