Uganda Virus Research Institute

A project aimed at improving the understanding and management of zoonotic diseases that include Rift Valley Fever, Crimean Congo Hemorrhagic Fever and Brucellosis has been launched today at the Queen Elizabeth National Park.

The project dubbed Collaborative One Health Research Initiative On Epidemics (COHRIE) has been launched by the Executive Director of Uganda Wildlife Authroity Sam Mwandha.

Mwandha said the project's focus is timely because of the current human, animal and wildlife interactions in the cattle corridor.

The Uganda Virus Research Institute Deputy Directro also Principal Investigator of the project Dr Julius Lutwama said project will help generate information on infections in human, animals and wildlife, data on distribution of the infections by georgraphy, habitat population density and economic activity.

Dr Lutwama added that the three year project will also investigate which vectors and animals act as key reservoir species for sustaining the transmission of infections in the cattle corridor.

The three year project will conduct research in Kidepo Valley, Lake Mburo-Nakivale, Murchison Falls, Bwindi-Mgahinga and Queen Elizabeth Conservation areas.

The guests who attended the launch also had an opportunity to tour the new laboratory where investigations into the zoonotic diseases will be conducted.

Uganda Virus Institute Director Professor Pontiano Kaleebu is chairing a session on emerging biotechnological in human health at the ongoing 5th Annual National Biosafety forum.

The session is featuring several presentations on genetics, emerging biotechnologies and biosecurity interventions among others.

UVRI' Dr Sheila Balinda has presented on health applications genome editing and other emerging gene techniques in Uganda.

UVRI's Head of Entomology Dr Jonathan Kayondo has presented on UVRI's readiness to engage in the next phase of research leading to genetic strategies against Malaria.

The three day forum has also featured discussions on promoting science, technology and innovations in all sectors of the country to improve health and promote development.

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Prof. Pontiano Kaleebu: We are appealing to people not to use the antigens anyhow. They are not as sensitive as the PCR test. Though expensive, the PCR test is still the gold standard.