Summary of the RHSP 2024 Annual Report
The Rakai Health Sciences Program (RHSP), founded in 1987, continues to lead innovative, community‑based health research and service delivery in Uganda. In 2024, RHSP launched its 2024–2029 Strategic Plan, emphasizing research excellence, data‑driven services, digital innovations, and capacity building. Major accomplishments span digital transformation of data collection, progress in the 21st round of the Rakai Community Cohort Study (RCCS), laboratory expansions and accreditations, and a wide portfolio of ongoing biomedical, behavioral and implementation research projects.
On the service delivery side, RHSP’s HIV Clinic—under PEPFAR/IDI partnership—surpassed multiple targets in testing, prevention, treatment, and integrated care, achieving exceptionally high rates of linkage, retention, and viral suppression. Community engagement activities strengthened mobilization and support for research and health services. Internally, RHSP bolstered its administration, finance, human resources, and operations, while investing in sustainable infrastructure (solar power, immersion‑cooled data center). The report also highlights robust grant submissions, publication outputs, and training of interns and graduate students, underscoring RHSP’s holistic approach to advancing public health.
Key Higlights Include:
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Strategic Planning & Governance
- Launched 2024–2029 Strategic Plan: priorities include research excellence, community‑responsive services, digital data tools, and capacity building.
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Digital Data Management
- Digitized RCCS census via REDCap: 90% of platforms electronic; pilot in Kikungwe and Mitondo communities.
- Trained 8 data managers, 4 QCs, 4 coordinators, 12 data collectors; scanned over 8,700 consents.
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Rakai Community Cohort Study (RCCS) Round 21
- Reached 43.6% of 31,000+ targeted individuals (Dec 2023–Dec 2024).
- 73.9% follow‑up survey participation; 99.5% provided blood samples; 98.3% enrolled in Combination HIV Prevention Impact Evaluation.
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Laboratory & Diagnostics
- Installed solar power at freezer house; added two –80 °C freezers and mini‑centrifuges.
- Maintained SANAS accreditation through June 2028; expanded services to Kyotera and Rakai facilities.
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HIV Clinic Performance (PEPFAR/IDI supported)
- HIV Testing Services (HTS): 9,357 individuals tested (147% of target), 242 new diagnoses (117%).
- PrEP: 232 initiations (119%), 164 continuations (156%).
- Viral Load Monitoring: 91% testing coverage; 99% viral suppression.
- ART Care & Retention: 2,727 on ART (98% retention), 244 new ART initiations (123%).
- Cervical Cancer Screening: 425 women screened (92% of target); 16 treated with thermocoagulation/LEEP.
- TB Services: 100% of ART clients screened; 59 total TB cases diagnosed (97% treatment initiation); 178 on preventive therapy.
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Counselling & Prevention Services
- 400 clients received couples’ HIV counselling; 128 newly diagnosed clients escorted to care; 28 accessed PEP.
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Community Engagement & CSR
- Mobilization via drama, football tournaments, CAB meetings; distributed scholastic/medical supplies in CSR events at Kalisizo Hospital.
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Research Portfolio & Capacity Building
- Ongoing Studies: 20+ projects including ICARE, INSTEP, OPTIONS, ROC, PANGEA‑HIV, latent reservoir cohorts, VICINITY, mental health, climate shock survey.
- Grants & Publications: $2.8 M funding (84% research portfolio); 8% year‑on‑year research income growth; 13 peer‑reviewed papers; 12 conference abstracts.
- Training: 6 PhD and 3 MPH candidates in progress; 23 interns hosted (9 national, 14 international).
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Administration, Finance & Operations
- HR headcount 197; turnover 14%; launched HRIS; revised HR Manual.
- Finance managed $2.82 M budget, strong NSSF/URA compliance, recognized by NSSF.
- Operations: enhanced security (CCTV, canine unit), optimized procurement (cost‑savings), reliable transport/estates support.
- Infrastructure: immersion‑cooled data center, solar‑powered labs.