ABU Zaria Receives €5 Million EU Grant to Develop AI-Powered Microscope for Parasitic Disease Diagnosis
Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, has been awarded a €5 million research grant by the European Union under the Horizon Europe EDCTP3 programme. The grant will fund the development of MultiplexAI, an innovative AI-powered microscope designed to diagnose multiple parasitic diseases such as malaria, African trypanosomiasis, leishmaniasis, and filariasis.
The groundbreaking initiative is aimed at transforming healthcare delivery in underserved and remote African communities, where access to laboratory diagnostics is limited.
What Is the MultiplexAI Project?
The MultiplexAI project is a cutting-edge research initiative led by ABU’s Dr. Chechet, a renowned expert in tropical disease diagnostics and recipient of multiple global health fellowships.
The project integrates artificial intelligence (AI), smartphone technology, and microscopy to provide on-site diagnosis of parasitic infections using:
- A portable microscope
- A smartphone
- A dedicated mobile app
This allows community health workers to perform accurate diagnostics in real-time, without needing access to centralised medical labs.
“This technology will enable early detection and rapid response to parasitic infections in hard-to-reach areas,” the university said in an official statement.
Impact on Global Health and Nigeria’s Digital Agenda
According to ABU, the AI microscope aligns with Nigeria’s broader digital health transformation agenda and strengthens the country’s position in global AI-driven health innovation.
The project is expected to:
- Improve health outcomes in remote communities
- Reduce diagnostic delays for neglected tropical diseases (NTDs)
- Provide a low-cost, scalable solution for public health surveillance
- Increase Nigeria’s global visibility in scientific research
ABU called the project “a new benchmark for digital health innovation on the continent.”
About Horizon Europe EDCTP3 Programme
The Horizon Europe EDCTP3 (European & Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership) is an EU initiative that funds collaborative research aimed at tackling infectious diseases affecting sub-Saharan Africa.
The €5 million grant awarded to ABU Zaria is part of a wider European effort to strengthen scientific capacity, health equity, and technology transfer in developing nations.
Why This AI-Powered Microscope Matters
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| AI + Smartphone Microscope | On-the-spot disease detection in rural settings |
| Supports Multiple Pathogens | Identifies several parasitic diseases at once |
| No Central Lab Required | Empowers frontline health workers with mobile diagnostics |
| Backed by EU Funding | €5 million for research, innovation, and scalability |
| Led by ABU’s Dr. Chechet | Expertise in global health and women in science |
What This Means for Africa
- Establishes Ahmadu Bello University as a leader in digital health and AI research in Africa
- Fosters collaboration between African and European researchers
- Demonstrates how low-cost tech can fight neglected diseases on the continent
- Promotes women-led science leadership through Dr. Chechet’s involvement
Final Thoughts
The MultiplexAI project by ABU Zaria is not just a win for the university—it’s a giant leap forward for health innovation, disease diagnosis, and digital transformation in Africa. With the support of the European Union and the leadership of talented Nigerian researchers, this initiative is set to redefine healthcare accessibility for millions.
