The latest issue of the RHSP Newsletter highlights significant milestones and ongoing projects that underscore the program’s commitment to advancing global health through innovative research and community engagement. Key highlights include:
- U.S. Ambassador and CDC Director Visit: A landmark visit by U.S. Ambassador William W. Popp and CDC Country Director Dr. Mary Boyd to RHSP headquarters, emphasizing the strong U.S.-Uganda partnership in HIV research and healthcare.
- NIH/NIAID Team Visit: Focused on enhancing data management practices, this visit explored the transition from paper-based to digital data collection systems, aiming to improve research efficiency and data quality.
- INSTEP Study Launch: In collaboration with Johns Hopkins University, RHSP launched the INSTEP study to integrate STI testing with HIV prevention efforts, particularly targeting women at high risk.
- HIV Reservoir Research: Dr. Andrew Redd presented innovative projects on HIV latency, aiming to understand and target the HIV reservoir to contribute to global HIV cure efforts.
- Oral Health Initiative: Dr. Abbas Jessani’s mission to address oral health disparities in Uganda through community engagement and collaborative strategies.
- Celebrating Professor Maria Wawer: Honoring the retirement of Professor Maria Wawer, a co-founder of RHSP, and her impactful contributions to HIV research and public health.
- NCD Research Training: RHSP staff participated in a Johns Hopkins University course on non-communicable diseases, gaining valuable insights to address these health challenges in low- and middle-income countries.
- Data Management Training: The RHSP Data Management Team completed training on the DFdiscover Clinical Data Management System, enhancing their capabilities in clinical data collection and analysis.
- Laboratory Services Expansion: RHSP expanded its laboratory services to offer comprehensive health screenings at subsidized rates, improving healthcare accessibility for local communities.
- Cultural Day Celebrations: RHSP staff celebrated Uganda’s cultural diversity and independence through a vibrant cultural day event, fostering unity and pride among the team.
- Infrastructure Advancements: RHSP’s transition to immersion cooling for data centers and the use of solar power for laboratories, highlighting their commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship.