The Quartery Newsletter for the MRC/UVRI Uganda Research Unit on AIDS VOL. 1, ISSUE 1 - Oct, 2018
Inside This Issue
MRC/UVRI Uganda Research Unit transfers to London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine
Director’s Comments
Unit commissions new Research Centre
Government pledges to support HIV Vaccine development
About the VIG in Uganda
INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON FIELDWORKERS (ICF) WORKSHOP
State of the art Video Conference facility set up in Entebbe
ENTEBBE SCHOOLS PARTICIPATE IN MRC’s FECTIVAL OF MEDICAL RESEARCH
REFLECTION ON MY INTERNSHIP EXPERIENCE AT MRC/UVR & LSHTM Uganda Research Unit Editorial
Dear Readers, Welcome to this edition of the Heartbeat. Uganda has made giant strides in the fight against HIV and one of the latest initiatives by the Government is the Presidential Fast Track Initiative to end AIDS as a public health threat in Uganda by 2030. We bring you the story of what transpired at an event in Kalungu district to launch the initiative in Central Buganda region, where the Unit’s efforts in supporting the Government in trying to understand the HIV epidemic by setting up its first field site in Kyamulibwa, Kalungu District were recognized.
The Unit’s transfer to the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine took place in February 2018, following preparations at different levels. To commemorate the transfer, the Unit held a series of meetings and activities that climaxed in a stakeholders’ event in Entebbe and breaking ground for construction of a new state of the art research clinic. We bring you this story from the event held in Entebbe.
Technology is fast evolving and with it, the increased ability to manage tasks that were previously considered daunting and time consuming. In this bid, the Unit recently installed a state of the art video conferencing facility in Entebbe, thereby reducing on the need for people to physically travel for meetings. Read about this new development and how you can benefit from it.
A picture is worth a thousand words, we therefore bring you a range of photos from the event to commemorate the Unit transfer to the LSHTM in Entebbe, to the cultural gala held at the Masaka field station that was not only a display of elegant traditional dressing, but also an exhibition of mouthwatering dishes from across the country.
Enjoy this edition and we look forward to receiving your input and feedback.
God bless you all,
Pamela N. Wairagala Communications and Engagement Officer
1 | Heartbeat The Quartery Newsletter for the MRC/UVRI Uganda Research Unit on AIDS MRC/UVRI Uganda Research Unit transfers to London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine
The MRC/UVRI Uganda Research Unit (the Unit) commemorated the transfer to the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) on 11 May and unveiled its new name; the Medical Research Council/ Uganda Virus Research Institute and London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (MRC/UVRI and LSHTM) Uganda Research Unit.
The event was officiated by the Minister of State for Health in charge of General Duties, Hon. Sarah Opendi who represented the Minister of Health and commended both the MRC-UK and the LSHTM for supporting research in Uganda and reiterated the government’s commitment to increasing funding towards research. “On behalf the Uganda government and on my own behalf, I would like to extend our gratitude to the MRC-UK and the LSHTM for supporting medical research in Uganda, particularly in the area of HIV/AIDS which has contributed to and informed treatment and care policies in the country”. She further commented “As the Unit expands its areas of research to address emerging health issues such as Endemic, Neglected, Emerging and Re-emerging Infections; and Non-Communicable Diseases, we pledge our support as government ensure that research work in those areas is adequately funded”.
Prof. Pontiano Kaleebu, Director UVRI and MRC/UVRI and LSHTM commended the MRC-UK for the funding towards the Unit, which has enabled the Unit to conduct groundbreaking research. “The Unit has conducted various research, particularly on HIV/AIDS since 1989 and has contributed an incredible amount to the available body of knowledge, both nationally and globally. All this would not have been possible without the funding that we have received over the years from the MRC-UK”, he said. He further noted the opportunities that the transfer would avail researchers at both institutions, “We are excited to join the LSHTM and are optimistic about the numerous opportunities the partnership will provide to research teams both at the Unit and at the School. The transfer not only offers a wider platform for our researchers to train, practice and collaborate, but increases capacity and access to resources to undertake more cutting-edge medical research”. Prof Kaleebu added that he was grateful to the UK government for the agreement to fund a new research centre to aid scientific research and at the same function ground was broken to pave way for construction of the centre near the Entebbe based facility.
Speaking on behalf of the British High Commission in Uganda, Mr. Peter West, the High Commissioner reiterated the value of the work conducted by the Unit. “Through the MRC- UK, the UK tax payers have supported the Unit’s work in Uganda for the last 30 years. I am glad to note that this continued funding has been possible because the UK government acknowledges the good use and value for money exhibited by the Unit”, he noted.
