We are delighted to share the highlights from our latest RHSP Newsletter, covering a transformative September to December 2025! This period was defined by the launch of major clinical trials, strategic leadership transitions to steer our future, and the celebration of our deep-rooted history in public health. From securing new funding to honoring decades of service, these months highlighted our commitment to rigorous science and community care. Let's dive into some of the key achievements!
Key highlights include;
Advancing High-Impact Public Health Research (Marburg, HIV/STIs & TB)
- Epidemic Preparedness: RHSP successfully completed field activities for the Seromav Study in Kyotera district, generating critical data on Marburg virus exposure to strengthen Africa's outbreak preparedness.
- Innovating HIV Prevention: In partnership with JHU and NIH, we launched the IN-STEP Study, enrolling 5,560 women to evaluate if integrating STI testing into PrEP services can improve HIV prevention and female health outcomes.
- Tackling TB Sequelae: We welcomed Prof. David Dowdy to launch the TB Sequelae Study, leveraging the Rakai Community Cohort Study (RCCS) to investigate the long-term impacts of Post-TB Lung Disease.
Strengthening Leadership & Institutional Capacity
- New Scientific Leadership: RHSP announced strategic appointments to drive our research agenda, including Dr. Edward Kankaka as Director of Research, Dr. Robert Ssekubugu as Deputy Director, and Dr. Gertrude Nakigozi, Dr. Fred Nalugoda, and Neema Nakyanjo as Senior Research Scientists.
- Laboratory Excellence: The RHSP Laboratory held a management review, reporting an impressive 98% satisfaction rate among health workers and expanding capacity to perform 41 different diagnostic and research tests.
- Systems Strengthening: The entire staff participated in hands-on training for the Human Resource Information System (HRIS) to streamline internal processes and data management.
Global Partnerships & Recognition
- Heroes in Health: Our founders, Prof. David Serwadda and Prof. Nelson Sewankambo, received the "Excellence in Health Academia Award" at the Ministry of Health's Heroes in Health Awards for their pioneering contribution to public health.
- Network Expansion: RHSP participated for the first time in the SANTHE Network meeting in Kigali and hosted the African Clinical Research Network (ACRN) to discuss expanding clinical trial infrastructure across Africa.
- New Funding: We secured support from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to study women’s care-seeking behaviors for STIs, a critical project nested within the IN-STEP trial.
Championing Ethics, Adolescents & Community Legacy
- Adolescent Research Ethics: We launched the ICARE Study in collaboration with Columbia University to improve the understanding of capacity to consent for HIV prevention trials among adolescents.
- Ethical Engagement: RHSP actively participated in the 12th Annual National Research Ethics Conference (ANREC), contributing to discussions on strengthening community engagement and environmental sustainability in research.
- Honoring a Legacy: We bid a fond farewell to Sister Betty Nantume, who retired after 30 years of dedicated service, evolving from a nurse in early trials to a beloved supervisor in the RCCS
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