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MakImS-Mak BSSR Newsletter December 2023

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Strengthening Implementation and Behavioural Social Sciences in HIV research

Local healthcare providers see the impact of HIV/AIDS, its associated comorbidities and stigma across different age spectrums daily. As research into the development of an HIV cure continues to advance globally, the field has expanded to include implementation science and behavioral social sciences research.

We know that HIV/AIDS is intricately interwoven with an individual’s behavior and social context. Therefore, addressing it solely through biomedical interventions such as drugs and vaccines would be falling short of bringing the epidemic under control. Involving aspects of behavioral and social sciences is critical in helping us to understand how health attitudes, social cognitions and personal habits shape one’s decisions and practices as regards HIV prevention and treatment.

Under the Makerere University Behavioral Social Sciences Research (BSSR) program, we are training a number of early career researchers in order to leverage on the benefits of BSSR to lower HIV incidence and increase treatment coverage rates. As reflected in the various stories shared in this newsletter, fellows research on issues such as the interplay between alcohol use and HIV care is helping to integrate evidence based social behavioral approaches into biomedical care.

Similarly, implementation science is an expanding field within HIV/AIDS research and public health practice. Through it, researchers aim to close the gap between theory and practice by addressing barriers that delay uptake of proven health interventions. Through the Makerere University Implementation Science (ImS) Program, more than 50 young scientists are being trained to optimize the public health impact of efficacious interventions such as test-and-treat and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for eligible populations. In this newsletter, you’ll acquaint yourself with the ImS program aims, activities and fellows’ research.

As our fellows on the BSSR and ImS program continue to excel, we envision enhancing capacity for HIV research and care in Uganda and Africa at large. I am pleased to present to you the novel ImS/BSSR newsletter that brings you exhilarating insights into the programs’ activities and achievements. Enjoy your reading!