Professor Peter Piot, Director of the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine noted that the transfer of the Unit to LSHTM would increase opportunities for research on global health issues. “The new partnership presents major opportunities for both institutions’ staff and research output. Our School becomes more global than ever and increases
The Quartery Newsletter for the MRC/UVRI Uganda Research Unit on AIDS Heartbeat | 2 its access to research facilities and skilled researchers based ‘on-the Director’s Comments ground’, while the Unit will reap Welcome to this edition of the Newsletter, the first after the official the added benefit of LSHTM’s commemoration of the transfer of the Unit to the London School of global reputation and wide-ranging Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) and subsequent name change to MRC/UVRI & LSHTM Uganda Research Unit. I convey my gratitude expertise. By working even more to all of the staff that participated in the transfer activities as well as closely together, innovative and in preparation for the Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC) meeting. As collaborative research projects can part of the activities to commemorate the transfer to LHTM, ground was be developed, which are needed to broken for the construction of a £800,000 research clinic funded by the tackle major global health issues.” Wellcome Trust and UK Medical Research Council. Construction of the research center will soon commence. The event was attended by staff, Following recommendations from the Scientific Advisory Committee funding and research partners, (SAC) and agreement from management, we have introduced new Themes and Sections, and modified one programme as follows; representatives from regulatory Themes; 1) HIV and Emerging Infections, 2) Vaccines and Immunity and authorities, local leaders as well as 3) Chronic Diseases and Cancer. The Unit’s science will be delivered policy makers and was the climax of through the following six Programmes, feeding into each Theme; this year’s 2-day Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC) meeting.
Programme Lead person 1. The HIV Intervention Programme (this takes care of the HIV Care, ART and Prof Phillippe Mayaud (Start date to be Prevention, HIV Epidemiology). advised)
2. Pathogen Genomics, Phenotype and Immunity (PGPI) Prof. Pontiano Kaleebu
3. Social Aspects of Health across the Life Course Prof. Janet Seeley
4. Immunomodulation and Vaccine Programme Prof. Alison Elliott
5. Cancer Programme (HIV has been removed from this programme) Prof. Rob Newton
6. NCD Phenotype Programme Prof. Moffat Nyirenda
3 | Heartbeat The Quartery Newsletter for the MRC/UVRI Uganda Research Unit on AIDS To further consolidate the Unit’s achievements, two USD198,000 towards Improving uptake and adherence new sections Statistics and Data Science (led by Dr. to HIV prevention services with Prep, HIV self-testing Christian Holm Hansen) and Mental Health (led by Prof. and adherence support for very high risk HIV negative Eugene Kinyanda) and two platforms Bio-informatics young women aged between 15 and 24 in Kampala, and Cohorts (includes support to TASO) have been Uganda (POPPI) as well as funding towards evidence created. These programmes and sections are already based inclusive education for children with disabilities running various projects. With the re-organization of in Wakiso district and other work. We are grateful to our the Themes, we will come up with revised key questions funding partners for the support towards our work and to address and some more focusing of our programmes to the scientists for their efforts in seeking the funding and projects. opportunities through proposal writing.
Operations (which includes Finance, Procurement, I take this opportunity to welcome staff that have joined Administration, HR, Estates and Engineering, IT, Health the Unit during the course of the last quarter and thank and Safety, Security); Clinical Diagnostics Laboratory those that have worked with the Unit and have moved Services; Grants support Office (Previously called on during the same period. I wish them the best in their Research Support Office, RSO); Research Compliance careers. and Quality Assurance; Training; and Communication and Engagement. All support services except for Training Unit commissions new Research Centre and Research Compliance/Quality Assurance are under As part of the activities to commemorate the transfer the Chief Operating Officer. to LHTM, ground was broken for the construction of a Congratulations to Prof. Alison Elliott and team for £800,000 research clinic funded by the Wellcome Trust winning £1.95m from the UKRI (MRC) for work on and UK Medical Research Council. The proposed research Population difference in vaccine response (POPVAC). We Centre aims to support MRC’s mission to improve also received €750,000 from EDCTP towards Combined human health through excellent medical research. It HIV African Prevention Study (CHAPS); £500,000 has the potential to offer international research ‘Centre’ through Imperial College of Science, Technology and facilities within the vicinity of the current UVRI Campus Medicine for the Future Vaccine development work, and improve the provision of health care within Entebbe which will facilitate vaccine design technical transfer and and the wider region. infrastructure development in the Entebbe Laboratories. In August 2018 FBW Uganda Ltd were appointed to During this period, we also received €150,000 for undertake the design development for the proposed a prospective cohort study to assess the feasibility Research Centre to address the current needs of the Unit. of enrolling and retaining adolescents at risk of HIV It is hoped that construction activities will commence infection from hotspots in Kampala, Uganda- (FERDAR) before the end of 2018 and handover achieved during from EDCTP. Further funding was received from CDC 2019. through IDI towards accelerating epidemic control in The facility will comprising of mufti-functional spaces, Kampala region of Uganda under PEPFAR through scale breakrooms, open working zones, meeting space, 8 up of evidence based and high impact interventions consulting rooms, 2 nurses’ room/clinical room – flexible towards achievement of UNAIDS 90-90-90. We received for a variety of uses. The will also be provision for full- day observation room with 4 beds.
