New knowledge and approaches to reduce antimicrobial resistance, limit the spread of HIV and expand community vaccination coverage

To create new knowledge and solutions for improving the quality and accessibility of disease prevention and health care and strengthening the efficiency and sustainability of the health care system in Latvia we’ll carry out epidemiological, public health, cost effectiveness and clinical studies in the fields of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, antimicrobial resistance and vaccination coverage.

Scientific results of this project will contribute to the development of a sustainable approaches for the delivery of essential health care and public health services in the country by supporting the Ministry of Health and other stakeholders with evidence-based recommendations.

The project will be implemented through 3 synergic and complementary work packages (WP) and 5 tasks:

• WP1 – New knowledge and approaches for reduction of the burden of HIV in Latvia;
  • Task 1.1. HIV mathematical modeling;
  • Task 1.2. HIV treatment adherence study;
  • Task 1.3. New solutions for the HIV / tuberculosis dual infection;
• WP2 – Identifying the situation and offering solutions in the field of healthcare-associated infections and antimicrobial resistance in the country;
  • Task 2.1. Antibiotic consumption and healthcare-associated infections study;
  • Task 2.2. Novel approach using bacterial screening as a prototype for possible phage therapy;
• WP3 - Development and piloting of vaccine cost-effectiveness evaluation model in Latvia.

Outcomes to be achieved

• 7 new research tools will be developed (adapted internationally validated questionnaires, etc.),
• 5 scientific publications will be published in internationally cited high-quality journals,
• 3 presentations on the project results will be provided at international scientific conferences,
• 6 new databases will be prepared and published on the Dataverse platform for repeated and expanded further use,
• 3 research reports will be developed, which will also include recommendations for the evidence-based public health policy in Latvia.