Overview

UTIs are the second most common reason for antibiotic use globally and widespread misuse is fuelling the growing crisis of AMR. DOSA2 will test a simple and affordable test to detect UTIs and guide appropriate treatment decisions to help fight against the global threat of AMR. 

It is a collaborative research initiative between the UK and India, led by the University of Edinburgh, and includes partners at the University of the Arts London, Silchar Medical College, Assam University, and the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi.  

About DOSA2

The project, Diagnostics for One Health and User Driven Solutions for Antimicrobial Resistance (DOSA), is bringing together 5 leading academic institutions to create innovative and rapid diagnostic technologies to reduce AMR. The new project is a continuation of the successful DOSA1 project, funded by UK Research and Innovation, Economic Social Science Research Council, Newton Fund, and the Government of India’s Department of Biotechnology, which has developed a low-cost, easy-to-use diagnostic test strip.  

Designed for affordability and simplicity, the strip can detect infections in minutes and inform the best course of treatment. At less than 10 pence per strip, it offers an accessible alternative for low- and middle-income communities. 

DOSA2 is attempting to tackle the global issue of AMR at the community level by working with healthcare professionals at primary healthcare centres, volunteers and Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs), employed by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in India. They will collect urine samples from people in rural communities in India to help assess the accuracy of the DOSA UTI Test Strip and work with ASHAs and the community to establish an understanding of the knowledge and practices around UTIs. 

By integrating insights from community health practices and addressing the stigma associated with UTIs, DOSA2 aspires to transform the treatment landscape for urinary infections while promoting sustainable antibiotic use.  

Impact of DOSA2

DOSA2 aims to create impact by:

• improving access to diagnostics – by providing affordable and user-friendly UTI test strips, the project empowers communities to identify infections early. 
• reducing antibiotic misuse – enabling precise diagnostics helps curb over-the-counter antibiotic use, a major driver of AMR. 
• engaging communities – through partnerships with ASHAs and local health workers, DOSA2 promotes health education, reduces stigma, and builds trust in diagnostics. 
• informing policy – the field trials generate reliable data that policymakers can use to implement AMR strategies in India and beyond.

If successful, DOSA2 could serve as a model for other low- and middle-income countries, improving health outcomes and fostering sustainable practices in antibiotic use. 

About UTIs and AMR

In countries like India, antibiotics are often purchased without prescriptions. This widespread misuse fuels the growing crisis of AMR—a pressing global health threat recognised by the World Health Organization. If untreated, UTIs can escalate to severe complications or even become life-threatening. Women are particularly vulnerable, due to social and economic barriers. 

AMR poses a significant risk, as ineffective antibiotics could result in 39 million deaths by 2050. Tackling infections like UTIs through accurate and accessible diagnostics is a vital step in reducing unnecessary antibiotic use and addressing this urgent global crisis.