The Quartery Newsletter for the MRC/UVRI Uganda Research Unit on AIDS Heartbeat | 4 The clinic will operate on outpatient basis and will server Staff Zone: This be accessible to staff only, with the both Unit staff and the public. It will have a capacity for Administration areas having open-plan working spaces. 20 staff and114 patients per day. It will comprise of staff break room that will provide good-quality environment to encourage its use and The facility will comprise of three major zones as follows: provide a multi-functional flexible space. Public Zone: will comprise of the main entrance, reception and waiting areas, dispensing pharmacy and Previously occupied by business squatters, the proposed public washrooms and information points. This zone will site is located to the UVRI clinic and measures an be located at the front of the building. approximate area of 3310m2 . The area has been cleared of all squatters and is ready for construction. Primary Care Zone: Will accommodate the core patient contact spaces for doctors, nurses and other specialists. It will be accessed directly from the public zone, with fully controlled access to staff zone. It will also comprise of a secondary waiting area with direct access to the consulting/examination rooms. MRC Uganda Unit commended for work on HIV/AIDS
Unit staff from the Masaka and Kyamulibwa field stations engage with the Vice President Hon. Edward Ssekandi and other officials at the event in Kalungu District.
5 | Heartbeat The Quartery Newsletter for the MRC/UVRI Uganda Research Unit on AIDS The President of Uganda, H.E Yoweri to know your status and disclose progress on eliminating mother-to- Kaguta Museveni has launched the to your partner to prevent further child transmission of HIV; Ensuring Central Region Presidential Fast Track spread of HIV”. He also referred to financial sustainability for the HIV Initiative to end AIDS as a public the current statistics that show 60% response; and Ensuring institutional health threat in Uganda by 2030. of men have been tested and 52% effectiveness for a well-coordinated In his speech, read by the Vice enrolled on treatment calling for the multi-sectoral response. President Hon Edward Ssekandi, gaps to be covered. At the same event which took President Museveni appreciated the Anchored in “A Presidential place at the Kalungu Town Council role of stakeholders in the HIV/AIDS Handbook”, the initiative spells headquarters and was attended fight but noted that more needed to out plans to tackle HIV &AIDS in by representatives of Uganda’s be done to ensure that there is no Uganda through a five point plan development partners, members of more AIDS by 2030 in Uganda. which includes; Engaging men in parliament, government officials, In his remarks the President HIV prevention and close the tap on religious and district leaders as well applauded the efforts made by all new infections particularly among as International, national and local stakeholders in reducing the HIV/AIDS adolescent girls and young women; organizations involved in research, scourge in the country and urged Accelerating implementation of Test treatment and care of persons men to go for HIV testing, saying and Treat and attainment of 90-90- living with HIV, the MRC/UVRI & “men should go for HIV testing to 90 targets particularly among men LSHTM Uganda Research Unit was protect their partners; it’s important and young people; Consolidating commended by the Kalungu District leadership for being at the frontline of fighting HIV/AIDS in the district.
Unit staff illustrate to the Vice President and other officials how vaccines work
The Quartery Newsletter for the MRC/UVRI Uganda Research Unit on AIDS Heartbeat | 6 noted Hon Vincent Ssempijja the HIV, 1,041,000 people are enrolled “We are grateful to Member of Parliament for Kalungu in care and 980,954 on antiretroviral Organizations like the County East. “Their work helped us therapy. MRC which were among to understand the disease that was The MRC/UVRI and LSHTM Uganda the first ones to come killing our people and how it was Research Unit was established acquired”, he added. under an agreement between to the forefront and Over the years, Uganda has made the Ugandan and the British support the government progress in the fight against HIV. The Governments to collaborate in the in the fight against HIV/ country has registered significant research of HIV/AIDS in 1988. The reductions in new infections from Unit’s first study site was set up AIDS which was killing 135,000 in 2010 to approximately in Kyamulibwa, Kalungu district in our people in large 60,000 by 2016, in men and women. 1989. It operates an outpatient numbers”, Further to this, new infections study clinic that offers clinical among children dropped from services to over 70 patients daily 26,000 in 2010 to 4000 in 2016. Of and over 25,000 patients from 25 the 1.4 million people living with villages annually.
