Ms. Anna Maria Gwokyalya (MBChB IV), CHS, Makerere University (R) receives the ‘Student Innovation of the Year’ trophy at the Heroes in Health Awards (HIHA) held 12th November 2021 at Kampala Serena Hotel. Courtesy Photo.
A team of students led by Ms. Anna Maria Gwokyalya – 4th year student of Medicine and Surgery at the College of Health Sciences (MakCHS), Makerere University won the award of ‘Student Innovation of the Year’ at the Heroes in Health Awards (HIHA) held on the 12th November, 2021. Her innovation was a book “The Mugishas’ COVID-19 Tale” designed to help children be more involved in the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic.
Inaugurated in 2019, The Heroes in Health Awards (HIHA) is a public private initiative adopted by the Ministry of Health with the support of Xtraordinary Media to offer opportunity to members of the public to motivate Uganda’s excellent health sector players, recognize and encourage new innovations that will transform our health care system.
Anna Maria shares the experience of the team in an interview below:
Tell us more about your team
We are a team of five students who have worked on numerous research projects and online campaigns to increase awareness of Antimicrobial Resistance under ARSU (Antimicrobial Resistance Stewardship Uganda). Whereas I was the leader of this comic book project, it’s the brainchild of the entire team, an indicator of respect, mutuality and friendship.
Describe your innovation and what motivated you to work on it
This book entitled, “The Mugishas’ COVID-19 Tale” contains fascinating illustrations with simplified information on symptoms, transmission and prevention of COVID-19 that includes both observation of the standard operating procedures and vaccination.
A photo of the HIHA 2021 ‘Student Innovation of the Year’ Award-winning book.
The book is a means of creating awareness on COVID-19 disease and its prevention among children below 12 years, a vulnerable group that is not eligible for vaccination (as per Uganda’s Vaccination Guidelines) against this disease, we designed the book to help children be more involved in the fight against this disease.
Infection prevention and control is not only pertinent to fighting Antimicrobial Resistance but also to promotion of health and wellbeing of the people. Writing this book is our contribution to controlling of infection as well as prevention, an important aspect of primary health care.
What is the impact of the book from your perspective?
Since the comic book is very illustrative and appealing to the eye, we anticipate that the children will gain knowledge on COVID-19 as they enjoy the illustrations. We also hope that they will be agents of change through sharing this knowledge with their peers both at home and at school, protecting them against the disease in the long run.
The wording on Ms. Gwokyalya’s trophy.
What is your advice to others about new ideas and innovations?
My advice is drawn from two quotes;
Quote 1: “Find something you’re passionate about and keep tremendously interested in it.” – Anonymous
Quote 2: “Teamwork is the secret that makes common people achieve uncommon results” –Ifeanyi Enoch Onucha
Innovations by MakCHS Research teams were exhibited at the HIHA Awards as well. These included:
VITEX (Medical Assistance Tool): Vitex is an integrated system that utilizes antimicrobial and affordable 3D plastics made out of 80% waste plastic, making it eco-friendly. The device sterilises wards up to 99.9%, thus preventing nosocomial infections by employing powerful pulsating U.V engine and spots latest in artificial intelligence to improve patient care and practitioner assistance.
VITEX – a Medical Assistance Tool designed by Dr. Justine Nnakate Bukenya (PI), Ainembabazi Samantha, Joeltta Nabungye, Kiirya Arnold, Mugisha Gift Arnold
Vitex is intended to improve health professionals’ quality of work by reducing workload and deters transmission of highly contagious infections such as COVID-19. It also improves access to vital medical literature, facilitates electronic consultation, service delivery in the medical environment, including carrying out consistent patient monitoring and reducing prescription/medication errors.
The device spots a Powerful Artificial Intelligence package that incorporates Intel RealSense, auto-follow, video capture, touch & voice control, playful expressions, and personality to keep patients in a cheerful mood. Vitex includes over-the-air updates making it viable for endless integration, including providing seamless data access for important time-sensitive decision-making through elaborate integrations.
Part of Team VITEX enjoys a photo moment with Dr. Sabrina Kitaka at HIHA 2021 on 12th November 2021.