Highlights

  • Prof. Moses Kamya Awarded the Elise and Walter A. Haas International Award
    • Prof. Kamya was awarded for his outstanding contribution in the field of research and teaching infectious diseases with a particular interest in malaria and HIV. He is past chair of the Department of Medicine and past Dean of the Makerere University School of Medicine in Kampala, Uganda. He is a founding member of the Makerere University Joint AIDS Program (MJAP), the Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI), and the Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration (IDRC) in Uganda.
  • Building Implementation Science Capacity to Strengthen the Response to the HIV/AIDS Epidemic in Uganda
    • The Makerere University School of Medicine Implementation Science (Mak-ImS) Training program, funded by the United States National Institutes of Health-Fogarty International Center is a collaboration between Makerere University College of Health Sciences (MakCHS) and University of California San Francisco (UCSF)-USA. This program focuses and integrating ImS as a field of study at Makerere University; influencing HIV practices and enhancing the cascade of HIV care in Uganda.
  • ImS Program staff hold two-day training for Walter Reed Staff
    • On November 14 and 15 2022, Directors, Heads of Department and departmental staff of Makerere University Walter Reed Program (MUWRP) underwent an intense training in implementation science (ImS), a field of study that enables research uptake into practice. The training purposed to equip MUWRP staff with knowledge on various concepts of implementation science such as its principles, study designs and evaluation frameworks.
  • Dr. Geetha Bansal visits ImS fellows in Uganda
    • On Thursday 18 May 2023, fellows, mentors and mentees on the Implementation Science Program met and interacted with Dr. Geetha Bansal, Program Director, HIV Research and Training Programs at the National Institutes of Health.
  • Emerging researchers share exciting study projects
    • On Friday the 13th of October 2023, the Makerere-Implementation Science (MakImS) program conducted a trainees’ progress review meeting to track advancement of trainees’ PhD, masters and fellowship research projects. The review meeting attracted over 40 participants including trainees, principal investigators, university faculty and mentors.
  • Dr. Amadriyo presents abstract @ the 18th AOGU Conference
    • Dr. Emma Amadriyo, a master’s trainee on the ImS program presented her abstract titled, titled “Missed opportunities for eMTCT among mothers living with HIV whose infants seroconverted in Masaka Regional Referral Hospital – A retrospective cohort analysis” at the 18th annual scientific conference of the Association of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Uganda (AOGU)
  • Testimonials from ImS -Alumni
    • SSUNA BASHIR, postdoctoral fellow at Yale University and Makerere University
    • AHMED KATUMBA, Supply Chain Specialist in QED Group LLC.
    • SUSAN NAKUBULWA, applying ImS Frameworks in research and the utilization of Community Engaged Research to enable smoother translation of evidence into practice
    • JOAN NANGENDO, Training Coordinator, Mak-ImS program
    • DR. NELSON KALEMA, mentoring and supporting scientists towards the application of implementation science approaches
    • DR. LILLIAN TUGUME, used knowledge and skills to complete Mmed dissertation that explored the willingness of serodiscordant couples to accept pre-exposure prophylaxis
  • Strengthening Behavioral and Social science Research capacity to address evolving challenges in HIV care and prevention in Uganda
    • Spearheaded by Professors Moses Kamya, Anne Ruhweza Katahoire and Carol Suzanne Camlin, MakBSSR leverages on existing collaborations among social, behavioral, and biomedical scientists at Makerere University and its HIV programs, and the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF). Currently, five PhD candidates, 14 masters’ fellows and eight fellowship candidates are being supported by the project.
  • Q&A With Dr. Namisi Charles Patrick
    • Dr. Namisi’s PhD study, funded by the Behavioral Social Science Research (BSSR) Program of Makerere University, seeks to develop and validate a stigma mastery model for PLHIV. He is the acting Dean of the Mother Kevin Post Graduate Medical School of Uganda Martyrs University, Nkozi.
  • Musanje aims to develop a customized mindfulness intervention for adolescents living with HIV
    • This research aims to culturally adapt a mindfulness and acceptance therapy in Uganda; explore acceptability of a Mindfulness and Acceptance Based Interventions (MABI) among adolescents (15-19 years) in Uganda; evaluate the effectiveness of a MABI on improving mental health among ALHIV and evaluate the effectiveness of a MABI on improving adherence to antiretroviral treatment among ALHIV. The research was conducted at Kisenyi Health Centre IV and Kitebi Health Centre III.
  • Regina Ndagire credits the BSSR Program for equipping her for the working world
    • She is applying the research skills obtained on the program in her current role as a research officer at Clarke International University. Here, she supports students and faculty in research; conducts research training; supervises research and engages in the writing of research policy documents and grants.
  • Using virtual support groups to improve ART adherence among adolescents – Kiirya’s Journey
    • Her study seeks to explore the acceptability, feasibility and effectiveness of online peer support groups to improve adherence among YLHIVA in Kampala. It is being conducted among 402 youths attached to Kisenyi and Kawaala Health Centre IVs and Kiswa and Komamboga Health Centre IIIs.
  • Lived experiences, perceptions & HIV care outcomes among young people living with HIV in South Western Uganda
    • Dr. Raymond Felix Odokonyero is psychiatrist at Mulago National Referral Hospital and lecturer at Makerere University’s College of Health Sciences. His research interests lie in understanding the interplay between alcohol use and HIV care among young people living with HIV (YPLHIV).
  • Nante Rachel Wangi
    • Wangi interested herself in studying Assisted Partner Notification (APN) among people who have severe mental illness (SMI), who are living with HIV (PLHIV) at Butabika National Referral Mental Hospital. She conducted a mixed methods study, quantitatively examining 125 medical files of PLHIV with a diagnosis of SMI between 2018 and 2021. Additionally, ten in-depth interviews with patients and six key informant interviews with health workers were conducted to determine socio-cultural barriers to APN uptake.

View on Mak-Ims or Mak-BSSR

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Mark Wamai

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Call for Apllication: The James M. Ntambi Postdoctoral Fellowship

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Professor James M. Ntambi, a professor in the UW–Madison Department of Biochemistry. Photo: wisc.edu

The James M. Ntambi Postdoctoral Fellowship offers an exciting opportunity for early-career scientists who have completed their Ph.D. training at a university in Africa. Fellows will be able to expand their existing research experience in biochemistry related to human metabolic diseases, continue their career development, and make impactful contributions to the scientific community upon their return to Africa.

The selected fellows will work in a cutting-edge research lab led by a faculty member from the University of Wisconsin–Madison Department of Biochemistry who will mentor and support the fellow throughout the duration of the fellowship.