Children visiting the Unit's stall at the event learn about the importance of vaccines and how they work
7 | Heartbeat The Quartery Newsletter for the MRC/UVRI Uganda Research Unit on AIDS Government pledges to support HIV Vaccine development As part of the efforts to engage with stakeholders, the research, Dr. Francis Kiwewa of MUWRP informed Vaccine Interest Group in Uganda (VIG) held a dialogue the MPs that Uganda was the first African country to with Parliamentarians on the Uganda Parliamentary participate in HIV vaccine trials in 1999 and that even Forum on Quality Health Service Delivery (UPFQHSD) to without a successful vaccine, the information generated share updates on the status of the HIV epidemic as well has contributed to the global body of knowledge on as progress in the Vaccine research both globally and in vaccine development. He emphasized the gap between Uganda. the burden of disease and research that is contributed by Africa. “Well as 83% of the global HIV infections are Presiding over the dialogue, the Speaker of Parliament, in Africa, only 12% of the HIV vaccine research is being Rt. Hon. Rebecca Kadaga commended the efforts made conducted in Africa”. He attributed this to a number by the scientists and pledged increased government of factors including inadequate awareness among support. ‘As government, we are very pleased to hear community members of their role in research, myths the progress that you have made, which is in line with and misconceptions as well as insufficient resources, our vision of ensuring zero new HIV infections. We both human and financial. He called upon the MPs to pledge our support towards research to ensure that a create awareness in their respective constituencies vaccine is found to protect our people”, Kadaga said. about the importance of research and the role of the She committed to ensure that starting the next funding community members. cycle, which starts in October this year, government would contribute towards HIV Vaccine development Speaking on behalf of the VIG, Prof. Pontiano Kaleebu, funding. She further commended the VIG for reaching Director UVRI and MRC/UVRI and LSHTM Uganda out to the MP. ‘Thank you for coming close to us and Research Unit, reiterated the resource gap in Africa sharing with us the important work that goes on in the and Uganda in particular, which impacts on how much Labs’. She noted. African researchers can do. ‘Government funding towards research has grown over time but with 90% of Dr. Hannah Kibuuka of the Makerere University Walter funding still coming from international donors, there is Reed Project (MUWRP) while presenting the status still need for government to invest more in research to on HIV in Uganda noted the importance of access to build on the existing local infrastructure and capacity treatment and care by key populations. “There has been to undertake and participate in vaccine trials”. He a lot of focus and interventions targeting the most at informed the MPs that there were 2 trials that Uganda risk populations which include fisher folk and female sex was scheduled to participate in, including the first workers”, she said. There is now need to identify and ever HIV vaccine efficacy clinical trial in the country, ensure access to services like care and treatment by starting with the preparatory studies for this trial in key populations which comprise of men who have sex September in Masaka district. Both trials are funded by with men and injection drug users because research has the European and Developing Countries Clinical Trials shown that they are sources of new infections among Partnership (EDCTP), one will evaluate the safety and the general population”, she added. immunogenicity and another will test if the vaccine can Speaking about the progress made globally in HIV vaccine present HIV infection..
The Quartery Newsletter for the MRC/UVRI Uganda Research Unit on AIDS Heartbeat | 8 The Chairperson on the Uganda Parliamentary Forum on Quality Health Service Delivery (UPFQHSD), Hon. Herbert Kinobere (MP Kibuku County) commended the researchers and called on fellow MPs to become agents of change and encourage their constituents to participate in research whenever an opportunity arises. While thanking the VIG for the initiative to reach out to MPs, Hon. Rosemary Tumusiime, Woman MP for Entebbe and former member of the IAVI Community Advisory Board, noted the importance of stakeholder engagement to research.” I have been a lone voice in advocating for research for a long time among my peers, but I am grateful that following this dialogue, my colleagues have also picked interest in what you do and will become advocate for research, specifically HIV vaccine development both at policy level and within their constituencies”, she remarked.
About the VIG in Uganda The Vaccine Interest Group (VIG) is a self-coordinating entity comprised of organizations in Uganda that are leading the HIV vaccine research efforts. This group was originally convened in 1999 at the outset of Uganda’s first HIV vaccine clinical trial in order to ensure adequate communication and coordination between researchers, government, civil society, the media and other interested groups. Additionally the VIG convenes in order to plan and implement advocacy initiatives that highlight the need for an HIV vaccine. Member institutions include; The UVRI/International AIDS Vaccine Initiative (IAVI) HIV Vaccine Program, Makerere University Walter Reed Project (MUWRP), Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI) and MRC/UVRI and LSHTM Uganda Research Unit.
INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON conference was to reflect on the progress made towards FIELDWORKERS (ICF) WORKSHOP strengthening health research fieldworkers’ practices in By Deutschmann Paadeh Sub-Saharan Africa. The 3rd International Conference on Fieldworkers organized by Dodowa Health Research Centre – Ghana Delegates attending the conference received updates Accra was held in December 2017 in Accra, Ghana. on progress made towards the development of a The conference attracted a total of 35 delegates from harmonized training curriculum for fieldworkers; 13 African countries and the UK and was aimed at discussed existing strategic activities implemented in strengthening practices and support of Field Workers major international health research centers, including across Africa. The MRC/UVRI Uganda Research Unit’s policies and guidelines used to support fieldworkers’ attended and received a certificate of recognition as one scheme of service and specific continuing professional of the best presenters. development mechanisms.
