Health

Researchers call for interventions to support HIV/AIDS prevention among University Students

Published

3 years ago

November 23, 2022

Zaam Ssali

Group photo of Study team and Participants at the Dissemination meeting.

Researchers at Makerere University College of Health Sciences have given recommendations on how the education and health sectors can support HIV/AIDS prevention among students.

The researchers advised that the health sector should develop communication strategies and materials specific to university students and increase support to provide youth-friendly HIV prevention services at universities. The education sector working with University management should include: life skill programs during orientation of new students; HIVST delivery through peers and freshman orientations; Increase sensitization & access to PEP/PrEP by high-risk students; and update and disseminate institutional HIV policies.

The recommendations were made at a dissemination meeting for a study titled ‘HIV risk and factors associated with use of novel prevention interventions among female students at Makerere University’ held on the 30^th September 2022 at the Food Science & Technology Hall, Makerere University Campus.The study funded by Government of Uganda through the Makerere University Research & Innovations Fund (MakRIF) was conducted by Dr. Lorraine Oriokot (Principal Investigator), Dr. Ivan Segawa, Dr. Sabrina Bakeera-Kitaka, Dr. Andrew Mujugira and Ms. Sharon Okello.

The objectives of the study were: to know the percentage of female students at risk of HIV; and to know the characteristics of students that have used the newer HIV prevention methods, which are HIV self-testing; Pre-exposure prophylaxis; and Post-exposure prophylaxis.

A total of 534 female students with an average age of 22years completed the survey. The results and findings of the study were:

Behavioural characteristics (12% of the respondents were in multiple sexual relationships; 21% of the respondents had a partner ≥ 10 years from their age; 29% of the respondents used emergency contraceptive (in the past 6 months); 21% of the respondents had never tested for HIV; and 10% of the respondents believed that they were at high risk for HIV)
The study considered a person was high risk if they: Had a partner who was HIV positive; Had multiple sexual relationships, anal or transactional sex; Used drugs especially injectable drugs; Had 2 or more sexually transmitted episodes in one year; Were pregnant or breast feeding; Were or had partners who sex workers, fishermen, long-distance truck driver, boda-boda rider, or army officers
Overall, 21% students were deemed high risk for HIV; 19% of students had ever used HIV self-test kits; 64% had ever heard of oral HIVST; 93% were willing to use HIVST; HIVST was more likely to be used by older students; HIVST can bridge the HIV testing gaps among students
80% had ever tested for HIV far below the global targets of 95%; Self-test kits are freely available at the University Hospital; Test kits can be purchased over-the-counter in pharmacies
For PEP it was found that:3% of students had ever used PEP; 9% among those eligible for PEP; 70% had ever heard of PEP; 65% were willing to use PEP; PEP use was linked to having a partner and high-self risk perception; PEP is currently the only way to reduce the risk of HIV infection in an individual who has been exposed to HIV; PEP is available at Makerere University Hospital at no cost
For PreP it was found that:1% of students had ever used PrEP; 2% among high-risk students; 45% had ever heard of PrEP; 52% were willing to use PrEP; PrEP has been linked with decreased new infections of HIV; PreP is currently available as oral tablets. Vaginal rings and injectable forms are being tested for wide roll out; and PrEP is available at KCCA health facilities and facilities offering HIV care.

Related Topics:dissemination HIV/AIDS KCCA Mak-RIF PEP policies PrEP prevention students testing

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Announcement: 2026 Intake – Certificate in Applied Health Systems Research

Published

1 week ago

May 6, 2026

Mak Editor

Announcement: 2026 Intake – Certificate in Applied Health Systems Research. Photo: Nano Banana 2

Makerere University School of Public Health invites applications for the 2026 intake of the Certificate in Applied Health Systems Research, a short, intensive virtual programme designed for professionals working at the intersection of research, policy, and health system practice.

Why this course matters

Health system challenges are rarely linear. They are shaped by institutional complexity, political realities, and competing stakeholder interests. In many cases, the issue is not the absence of evidence, but the difficulty of producing research that is relevant, timely, and usable within real decision-making environments. This course is designed to address that gap, equipping participants to generate and apply evidence that responds to actual system constraints.

