We have promoted collaborations across institutions in Uganda and the US by involving interdisciplinary teams in ImS training.
Through the ImS program, we brought together a multidisciplinary team of 10 faculty from the Colleges of Humanities and Social Sciences and Health sciences for research training in Behavioral and Social Science Research (BSSR). Led by Drs. Kamya, Katahoire and Camlin, the BSSR group won a five-year training grant (D43TW011304) titled “Strengthening Behavioral and Social Science Research capacity to address evolving challenges in HIV care and prevention in Uganda”.
Our collaborators at UCSF have also co-mentored, co-authored papers and written grant proposals with trainees. Four of our trainees have co-authored papers with UCSF faculty. Some of our trainees and Ugandan program faculty (Drs. Achilles Katamba, Irene Ayakaka, Aggrey Semeere, Fred Semitala and Nelson Kalema) are co-facilitators on the UCSF Online Certificate in ImS program. Drs. Semitala and Semeere teach the introduction to implementation science while Drs. Katamba and Ayakaka teach community engagement.
Infectious Disease Research Collaboration (IDRC)
The Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration (IDRC) is a non-profit research organization which conducts research in various infectious diseases including Malaria, HIV and Tuberculosis. It was established in May 2008 by scientists from Makerere University’s College of Health Sciences (MaKCHS); University of California, San Francisco and Ministry of Health-Uganda. Its research work has led to the publication over 300 papers that have impacted on the management of infectious diseases in Uganda.
Makerere University Joint AIDS Program (MJAP)
MJAP is private-not-for-profit company limited by guarantee under Makerere University College of Health Sciences (MakCHS), working towards consolidation of the model for provision of the full continuum of HIV/AIDS and TB prevention, care and treatment services whilst contributing to national health systems strengthening for delivery of quality services. MJAP supports the provision of comprehensive HIV/AIDS services in Mulago, and Butabika National Teaching Referral Hospitals and Makerere University Hospital.
University of California San Francisco (UCSF)
UCSF is a public land-grant research university in San Francisco, California. It is part of the University of California system and is dedicated entirely to health science. It conducts research and teaching in medical and biological sciences. In 2021, UCSF attracted the 4th highest research funding from the National Institutes of Health and was ranked as the third best medical school for research in the US by U.S. News & World Report in 2022.
Makerere University Infectious Diseases Institute
IDI was established in 2002 in Uganda by the Academic Alliance for AIDS Care and Prevention in Africa. This alliance comprised of three infectious diseases experts from Uganda and North America whose vision was to rid Africa the burden of infectious diseases. In 2004, ownership of the Institute was transferred from the Alliance to Makerere University. Today, a thriving IDI plays an integral role in the Ugandan health care system with a strong emphasis on research and capacity development to manage infectious diseases.
Ministry of Health (MoH) - Uganda
MoH is a government body responsible for policy review and development, supervision of health sector activities, setting standards and quality assurance for health-related matters, and ensuring health equity and fairness in contribution towards the cost of health care. Its vision is to provide the highest possible level of health services to all people in Uganda through delivery of promotive, preventive, curative, palliative and rehabilitative health services at all levels
Makerere University College of Health Sciences (MakCHS)
MakCHS was established in 1924 as the Makerere University Medical School until 2008 when Makerere University began a major institutional change that led to the creation of the College. It is the oldest medical training University unit in East Africa and comprises of four schools and over 40 departments. The College runs several undergraduate and post-graduate programs and is a leader in health research in the East African region; working with both academic and other partners, both local and international.