U.S. Ambassador and CDC Director Visit RHSP

September 10, 2024 by
U.S. Ambassador and CDC Director Visit RHSP
Aber Maurine

In a landmark visit on September 10th, 2024, the U.S. Ambassador to Uganda, William W. Popp, along with CDC Country Director Dr. Mary Boyd and NIH Uganda Scientific Director Dr. Steven Reynolds, toured the Rakai Health Sciences Program (RHSP) headquarters in Kalisizo, Kyotera District. This visit underscores the critical partnership between the U.S. and RHSP, a collaboration that has been transforming global health through groundbreaking HIV research and HIV prevention, care, and treatment services for over three decades.

Since our inception in 1987, RHSP has become a beacon of hope in the fight against HIV/AIDS. Supported by more than $200 million in U.S. funding through PEPFAR, NIH, and CDC, RHSP has grown into a driving force in health research, shaping global HIV prevention and treatment policies. The program currently receives 93% of its funding from the U.S., a testament to the trust and commitment of the American people in RHSP’s innovative and high-impact research work.

During their visit, the U.S. delegation received a firsthand look at the tangible effects of this partnership. RHSP’s extensive research portfolio, particularly NIH-funded studies in HIV prevention, care, and treatment, has not only contributed to saving countless lives but has also provided hundreds of jobs for local research and administrative staff. This long-standing collaboration has fostered scientific innovation while empowering communities, elevating both local and global public health efforts.

The team also visited Bitabago Village in Rakai District, where they interacted with the Rakai Community Cohort Study (RCCS)—one of the world’s largest and longest-running population-based HIV surveillance longitudinal cohorts. Here, Ambassador Popp engaged directly with RHSP’s research staff and study participants, gaining insight into how the RCCS has informed life-saving HIV interventions.


“Tremendous work has been done here over the years, and we shall continue to invest in RHSP, which is renowned for conducting world-class research and development interventions,” said Ambassador Popp.

The delegation’s visit reaffirms the U.S’ unwavering commitment to working hand-in-hand with Uganda in tackling HIV, strengthening healthcare systems, and confronting emerging global health challenges. As RHSP continues to make strides in HIV prevention, its work remains a testament to the power of partnership, innovation, and community engagement.


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