The workshop was a follow-up to the 2nd International Delegates were also taken through innovative training conference on Fieldworkers which was held in November sessions that take into account the demanding ground 2015 in Fajara, hosted by the Medical Research realities of health research fieldwork, which make Council (MRC), in the Gambia. The objective of the traditional methods of training and learning less effective to use. The conference served as an opportunity for
9 | Heartbeat The Quartery Newsletter for the MRC/UVRI Uganda Research Unit on AIDS fieldwork practitioners and key stakeholders to network, discuss and identify best practices in supporting State of the art Video fieldworkers and enhancing the efficiency and Conference facility set up in harmonization of health research fieldworkers’ training in the Sub-Saharan region. Entebbe Based on the outcomes of the workshop, the following The Unit has acquired some of the latest video are the major expectations; Development of a Biomedical conferencing equipment at Entebbe. Located in Research Institutions Network in Africa; development the Science Building, the facility has a dedicated of the field workers’ Training curriculum for Biomedical Research Institutions in the sub-Saharan region; and internet connection and direct phone connected development of field workers’ training framework to be to the Mitel telephone services at LSHTM in the used by all Biomedical Research Institutions in Africa. UK. This greatly helps to avoid telephone drops Other expectations include; adoption of Field Work as a profession and initiation of a Training of Trainees (T.O.T) on the local telecom services. The facility also department among all Biomedical Research Institutions offers services like Webex, GoToMeeting and for; Biomedical Research Career Development; ease Skype for Business. community engagement, identify career challenges among community staff specifically the field workers, have an interdisciplinary, scholarly approach to develop, Services for the facility are charged at £25 per implement, and evaluate new career and professional hour or part hour. development resources.
The VC facility, which has capacity to accommodate up to 15 people, will improve communication with partners as well as between Entebbe and the field stations, while reducing on the need to travel for meetings. The facility has so far been used to conduct simultaneous online interviews with panellists in London and Uganda for candidates from as far as Panama, with great success. Several inter-station meetings have also been hosted linking the Entebbe, Kyamulibwa, Masaka and Mengo stations.
For bookings contact; [email protected]
A 5-day notice is required to set up room bookings and test equipment.
The Quartery Newsletter for the MRC/UVRI Uganda Research Unit on AIDS Heartbeat | 10 ENTEBBE SCHOOLS PARTICIPATE IN MRC’s FECTIVAL OF MEDICAL RESEARCH Unit researchers from the NCD theme and Studies on their work through public events and activities. The Asthma and allergies (SONA) participated in the 2018 MRC Festival aims to create a community of researchers MRC festival of medical research, held in June. The and staff to share and celebrate medical research and its festival comprised of visits to two secondary schools; contribution to health, the economy and society. Entebbe Air Force and Entebbe Parents’ Secondary The next MRC Festival of Medical Research will take Schools, where the teams engaged and shared with place between13 and 23 June 2019. Plan to be part of the students updates on work conducted by the Unit, it. specifically on Non Communicable Diseases (NCD) and Asthma and allergies. NEW STUDIES The SONA team, led by Dr. Milly Namutebi and Dr. Pius Study title: Stigma in Hepatitis B in Africa: Assessing Tumwesigye demonstrated the various signs and tools the Nature and Impact of Stigma in Hepatitis B Virus available for management of Asthma, with a major focus Infection in Uganda 'SHEBA' on the inhaler, which is the internationally recommended Funding: Oxford University Medical Research Council first intervention. Global Challenges Research Dr. Barnabas Natamba, from the Unit’s NDC theme gave PI: Professor Janet Seeley a talk on signs, causes, prevention and management of Diabetes Mellitus. The MRC Festival of Medical Research is an annual event where MRC-funded researchers from MRC Institutes and Units in both the UK and Africa showcase and discuss
Summary: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a substantial global public health problem, estimated to infect 270 million people worldwide with >800,000 attributable deaths each year. Vulnerable populations in Africa where HBV has been neglected, co-endemic HIV infection causes increased risk of transmission and disease and levels of education and funding are often poor. One of the current barriers to treatment and elimination is stigma. There are few data regarding the occurrence and impact of stigma for HBV in Africa, but in other infections, including HIV and tuberculosis, stigma has been shown to impede access to diagnosis and to clinical care. SHEBA involves an international collaboration of clinicians and researchers with an interest in furthering knowledge and understanding about the nature and impact of stigma in HBV infection, with a particular focus on Africa. The main objectives of this study are • To describe the perceptions of men and women about HBV infection • To establish the knowledge on HBV within the communities in the study area • To establish stigma related issues on HBV in communities within the study area. SHEBA is a longitudinal study that is going to use various qualitative research methods such as introductory group session, Transect spiral, Community Group Discussions and In Depth Interview. Study participants are going to be recruited from the GPC, Local fishing village in Masaka or Kalungu districts and a densely populated in Masaka district like Nyendo. Study title: Combined HIV African PrEP and Prevention Study: The Acceptability and Feasibility of providing daily and On-Demand PrEP to Adolescent Boys and Girls ‘CHAPS’ Funding: EDCTP PI: Professor Janet Seeley
11 |Heartbeat The Quartery Newsletter for the MRC/UVRI Uganda Research Unit on AIDS Summary: Defining the prevention needs, motivations and gender dynamics in adolescents who find it difficult to access support during this vulnerable time of their lives, is essential to successful PrEP implementation. Therefore the main aim of the CHAPS study is to enhance HIV prevention services by optimising the use, delivery and access to PrEP and Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) for adolescent boys and girls in sub-Saharan Africa. We will assess perceptions and feasibility of implementation of daily and on-demand PrEP among adolescents in areas of high HIV incidence in Uganda, South Africa and Zimbabwe. From this, we will develop cultural- and age- and gender-appropriate risk reduction understanding for pre-teens and adolescents at risk of HIV acquisition. By studying adolescents in three sub-Saharan African countries we hope to define continent and local themes to reach this hard to reach group, understand their vulnerabilities and barriers to prevent HIV acquisition and identify obstacles to accessing healthcare systems necessary prevention support. CHAPS is a cross sectional mixed methodology socio behavioral research study. Group discussions (GDs) and In-depth interviews (IDIs) will be conducted to collect exploratory qualitative data to assess the perceptions towards daily and on-demand PrEP amongst HIV negative, sexually active young people aged 13-24 years. The participants will be recruited using community leaders and Village health teams in fishing communities.
