We are thrilled to share the highlights from our latest RHSP Newsletter, covering an exciting and impactful May to August 2026! This period was marked by significant advances in HIV research, strengthened scientific collaborations, inspiring mentorship experiences, meaningful youth engagement, and continued investments in research capacity and cybersecurity. From representing RHSP on international scientific platforms to nurturing the next generation of researchers, these achievements reflect the dedication of our team, partners, and the communities we serve. Let's dive into some of the key highlights!
Key highlights include:
Advancing HIV & Global Health Research (AIDS 2026 & Publications)
- RHSP at AIDS 2026: RHSP scientists proudly represented the Program at the International AIDS Conference in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Dr. Edward Nelson Kankaka contributed to discussions on advancing HIV cure research in low- and middle-income countries, highlighting opportunities and challenges for HIV gene therapy trials in Africa.
- Innovations in HIV Prevention: Dr. Lydia Nakiganda presented the Home-Based PrEP (HB-PrEP) study, exploring peer-supported delivery of HIV prevention services to rural female sex workers. She also received the Gilead Research Scholars Award certificate in recognition of the research grant supporting the study.
- Scientific Publications: RHSP researchers contributed to publications covering HIV prevention, viral suppression and drug resistance, sexual health, Rift Valley fever, sepsis, and other public health priorities, demonstrating continued scientific productivity and international collaboration.
Strengthening Research & Innovative HIV Prevention Approaches
- Sexual Network Study: RHSP continued investigating how sexual partnership networks influence HIV testing, treatment engagement, and prevention outcomes, generating evidence to inform more effective HIV interventions in communities.
- Qualitative Research Capacity Building: Dr. Kathryn Risher visited RHSP in May 2026 to facilitate a five-day training for the Sexual Network Study team. The sessions strengthened qualitative interviewing, informed consent, research ethics, and field data collection skills.
- Bringing PrEP Closer to Women: The HB-PrEP study is exploring a home-based HIV prevention model involving 50 female sex workers, with peer workers supporting PrEP refills, HIV self-testing, and monitoring over 12 months. The approach aims to reduce barriers related to distance, transport costs, stigma, and clinic waiting times.
Nurturing the Next Generation of Researchers & Health Professionals
- Internship Season (May–August): RHSP welcomed students from Makerere University, Muni University, Victoria University, Kampala International University, MUBS, Kyambogo University, and other institutions, alongside visiting students from Western University, Canada. Interns gained practical experience across research, IT, Data Management, Finance, Procurement, and community engagement.
- International Fellowship & Knowledge Exchange: RHSP hosted Dr. Mohamed Sanusi Jalloh, a Fogarty ACHIEVE Fellow from Sierra Leone, for a three-week learning experience exploring research infrastructure, public health practice, and community-based research.
- Inspiring Personal Growth: The newsletter features remarkable internship journeys, including Cate Nabukenya, an RHSP security guard pursuing a university degree who undertook an internship with the Health Education and Community Mobilization team. Her story highlights the power of determination, mentorship, and professional development.
Amplifying Youth Voices & Community Participation in Research
- Adolescent and Youth Advisory Board (AYAB): RHSP held its first AYAB quarterly meeting on 19 August 2026, providing young people with a platform to share experiences, identify barriers to research participation, and contribute ideas for more youth-responsive research.
- Addressing Research Misconceptions: AYAB members highlighted challenges surrounding confidentiality, consent, cultural perceptions, and access to research information. They proposed age-appropriate communication, peer engagement, and stronger confidentiality messaging to build trust among young people.
- Community-Centred Learning: Visiting students and fellows participated in field visits to fishing and agrarian communities, gaining firsthand insights into HIV prevention, public health challenges, disease awareness, and the importance of community engagement in research.
Strengthening Partnerships & Celebrating Scientific Excellence
- UVRI's 90th Anniversary: RHSP Board members and Senior Management joined the Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI), government leaders, and scientific partners in celebrating 90 years of scientific excellence, innovation, and contributions to public health in Uganda and beyond.
- International Research Collaboration: Partnerships with institutions including Pennsylvania State University, Western University, and international research collaborators continued to support knowledge exchange, mentorship, and the advancement of locally relevant health research.
- Global Scientific Engagement: RHSP's participation in AIDS 2026 reinforced the importance of African leadership and representation in global HIV research, particularly in advancing equitable HIV prevention and cure strategies.
Building a Stronger Cybersecurity Culture & Research Infrastructure
- Cybersecurity Awareness Training: From 7–10 July 2026, RHSP's IT team conducted a four-day training for staff across multiple departments, strengthening awareness of digital threats and responsible information management.
- Protecting Sensitive Research Data: Training covered phishing, password security, social engineering, data privacy, secure information sharing, incident reporting, and responsible use of artificial intelligence when handling patient and participant information.
- Technology Supporting Research: Internship experiences highlighted RHSP's advanced IT infrastructure, including immersion-cooled servers, digital data collection platforms, and data management systems that support research operations and service delivery.
This is a snapshot of the remarkable work RHSP advanced between May and August 2026. From groundbreaking HIV prevention research and international scientific engagement to inspiring mentorship journeys, youth participation, strengthened partnerships, and investments in digital security, this period reflects our continued commitment to research excellence and healthier communities.
We are immensely proud of our dedicated team and grateful to our research participants, partners, students, and communities who make these achievements possible. Together, we continue to advance science, nurture future research leaders, and translate evidence into meaningful improvements in health and well-being.