Apply via: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1SjPWK37nZGuLb25S2X6d9NPtME2AKlEW_kJjCimivhY/viewform?ts=6821a62d&edit_requested=true

What you will gain

Participants will develop the ability to:

frame research problems grounded in real system conditions
analyse complex interactions within health systems
design policy-relevant and methodologically sound studies
translate findings into actionable insights for decision-making

Course format and key details

The programme runs virtually from 6^th to 17^th July 2026 (2:00–5:45 PM EAT) and combines interactive sessions, applied learning, and expert-led discussions across:

systems thinking and problem framing
research design and mixed methods
evidence use in policy and practice

For full course details:https://sph.mak.ac.ug/program-post/certificate-in-health-systems-research/

Who should apply

This course is suited for:

Researchers and graduate students
Policy analysts and programme managers
Health practitioners involved in planning, implementation, or evaluation

Fees

Ugandan participants: UGX 740,000
International participants: USD 250

Application Deadline: 14 June 2026

Please find the course details below:

2026-Intake-–-Certificate-in-Applied-Health-Systems-Research Download

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Health

WHO Report Highlights Global Drowning Burden as MakSPH Contributes to Evidence and Action

Published

1 week ago

May 6, 2026

John Okeya

Demonstration of emergency medical procedures performed by the Uganda Red Cross Society at the first-ever National Water Safety Swimming Gala organised by the Ministry of Water and Environment at Greenhill Academy in Kibuli on March 21, 2026. Photo: Makerere University School of Public Health (MakSPH), Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Makerere University School of Public Health, through its Centre for the Prevention of Trauma, Injury and Disability, contributed to the Global Status Report on Drowning Prevention 2024, the first comprehensive global assessment of drowning burden, risk factors, and country-level responses.

Published by the World Health Organisation, the report estimates that approximately 300,000 people died from drowning in 2021, with the highest burden in low- and middle-income countries, which account for 92% of deaths. The African Region records the highest mortality rate, underscoring the urgency of targeted interventions. Children and young people remain the most affected, with drowning ranking among the leading causes of death for those under 15 years.

While global drowning rates have declined by 38% since 2000, progress remains uneven and insufficient to meet broader development targets. The report highlights critical gaps in national responses, including limited multisectoral coordination, weak policy and legislative frameworks, and inadequate integration of key preventive measures such as swimming and water safety education.

It further identifies persistent data limitations, with many countries lacking detailed information on where and how drowning occurs, constraining the design of targeted interventions. At the same time, the report notes progress in selected areas, including early warning systems and community-based disaster risk management.

MakSPH’s contribution to this global evidence base reflects its role in advancing research, strengthening data systems, and supporting context-specific approaches to injury prevention. Through its Centre, the School continues to inform policy and practice, contributing to efforts to reduce drowning risks and improve population health outcomes in Uganda and similar settings.

The full report can be accessed below:

Global-status-report-drowning-1 Download

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Health

MakSPH Contributes to Global Strategy to Reduce Drowning Deaths

Published

1 week ago

May 5, 2026

John Okeya

Illustrative photo of a man splashing in a water body. Photo: MakSPH

Makerere University School of Public Health, through its Center for the Prevention of Trauma, Injury and Disability, contributed to the Global Strategy for Drowning Prevention (2025–2035): Turning the Tide on a Leading Killer, a landmark framework guiding coordinated global action to reduce drowning.

Developed through the Global Alliance for Drowning Prevention, a multi-agency platform hosted by the World Health Organization, the strategy identifies drowning as a leading yet preventable cause of death, responsible for over 300,000 deaths annually. The burden falls disproportionately on low- and middle-income countries, particularly among children and young people.

The strategy sets a global target of reducing drowning deaths by 35% by 2035 and outlines six strategic pillars, including governance, multisectoral coordination, data systems, advocacy, financing, and research. It also prioritises ten evidence-based interventions such as strengthening supervision, improving water safety and swimming skills, enhancing rescue capacity, and enforcing safety regulations.

MakSPH’s inclusion in the Global Alliance for Drowning Prevention reflects its contribution to advancing research, policy engagement, and capacity strengthening in injury prevention. Through its Centre, the School supports the generation and application of context-specific evidence, positioning itself as a key contributor to global efforts to reduce drowning and strengthen community resilience.

The full document can be accessed below:

Global-strategy-for-drowning-prevention-1 Download

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