Study title: An in-depth understanding of the metabolic and immunologic profile of newly diagnosed adult diabetic patientsin Uganda: the Uganda Diabetic Phenotype (UDIP) study. Funding: NCD theme, MRC/UVRI and LSHTM Uganda Research Unit PI: Dr. Davis Kibirige
Summary: An in-depth understanding of the African diabetic phenotype is integral to inform the choice of optimal therapeutic approaches and targeted preventive strategies of diabetes mellitus in clinical practice. The primary objective of the UDIP study is to describe the metabolic and immunologic profile of newly diagnosed adult patients with DM in Uganda in order to fully understand the unique diabetic phenotype of black African patients. This is a multi-centre cross sectional study that will be carried out at Mulago National Referal hospital, Entebbe Grade B, Nsambya hospital, Nkozi hospital, Kitovu hospital and Kisubi hospital. A total sample size of 700 participants will be recruited. The data derived from this study will be invaluable in guiding the formulation of optimal diabetes treatment guidelines and targeted preventive strategies for the black African diabetic population. This is a PHD study for Dr. Davis Kibirige.
Study title: Evidence Based Inclusive Education for Children with Disabilities in Wakiso district, Uganda. Funding: Flemish Interuniversity Council and NORAD through the International Federation for Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus PI: Dr Femke Bannick Mbazzi
The Quartery Newsletter for the MRC/UVRI Uganda Research Unit on AIDS Heartbeat | 12 Summary: Uganda has a wide range of laws and policies around disability and inclusion, implementation remains lacking because of limited budget resource allocation, discriminatory attitudes and behaviour, a gap in implementation of the regulatory framework, lack of coordination between government and civil society, and a fragmented programmatic approach (UNICEF, 2014). This project aims to build capacity in the academic institution Kyambogo university and 10 schools in Wakiso district to ensure implementation of the in 2008 ratified Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), the Universal Primary Education policy and the Education for All initiative (1997), the Accessibility Standards (Uganda National Action on Physical Disability, & Ministry of Gender Labour and Social Development, 2010). It also aims to strengthen the collaboration between schools and health services.
In total 10 general primary schools, spread over Wakiso district, ranging from public schools to private schools will be selected to ensure children with disabilities from all socio-economic levels and geographical locations in the district can access inclusive primary education. Within the schools 30 children with disabilities aged 8 to 14 years will be recruited and followed over a period of 24 months. In addition, 30 peers of the same age without disabilities in the respective schools will be recruited to participate in the intervention. To measure participation and attitudes 60 teachers, and 30 parents and caregivers of the recruited children will be interviewed.
This study is expected to inform a larger intervention to inform policy and practice on inclusive education. REFLECTION ON MY INTERNSHIP EXPERIENCE AT MRC/UVR & LSHTM Uganda Research Unit My hope was that an internship opportunity would help me build necessary experience in real world situations. Benjamin Ssekimpi Musoke Procurement Trainee First, I would be able to see and experience the concepts that I had learned throughout my life if I happened to Every human being in this world has their individuality land at Medical Research council (MRC/UVRI) Entebbe. and have their own way of living. However, in today's This would give me a chance to reflect upon what I had competitive world, only the ones that can distinguish learned in the past. On the other hand, I would be able to themselves from this broad and general category are gain important insights of working with more experienced the highly successful ones. And any person, who has the personnel. I would be able to utilize their experience as a ability to be very patient, is hard working and has enough guide to correct my mistakes and discovering more skills self-motivation, is also most likely to be successful. that might be needed in future roles. Since childhood, I always tried to be unique in what I As I nervously entered the cold building that Monday am and the way I look at the world. Unlike most of my morning unsure of where to report, my palms slowly peers, my goals have been set for a while. I decided to became sweaty and I seemed develop shortness of pursue my goals in the field of procurement, supply breath as I was anticipating my first day of work with a chain and logistics right after my UACE exams in the group of people I had never met and in a place I was most well-established University in the nation; Makerere unfamiliar with. As I found my way I re-introduced myself University. Three years down the road I got home to face to the training coordinator Mr. Moses Kizza whom the real world. The current scarcity of jobs whether real I had telephoned the week before. Someone I later or perceived hit me and I set myself on a path to search discovered was a fellow intern then took around me for internship opportunities to primarily keep me busy, to my workstation. As I got to my colleagues I seemed while building my experience. An internship placement to slowly descend from my state of edginess and with a well-established is a brilliant source of knowledge.