The Department of Biochemistry is built on a commitment to excellence in basic research, established when it was founded in 1883, and continuing to the present day. Contributions by our researchers have dramatically changed our understanding of life and rank among the highlights of biochemistry to date. You can learn more about the Department’s history on our About page, and about the University of Wisconsin–Madison on the university’s main website.

Madison, Wisconsin is located northwest of Chicago, Illinois, an approximately 2.5 hours drive or bus ride from O’Hare International Airport.

Application materials must be uploaded by August 31, 2025.
Accompanying recommendations must be uploaded by September 15, 2025.

Visit the website to learn more, including eligibility details and how to apply: https://biochem.wisc.edu/the-james-m-ntambi-postdoctoral-fellowship

Mak Editor

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Partnering for Health: Makerere and AHF Uganda Cares Unite Against HIV/AIDS

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National Medical Director-AHF Uganda Cares, Dr. Lubanga Augustine hands over condom dispensers and condoms to the 91st Vice Guild President-H.E. Kadondi Gracious as officials witness on 30th July 2025. Makerere University and the Aids Healthcare Foundation (AHF) Uganda Cares meeting to collaborate on HIV/AIDS prevention and care services for the University’s student population, 30th July 2025, Main Building, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Makerere University and the Aids Healthcare Foundation (AHF) Uganda Cares on July 30, 2025 held a meeting focused on establishing and strengthening collaboration between the two institutions in the fight against HIV/AIDS. The collaboration will particularly focus on prevention and care services for the University’s student population.

Speaking at the event, the Deputy University Secretary, Mr. Kizito Simon who presided over the meeting mentioned that Makerere University is involved in human capital development, aiming to create a healthy population alongside an educated one. “It’s not only good to have an educated population, but a healthy population as well,” he noted.

Mr. Kizito stated that the government supports various interventions in HIV prevention, care, and treatment, with the Makerere University Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI) playing a leading supportive role. On this note, he encouraged AHF Uganda Cares to equally come on board in order to strengthen the fight against HIV/AIDS.

The Deputy University Secretary outlined the Makerere University strategic plan’s prioritization of engagement and partnerships with various sectors, including ministries, departments, agencies, international organizations, civil society, and the private sector in order to strengthen its research-led aspirations. He therefore encouraged Uganda Cares to support HIV AIDS services, including prevention, care, and treatment, and to collaborate in research and innovation, especially with faculty members already engaged in HIV AIDS-related research.

However, he highlighted the demographic vulnerability of Uganda’s young population, with 73.2% aged between zero and thirty years old, making them a high risk group for infections. “This is more than just a time bomb for all of us here, because this is the population which we are hoping to be productive in the later years,” he pointed out.

Makerere University and the Aids Healthcare Foundation (AHF) Uganda Cares meeting to collaborate on HIV/AIDS prevention and care services for the University’s student population, 30th July 2025, Main Building, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
The meeting in session.

Mr. Kizito expressed appreciation for the wellness clinic initiative, which is poised to provide accessible sexual reproductive health services to students at no cost. On this note, he stressed the need to publicize these services to ensure students are aware of the available resources and are supported to overcome shyness and reluctance to seek help.

The 91st Guild President Makerere University, H.E. Ssentamu Churchill James with concern noted the increasing levels of irresponsible behavior among young people, which has led to the high risk of contracting STDs, and welcomed initiatives proposed by AHF Uganda Cares.

He further highlighted the recent concluded HIV awareness campaign with Guild Leaders and the Director of the Makerere University Hospital. The campaign was aimed at educating students about HIV and other STDs, emphasizing the importance of knowledge and awareness.

H.E. Ssentamu pointed out that the first year students who are soon arriving on Campus are a key target audience for these awareness efforts. He stressed the importance of abstinence but also emphasized the need for protection in case of emergencies.

The 91st Guild President suggested the possibility of counseling for those who have already contracted STDs. “I hope we can have an attachment of counselling for people that have already contracted diseases,” he stated.

He took note of existing efforts such as the government’s stock of contraception and the presence of health ministers at every hall of residence. In this regard, he proposed a linkage between the initiative and these health committee members through the Guild Minister of Health Affairs to ensure continuity.

