Swiss TPH Contributions to the Sustainable Development Goals

• SDG 3 Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages
• SDG 4 Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all
• SDG 17 Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development
• SDG 5 Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls
• SDG 1 End poverty in all its forms everywhere
• SDG 16 Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all leve
• SDG 10 Reduce inequality within and among countries
• SDG 6 Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all
• SDG 11 Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable
• SDG 13 Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts
• SDG 2 End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture
• SDG 12 Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns
• SDG 9 Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation
• SDG 8 Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a global health emergency, causing 10 million new cases and 1.5 million deaths annually. Traditionally, only symptomatic active pulmonary TB patients were considered infectious. However, recent findings show that 50% of TB bacilli shedders have no symptoms, a condition called subclinical TB. Swiss TPH leads an SNSF-funded project studying the virulence-transmission trade-off in TB, focusing on phylogenetic lineages of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC). The research compares 'ancient' and 'modern' MTBC lineages to explore their roles in subclinical and active TB transmission and progression. Read more

The world faces a growing malnutrition crisis, with urbanization shifting its impact to cities. The NICE project aims to improve urban diets in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) by fostering locally-led nutrition initiatives. Through agriculture, food, and health sector collaborations, along with public-private partnerships, NICE promotes sustainable food systems. It empowers women and youth entrepreneurs to enhance food security and economic opportunities. By strengthening food production, demand, and accessibility, NICE advances nutritious diets through agroecological practices, contributing to healthier, more sustainable urban food environments. Read more

Buruli ulcer primarily affects children in West Africa, particularly in remote rural areas with limited healthcare access. A Botnar Research Centre for Child Health-funded project aims to improve diagnosis and treatment, reducing long-term suffering, stigma, and disability. Swiss TPH researchers are developing a rapid diagnostic test by converting the ELISA test into a lateral flow format and working on a short, fast-acting antibiotic therapy. The project’s goal is to bring diagnosis and treatment closer to patients, ensuring early detection and better outcomes for affected children. Read more

The ALgorithm for the MANAgement of CHildhood illnesses (ALMANACH), developed by Swiss TPH, is an upgraded electronic version of the IMCI (Integrated Management of Childhood Illnesses), an initiative that focuses on both curative care and disease prevention. As an innovative application on tablets or smartphones, ALMANACH provides valuable services in regions where healthcare is insufficient or difficult to access. ALMANACH helps health workers by asking targeted questions during the diagnosis process and suggesting medication for treatment. Read more

The TRACCTION study aims to understand the cancer landscape in Tanzania and contribute to the elemination of cervical cancer in the country. The mixed-methods study uses a transdisciplinary approach to explore women's perceptions of cervical cancer care, document the cervical cancer care cascade from screening to treatment for women living with and without HIV, and identify demand-side gaps and opportunities to increase uptake of cervical cancer screening and treatment in Kilombero District, Tanzania. Read more

As climate change intensifies, transformative adaptation is crucial to addressing health risks from heatwaves, air pollution, wildfire emissions, and pollen. However, comprehensive adaptation remains largely unreported in Europe. healthRiskADAPT develops a health risk assessment system for Mediterranean, Alpine, and Continental regions, empowering local and regional authorities with data-driven decision-making tools. Swiss TPH leads Work Package 3 (WP3), assessing climate-related health impacts and developing high-resolution health indicators and risk indices. These tools will enhance preparedness, strengthen early warning systems, and support effective climate adaptation strategies to protect public health. Read more