13 |Heartbeat The Quartery Newsletter for the MRC/UVRI Uganda Research Unit on AIDS nervousness. I started to feel as if I belonged, I was now few weeks in procurement was enjoyable for me as an official member of MRC. I saw it as if I was more than it did make me use all the techniques I learned at an employee of the company but an exclusive member University in every stream of tendering. of a working class community. I am happy that I have had the opportunity to use all My internship at the MRC/UVRI Uganda Research Unit of my theoretical knowledge and applied them to real‐ began on the 28th of August 2017; I was attached to life situations. Through experience and observation, the stores department, and later on in February i joined another valuable lesson that I’ve learnt while here the procurement department; 8months down and still was that in projects, especially when working on counting. It’s a standard office job which meant 8am procurements of certain projects is that, things can to 5pm with a lunch break. I was assigned to a group change very quickly and dramatically. Another lesson of 3 gentlemen in the stores and later a team of 4 who I learned through this was that if there are any ran the work order and procurement department of uncertainties, for example if items chosen for a certain the company. My immediate manager was Epaphras aspect of a project were unsuitable, it always has to Tumuhimbise and later on Isaac Odong. be checked numerous times with the end user before any conclusions are made. During this work experience at MRC, I’m fortunate enough to have experienced firsthand and I have found this workplace diverse from what I had learnt, many different sides of what goes on in a observed working elsewhere. There are accountants, research organization. As a procurement student, I was scientists, Doctors, project leaders, statisticians, very much interested in what procurement does and how administrators etc. all working here. This large range it ends up being stored. Another lesson I’ve learnt is the of people have different strengths and qualifications different types of work a procurement personnel has to and they work together and organize their work in perform which in turn has provided me with more insight sync with one another so that work flows and they into the different types of roles and responsibilities that I are able to complete their work efficiently in order could perform following this career line. to support research. This in turn, helps the workplace become better as a team and therefore creates a good My colleagues were very open and happy for me to working environment. Overall, my work experience here contribute as much as I was able to, and were open has been positive. I am very happy with the amount of to suggestions and ideas. This instantly made me feel things that I have learnt and experienced in these so comfortable and definitely made me feel as though as I far eight months being a procurement trainee with MRC. was part of the team. During the first few weeks of work ,I was overwhelmed by the work and responsibilities that I strongly commend MRC for this exercise as it does were placed on me but with the help of my colleagues provide students with the experience needed in who had years of experience in this industry, I felt more order to find a job later on (even if the experience confident and supported as I knew my work would be is over a short amount of time). Also, it can be very double checked and any uncertainties were explained. beneficial as it could lead to a more permanent By observing and learning from them, I managed to position. I have learnt a lot more than I thought I pick up tips and learned different types of skills, from would be able to in the time span, and my hard learning to communicate and deal with suppliers, to work is yet to pay off . I am so happy, and proud that reading and deciphering many different types of end I have completed my course, graduated and I can now user requirements. Working on tenders for the first call myself a budding procurement practitioner.
The Quartery Newsletter for the MRC/UVRI Uganda Research Unit on AIDS Heartbeat | 14 What I have learnt: I’m not alone: Coming into this position, I felt that I had no idea where my career was going and I lacked confidence about what I could do and what I am really good at. My internship has definitely given me a better understanding of my skill set and where my career may take me, but most importantly, I’ve come to learn that I am not alone. This job has taught me that almost everybody is in my same position. Very few college students know what they want to do, and it is something that is simply not worth worrying about. I know that if I continue to work hard things will fall into place.
To keep writing: This was huge for me. I always want to leave a mark and I have always enjoyed writing, and always felt that I was pretty good at it. Yet, what this position taught me is that I really didn’t have the writing skills I thought I had. Writing takes practice and I simply was not practicing enough. Writing to publish and writing an average research paper could not be more different. I had to learn to adapt a new tone with my writing, something that took a little getting used to. This position kept me writing something new every day, and I can say that my writing has improved drastically.
How to behave in the office: Although not being my first position in an office atmosphere, I still didn’t know exactly what to expect here. The environment at the Unit is quite relaxed, yet it taught me how to behave in the workplace. Simply working in the office and getting used to everything here has definitely prepared me for whatever my next position may be. Just observing the everyday events has taught me more about teamwork, and how people can come together to get things done. Although sometimes I have to remind myself to listen to my inner voice, I feel I’ve adapted to the office life relatively well.
How to build my resume: Like I said, this internship has improved my skills a ton, both off and on paper. I didn’t realize it all of this time, but this position serves not only as a positive learning experience, but a resume builder as well. I came into this with a resume that was basically naked, but I have had many updates to do. My resume doesn’t need a makeover, it needs to be restarted from scratch, and that’s a good thing! I underestimated how much work I will be doing that actually translates to my resume.
As I leave this here, I want to thank anyone who has taken time to read this article, and I’d also like to thank everyone here at MRC who has helped me out. This has truly been a great learning experience and I’ll be forever indebted to those who kept giving me a hand here. To my fellow colleagues out there, as far as your internship goes, remember to always be friendly, work hard, and ask questions ; always ask questions. I hope that you come away from your internship with as much as I am doing. Thanks and God bless you.
