Urgent: New EU Project Aims to Eradicate Deadly Infections Threatening Pregnant Women in Africa
Hamburg, Germany – October 23, 2025 – A groundbreaking international research initiative, “TreatPreg,” officially launched today in Hamburg, Germany, promising a potential turning point in the fight against parasitic diseases that disproportionately impact pregnant women and their children in sub-Saharan Africa. This is a breaking news development with significant implications for global health and SEO visibility for related searches.
(Image Credit: Monika Bonitz)
The Silent Crisis: Parasitic Infections and Maternal Health
Pregnant women in sub-Saharan Africa face a tragically high risk of contracting debilitating and often life-threatening parasitic infections, including schistosomiasis (bilharzia), intestinal worms, and malaria. These infections frequently lead to severe anemia, dramatically increasing the risk of complications during pregnancy, premature birth, and low birth weight in newborns. While the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends preventative treatment for each of these conditions, administering them in combination has remained largely unexplored – until now.
TreatPreg: A First-of-Its-Kind Clinical Trial
Funded by the European Union’s Global Health EDCTP3 Joint Undertaking, the “TreatPreg” project represents the first systematic investigation into the safety and potential health benefits of simultaneously treating pregnant women for schistosomiasis, intestinal worms, and malaria. The project, led by the Institute of Tropical Medicine at the University Hospital of Tübingen, will conduct a large-scale clinical trial across four African nations: Gabon, the Republic of Congo, Ghana, and Benin.
Why Combined Treatment Hasn’t Been Tried Before
Despite the individual effectiveness of drugs like praziquantel (for schistosomiasis), albendazole or mebendazole (for intestinal worms), and sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (for malaria), concerns about potential drug interactions and a lack of comprehensive safety data have historically prevented their combined use during pregnancy. “We want to show that administering these medications together is not only safe, but also sustainably improves the health of pregnant women and their children,” explains project leader Priv.-Doz. Dr. Andrea Kreidenweiss. This research is crucial for building confidence in a more efficient and impactful approach to maternal healthcare.
An International Collaboration for Lasting Impact
“TreatPreg” isn’t just a medical study; it’s a collaborative effort bringing together leading experts from across the globe. The consortium includes institutions from Gabon, Benin, Ghana, the Republic of Congo, and several European universities and research organizations, including the Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine in Hamburg and the Barcelona Institute for Global Health. Beyond clinical trials, the team will also investigate potential pharmacokinetic interactions between the drugs, assess cost-effectiveness, and evaluate the acceptability of the intervention within local healthcare systems – all vital steps for successful implementation into national health programs.
Looking Ahead: From Research to Real-World Change
The 60-month project isn’t simply about proving safety; it’s about paving the way for practical, sustainable improvements in maternal and child health. By addressing potential barriers to implementation, “TreatPreg” aims to ensure that its findings directly translate into policy changes and improved healthcare practices. The team will also be closely monitoring how easily the combined treatment can be integrated into existing healthcare infrastructure, a critical factor for long-term success. This proactive approach is essential for maximizing the impact of this vital research.
The launch of “TreatPreg” marks a significant step forward in the global effort to protect vulnerable pregnant women and their children from the devastating consequences of parasitic infections. As the project unfolds, archyde.com will continue to provide updates on this important breaking news story and its potential to reshape maternal healthcare in sub-Saharan Africa. Stay tuned for further developments and in-depth analysis on our global health section.