Team: Dr. Justine Nnakate Bukenya (PI), Ainembabazi Samantha, Joeltta Nabungye, Kiirya Arnold, Mugisha Gift Arnold
The Early Preeclampsia Detection Strip (EPED Strip): The Early Preeclampsia Detection (EPED) Strip is a urine-based point-of-care detection strip for preeclampsia that pregnant women can use at home to self-screen for the condition. Preeclampsia is a maternal condition characterized by high blood pressure of 140/90mmHg and proteinuria after 20 weeks of pregnancy. Worldwide the condition is responsible for over 500,000 infant deaths and 70,000 maternal deaths annually. By seeking medical care at the early onset of preeclampsia, the condition can be appropriately monitored and controlled, thereby reducing the detrimental health impacts of undiagnosed preeclampsia which is a health burden to LMICs. Thus, the EPED strip is being designed to diagnose this condition early and functions very similar to a pregnancy test where urine is applied to one end of the strip, and pulled across it by capillary attraction to where antibodies specific to the biomarkers are immobilized. In the reaction matrix there are two lines, a test line and a control line. The presence or absence of the control and test lines indicates the presence or absence of the captured conjugates. This is designed with adaptation from the existing lateral flow assay (LFA) technology. While the primary goal of the EPED strip is to be a home-based early detection tool, the EPED strip can also be used to assist the diagnosis of preeclampsia in a clinical setting from large-scale national hospitals to remote health clinics.
Team:Prof Paul Kiondo (PI), Brian Matovu, Zoe Ssekyonda, Calvin Abonga, Olivia Peace Nabuuma, Dr. Robert Ssekitoleko
The Maternal PPH Wrap: The maternal PPH wrap; a wearable device strapped around the mother’s waist; affordable compared to the other devices that is able to carry out external compression of the uterus through the abdominal wall in order to stimulate myometrium contraction. The design is based on already used bimanual uterine compression techniques which are manually done by qualified and skilled personnel.
Despite the number of interventions, postpartum haemorrhage still remains the leading cause of maternal death globally. Most of the interventions that are recommended under standard clinical practical guidelines such as uterotonic drugs, therapeutic devices or even surgery are unavailable in the communities of low and middle income countries including Uganda simply because they are unaffordable and most times require qualified/skilled personnel and highly sterile environments.
The device will rely on an inflatable rubber bag to provide the pressure to do the sustained compression. The inflation will be done using a bulb similar to the one used by a sphygmomanometer. This is way less labour intensive than the procedure of bimanual uterine compression. The overall aim Is to create an efficient device that is affordable in Uganda and all developing countries’ healthcare markets as a leading lifesaver of mothers.
I am pleased to present our annual report. Throughout the past year, MakSPH-METS Program has remained steadfast in its mission to strengthen Uganda’s capacity for HIV and TB programming through strengthening robust health information systems, surveillance, and quality improvement initiatives.
MakSPH leverages its team of expertise in public health to guide program strategies, strengthen national capacity for data collection, analysis, and use. The innovations developed are solutions for health system challenges and they generate evidence that can be used to inform policy and practice.
MakSPH-METS provides technical support to MoH, RRHs, implementing partners at different health system levels.
Our collaborative approach, working closely with the Government of Uganda and various stakeholders, has enabled us to make significant strides in building sustainable health information systems and improvingthe quality of healthcare delivery. The achievements highlighted in this report reflect our commitment to strengthen health systems through development and implementation of innovative and impactful evidence- based solutions.
As we look to the future, I am confident that the METS Program will continue to play a pivotal role in strengthening Uganda’s health systems through several initiatives.
Operationalising a sustainability plan through transitioning of the developed innovations to the Ministry of Health for ownership.
Disease outbreak management will be strengthened through continued capacity building for emergency response and optimization of existing integrated disease surveillance systems. The field teams will facilitate seamless coordination across health system levels to build sustainable and resilient health systems capable of effectively responding to public health emergencies.
Lastly, we continue to strengthen collaboration with government, enhance coordination with implementing partners and promoting integration of health services.
Our dedicated team of professionals, combined with the unwavering support from our partners and stakeholders, positions us well to address emerging health challenges and advance our nation’s public health goals. The innovative solutions and capacity-building initiatives highlighted in this report demonstrate not only our progress but also our potential for greater impact in the years ahead.
Makerere University Biomedical Engineering Unit under the Department of Physiology is glad to advertise for positions under its new Project ‘KeyScope Project: The Key to Sustainable Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment in Uganda.”
