JaundiceCARE Project

JaundiceCARE is an innovative research project focused on improving the early detection and management of neonatal jaundice in low-resource hospital settings. Led by the Ifakara Health Institute in collaboration with national and international partners, the three-year (2026-2029) project evaluates a digital system that combines smartphone-based jaundice screening with real-time vital signs monitoring.

The Challenge

Neonatal jaundice affects 60–80% of newborns within the first few days of life. While most cases are mild, around 10% can become severe if not detected and treated early.  In LMICs, inadequate detection and treatment of neonatal jaundice results in significantly higher rates of severe outcomes — disability and death — compared to high-income countries.

The Solution

JaundiceCARE offers an evidence-based, affordable, and practical path to close this gap — equipping clinicians with the right data, at the right time, in the settings that need it most.

JaundiceCARE introduces a fully integrated system that brings together two key technologies:

• A smartphone-based tool (Picterus® JP) that screens newborns for jaundice non-invasively
• A real-time monitoring system (IMPALA) that tracks vital signs and alerts healthcare workers to early signs of deterioration

This combined approach provides healthcare workers with accurate, timely, and actionable data to support better clinical decisions. JaundiceCARE has the potential to significantly reduce the burden of severe neonatal jaundice in low-resource settings — and save lives.

Why It Matters

The JaundiceCARE system is designed specifically for low-resource settings, offering several advantages:

• Non-invasive: No need for blood tests, making it safer for newborns
• Affordable: Uses widely available smartphone technology
• Comprehensive: Integrates jaundice screening with continuous patient monitoring
• Practical: Fits into existing hospital workflows and supports overburdened healthcare staff

The Study

The project will evaluate the effectiveness and usability of the JaundiceCARE system in real hospital environments across Tanzania, including Bugando Zonal Hospital, Mbeya Zonal Referral Hospital, and Mwananyamala Regional Referral Hospital.

The study will involve 700 to 1,000 newborns over a four-month period, assessing, accuracy of jaundice detection, ease of use for healthcare workers and integration into routine neonatal care.

Study Team

JaundiceCARE project is led by Dr Donat Shamba (Ifakara Health Institute) and a multidisciplinary team of co-investigators including representatives from Bugando Medical Centre, Mbeya Zonal Referral Hospital, Mwananyamala Regional Referral Hospital, as well as global partners Picterus AS and GOAL3.

Expected Impact

By improving early detection and monitoring, JaundiceCARE aims to reduce severe complications and deaths caused by neonatal jaundice. The project has the potential to transform newborn care in resource-limited settings by providing a scalable, cost-effective, and life-saving solution.