15 |Heartbeat The Quartery Newsletter for the MRC/UVRI Uganda Research Unit on AIDS Leavers and Joiners Full Name Job Title Station 1.Epaineto Kamya Senior Maintenance Engineer Entebbe 2.Florence Galiwango Accounts Officer Entebbe 3.Christine Onduru Nursing Officer Mengo 4.Sarah Nantongo Enrolled Nurse Mengo 5.Kenneth Collins Mawanda Study Clerk Masaka 6.Zabroni Ainebyona Counsellor Masaka
7.Godfrey Wakasadha Counsellor Masaka
8.Vicent Ddamba Driver Masaka
9.Ronnie Kato Lubwama Driver 10.Michael Muganga Kikonyogo Lab Tech Entebbe 11.Timothy Miiro Office Attendant Mengo 12.Isaac Odong Senior Procurement Officer Entebbe 13.Sarah Nakazibwe Administrative Assistant Mengo
14.John Obi Aheisibwe Clinical Officer Kyamu
The Quartery Newsletter for the MRC/UVRI Uganda Research Unit on AIDS Heartbeat | 16 Joiners
Full Name Job Title Station 1.Joan Ritar Kasidi Field Worker/Interviewer Entebbe 2.Esther Awino Field Worker/Interviewer Entebbe 3.Catherine Nakawungu Field Worker Entebbe 4.Sarah Nandaula Nursing Officer Entebbe 5.Francis Ssentongo Laboratory Technologist Entebbe 6.Agnes Nafuna Study Clerk Entebbe 7.Brenda Musubika Field Worker Entebbe 8.Isaac Samuel Kintu Clinical Officer Entebbe 9.Denis Kibuuka Field Worker/Interviewer Entebbe 10.Jane Nansamba Field Worker/Interviewer Entebbe 11.Denis Mayambala Field Worker/Interviewer Entebbe 12.Andrew Ssemata Sentoogo Scientist B Entebbe 13.Carol Nabunjo Accounts Officer Entebbe 14.Joel Kibirige Accounts Officer Entebbe 15.Geoffrey Odoch Assistant Lab Technologist Entebbe 16.Sheila Kansiime Statistician Entebbe 17.Brian Arineitwe Field Worker Entebbe 18.Mike Ddumba Field Worker Entebbe 19.Paul Oketch Field Worker Entebbe 20.Nicholas Larok Study Clerk Entebbe 21.Sarah Nabikolo Study Clerk Entebbe 22.Esther Naluyiga Study Clerk Entebbe 23.Rose Namaganda Counsellor Entebbe 24.Isaac Kitabye Field Worker/Interviewer Entebbe 25.Femke Bannink Mbazzi Post Doc Researcher Entebbe 26.Simon Gwapa Kimuda Post Doctorial Scientist Entebbe 27.Harriet Nambejja Field Worker Entebbe 28.Josephine Birungi Senior Scientist Entebbe 29.Vincent Arumadri Lab Technologist Entebbe 30.Paul Kasubi Clinical Officer Entebbe 31.Susan Amongi Nursing Officer Entebbe 32.Joselyne Nansimbe Medical Officer Kampala 33.Fortunate Natwijuka Laboratory Technologist Entebbe 34.Caleb Kusilika Field Worker Masaka 35.Elly Walugembe Field Worker Kampala 36.Hubert Nkabura Field Worker Kampala 37.Stewart Ssentayi Field Worker Kampala
17 |Heartbeat The Quartery Newsletter for the MRC/UVRI Uganda Research Unit on AIDS 38.Jennifer Serwanga Senior Scientist Entebbe 39.David Serunjogi Field Worker Kampala 40.Bernard Mpairwe Scientist B Kampala 41.Caroline Onen Enrolled Midwife Entebbe 42.Caroline Ninsiima Nursin Officer Entebbe 43.Josephine Tumusiime Nursing Officer Entebbe 44.Jessica Frida Kataike Clinical Officer Kampala 45.Esther Nakazibwe Sanyu Enrolled Midwife Entebbe 46.Barbara Apule Nursing Officer Entebbe 47.Marble Naluwooza Field Worker/Health Communicator Entebbe 48.Samuel Tumwesigire Medical Officer Entebbe 49.John Baptist Sseruwu Driver/Mechanic Kampala 50.Tonny Katongole Field Worker/Health Communicator Entebbe 51.Rebecca Nagawa Office Attendant Kampala 52.Shamim Nabukenya Data Manager Masaka 53.Denis Ndekezi Field Worker Entebbe 54.Rehema Nagawa Field Worker/Interviewer Kampala 55.Benjamin Ssekimpi Musoke Procurement Assistant Entebbe
The Quartery Newsletter for the MRC/UVRI Uganda Research Unit on AIDS Heartbeat | 18 The Quartery Newsletter for the MRC/UVRI Uganda Research Unit on AIDS VOL. 12, ISSUE 1 - Oct, 2018
Entebbe MRC/Uganda Virus Research Unit on AIDS C/O Uganda Virus Research Institute Plot 51- 59 Nakiwogo Road - Entebbe
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