Laparoscopic surgery is considered as the standard of care for cancer treatment in high-income countries. However, this technology is rarely accessible to LMICs due to the high cost of installment, lack of maintenance personnel, unreliable electricity, and shortage of consumable supplies. To address these concerns, a unique multidisciplinary collaboration between engineers, surgeons, oncologists, and business experts from Duke University, Makerere University, Uganda Cancer Institute and University of Maryland joined efforts to develop a low-cost, durable laparoscopic system (KeySuite) for use in resource- constrained environments.
Our aims are aligned to demonstrating the local capacity to manufacture, acquire local and international regulatory approval, determine clinical performance and distribute/sell the KeyScope to the local market. Specifically, we shall improve the current design and determine the local capacity to manufacture the device, establish the clinical safety and acceptability of the product, and obtain regulatory approval from local and international accredited bodies.
Position: Junior Research Fellow
Reports to: Project Coordinator
Engagement: Full time
Duration: 1 year renewable upon satisfactory performance
Duty Station: Kampala
Roles and responsibilities
As a trainee, a Junior Research Fellow will closely work with a research team to undergo training design, manufacturing and validation of the KeyScope. This is a non-degree/no-credit training opportunity that will prepare the successful candidate for advanced studies and future industry work in an upcoming medical technology sector of Uganda and Africa at large.
Specifically the Fellow will;
Participate in the local construction of the KeyScope through material assessment and selection, developing a product manufacturing plan, and carrying out an impact assessment.
Aid in the establishment of clinical safety and acceptability of the KeyScope through the use of a feasibility study to secure approvals, recruit patients and surgeons.
Contribute to the process of attaining regulatory approval from a certified body for the KeyScope.
Contribute to the development of a commercialization plan under training and mentorship of a Business Developer.
Actively engage in project documentation, questionnaire and ethics protocol development, journal article writing and publication, report writing.
Conduct key informant interviews, administer questionnaires, and verbatim transcription of interview recordings.
Participate in data collection and analysis using digital and paper-based tools.
Participate and contribute to teaching and student mentorship.
Engage with the research partners and stakeholders.
Any other activities as assigned by the Principal Investigator, and Project Coordinator (Immediate Supervisor) from time to time.
Qualifications:
Completed a Bachelor’s Degree in Biomedical Engineering or any closely related field and at least awaiting graduation in not more than 6 months from an accredited University in Uganda.
If completed, candidate must not have graduated more than 1 year ago.
Academic qualifications of having attained or expecting at least expecting a second-class upper division degree.
Experience in Human-Centered Design skills and Design Thinking will be highly considered.
Prior experience in working with international multidisciplinary teams and organizations.
Experience of previous work on laparoscopy is a plus.
Evidence of prior interest for research, design, innovation and medical device manufacturing.
Applicant should have a desire to work with different fabrication techniques.
Ability to multitask and perform duties in learning environment with minimum supervision
Excellent scientific writing skills and a good command of communication skills.
How to Apply:
All suitably qualified and interested candidates should submit a one-page cover letter, one-page writing sample, CV (maximum 3 pages) with relevant certificates, transcripts & two reference letters as a single digitally signed PDF file addressed to the Project PI and emailed to keyscopeu01@gmail.com by 17:00hours on 18th April 2025. Indicate, “KeyScope Project” in the subject line. Those awaiting graduation should send their most recent testimonials. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.
Makerere University School of Public Health (MakSPH) is honored to host a distinguished delegation from Karolinska Institutet (KI) for a two-day administrative exchange, part of our 25 years of a flourishing partnership between Makerere University (Mak) and Karolinska Institutet.
Fostering Administrative Synergies
The visiting team, led by Therese Lind, head of administration at KI’s Department of Global Public Health, comprising HR specialist Sofia Öhlund-Fingal, Sonia Hammi, project manager, Kseniya Hartvigsson, communications officer CESH, and Anna Hansson, project manager, Grants Office—engaged in:
Discussions on research administration and financial management
Knowledge sharing on operational challenges and best practices
Exploring funding opportunities with major donors
The visit covered grants management, procurement, financial systems, and joint application strategies to enhance efficiency and academic exchanges. The team also toured key university facilities, including the historic Main Building, the state-of-the-art MakSPH auditorium, and the construction site, to witness the institution’s growth.
A Legacy of Collaboration
Since 2000, this partnership, Mak-KI, has yielded:
49 PhD graduates through the Sida-supported doctoral program
Reciprocal exchanges benefiting 254 students and 153 faculty members
The Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Health, established during the pandemic
This visit reinforces our commitment to strengthening institutional capacity and driving impactful research. We extend our sincere appreciation to the KI team and look forward to continued collaboration.