National Medical Director of AHF Uganda Cares, Dr. Lubanga Augustine. Makerere University and the Aids Healthcare Foundation (AHF) Uganda Cares meeting to collaborate on HIV/AIDS prevention and care services for the University’s student population, 30th July 2025, Main Building, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
National Medical Director of AHF Uganda Cares, Dr. Lubanga Augustine.

The National Medical Director-AHF Uganda Cares, Dr. Lubanga Augustine expressed gratitude for the opportunity to discuss collaboration with Makerere University. He particularly noted previous collaborations and the need to seize opportunities for future collaboration.

 He highlighted that AHF Uganda Cares provides cutting-edge medicine regardless of the patient’s ability to pay and advocates for conducive policies to increase access to HIV and STI services.

Dr. Lubanga emphasized the importance of addressing the gap in young people’s access to health services particularly for sexual health issues. He noted that even parents and guardians often avoid discussing sexual issues contributing to a lack of education awareness among young people.

He pointed out that funding for HIV prevention has shifted towards treatment despite the need for continued prevention efforts. In this, he called for increased advocacy and partnerships to secure funding for health services particularly for young people. He appreciated past interventions such as installing condom dispensers in hostels and the need for renewed partnerships with university leaders.

Dr. Lubanga expressed willingness to collaborate with the University Hospital to ensure that no one is left behind in HIV and STI services. As a sign of their commitment, AHF Uganda Cares handed over condom dispensers and condoms to the university.

Dr. Byamugisha Josaphat, Director at the Makerere University Hospital emphasized the importance of prevention in health, through programs such as STI prevention, HIV early treatment, and health education “Prevention is better than cure,” he said. He highlighted that the hospital has got satellite clinics at the Makerere University Agricultural Research Institute Kabanyolo (MUARIK) and the Jinja Campus, serving a significant number of students, staff and the public.

The Director discussed the need for health education and information materials, including pamphlets and WhatsApp messages, to educate students and the public about HIV. “The university is already running health education programs for students and surrounding communities,” he stated.

Prof. Josaphat Byamugisha (Right) makes his remarks as Dr. Lubanga Augustine (Left) and Mr. Simon Kizito (Centre) listen. Makerere University and the Aids Healthcare Foundation (AHF) Uganda Cares meeting to collaborate on HIV/AIDS prevention and care services for the University’s student population, 30th July 2025, Main Building, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Josaphat Byamugisha (Right) makes his remarks as Dr. Lubanga Augustine (Left) and Mr. Simon Kizito (Centre) listen.

Dr. Byamugisha further highlighted the importance of male circumcision as a preventive measure against HIV, which is already being offered at the university hospital. “We are aware that safe male circumcision can prevent about 60% of male HIV,” he explained. 

He talked about the need for supplies and human resources for screening, emphasizing the importance of protecting the university community and surrounding areas. “The university hospital aims to go beyond just serving students but also help the broader community,” he added.

The Hospital Director emphasized the importance of peer-to-peer interaction between students and staff to enhance health education and support as this could help the students open up more on sexual issues which may not be the case with a person who is older than them. He further explained students undertaking internship at the Makerere University Hospital already have the advantage of easily talking to the staff about these issues.

Dr. Byamugisha highlighted the need for post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) drugs and counseling, ensuring that people understand the importance of taking these drugs. He suggested specific targets for collaboration, such as supporting a medical officer and providing services rather than cash. “Many a time we don’t need cash, we need in-kind support through a person or provision of a service,” he stated.

In his final remarks, he appealed for support to make services more accessible to students and reiterated the importance of collaboration to protect students and the broader community.

The Deputy Principal, College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT)-Prof. Kizito Maria Kasule, highlighted that 75% of young people contracting HIV are between the ages of 14 and 24, indicating a need for targeted prevention efforts.

He pointed out the poverty among girls as a significant issue contributing to the spread of HIV because they look at the sexual related practices as means of earning a living which has led to the high spread of these infections.

Prof. Kasule emphasized the importance of involving different religious institutions to sensitize people about the organization’s work and counteract negative perceptions. He suggested that the organization should collaborate with various religious institutions. “Even Born Agains are involved in the sexual relationships but cannot come out to express themselves,” he added.

He stressed the importance of open discussions about gender and sexuality free from fear and trouble, and he raised the need for sensitization within and outside the institution.

 Coordinator of the HIV program at AHF Uganda Cares, Mrs. Mbabazi Martha, introduced the girl’s act program which aims to empower young women to address issues affecting them at various levels, from primary school to national policy. “The program encourages young women to raise their voices and influence policies that affect their lives,” she commented.

She highlighted the success of the program in engaging young people and influencing policy changes at different levels of governance, such as the distribution of sanitary pads in schools and communities.

Mrs. Mbabazi emphasized the importance of skilling centers for young girls to gain economic independence and avoid exploitation. She highlighted the success of webinars and dialogues in raising awareness and influencing behavior change. In closing, she called for continued collaboration with various stakeholders to support the empowerment of young people and address the root causes of HIV infection.

Mr. Amojong Trevor, a representative from AHF Uganda Cares, introduced the “Boys to Men” initiative program to address poor health seeking behavior and lack of testing among boys. He emphasized that the need to empower girls should go hand in hand with focusing on boys to prevent the spread of HIV.

He mentioned the low demand of female condoms and suggested demonstration on how to use them to increase awareness and usage.

About AHF Uganda Cares

Aids Healthcare Foundation (AHF) Uganda Cares an NGO based in the USA operating in 47 countries, including 14 in Africa. AHF Uganda Cares started in 2002 in the Masaka region and now operates in 32 districts with over seven health facilities. The organization supports over 203,000 lives on HIV treatment and has tested over 7 million Ugandans for HIV.

The organization offers HIV prevention services, including the ABC (Abstinence, Be Faithful, Condom) approach, and provides about 6 million condoms annually.

Nancy Atwenda

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CHS Annual Report 2024

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Left to Right: Mr. Evarist Bainomugisha, Mr. Deus Tayari Mujuni, Mr. Simon Kizito, Prof. Damalie Nakanjako, Prof. Bruce Kirenga, Dr. David Patrick Kateete (Rear), Prof. Henry Alinaitwe, Dr. Richard Idro (Rear), Mr. Patrick Akonyet and Prof. Annettee Nakimuli at the handover ceremony on 2nd December 2024. Handover of Principal Office by Prof. Damalie Nakanjako to Assoc. Prof. Bruce Kirenga, 2nd December 2024, College Boardroom, College of Health Sciences (CHS), Makerere University, New Mulago Hospital Complex, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

It is with great honor that I present to you the Makerere University College of Health Sciences Annual Report 2024. On behalf of the entire College of Health Sciences Community, I express my sincerest thanks and gratitude to the college management team that delivered the work led by Principal Professor Damalie Nakanjako.

The reporting saw several significant achievements that you will be able to read in this report. Notable among these achievements included kick starting the activities to celebrate 100 years since the medical school was started (CHS@100). The College of Health Sciences led and participated in a number of conferences, research dissemination and collaborations notably the college flagship scientific conference, the Joint Annual Scientific Health Conference (JASH) under the theme, “Global Health Security: Partnerships for Epidemic Response and Control in SubSaharan Africa”. Other activities included: hosting Dr. Yin Ye, President of the BGI group in China, a leading institution in genomics research and a manufacturer of whole genome sequencers (alongside illumina Inc. in California), several research dissemination activities of key studies and a symposium on parenting, a ground breaking initiative of our Child Health and Development Centre.

Our faculty continued to engage in research along teaching and providing clinical care and other services in our teaching site. About 400 publications were published and I congratulate all those who made a contribution to this scholarly achievement.

In the area of teaching and learning, I thank all staff academic and non-academic who ensured that our students were taught and examined. I congratulate the School of Biomedical Sciences for having the Biomedical Sciences programme accredited. Two clinical fellowships were also approved by the Uganda Medical and Dental Practitioners Council.

The College of Health Sciences has achieved a lot in this reporting year and the previous years. A lot remains to be done. My team is ready and prepared to take on the challenges of the college in our administration period of 2024-2028.

I wish you all a nice and enjoyable read.

Assoc. Professor Bruce J. Kirenga
PRINCIPAL

Zaam Ssali

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