Global News – Makerere University Biomedical Research Centre

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The Science, Technology and Innovation Secretariat at Office of the President and Scientists from Cuba visits the Biomarker Discovery lab at MakBRC

On 6^th/Oct/2024 MakBRC hosted a team of scientists from STI-OP and Cuba at the Biomarker Discovery lab, located at Kasangati. The guests were welcomed by Dr. Ivan Mwebaza, the Head of Research and Innovations at MakBRC who emphasized the importance of this collaboration towards research, training, R&D, and skills transfer between Uganda and Cuba.

The guests, led by Dr. David Seruka and Ms Leah Nabirye from STI-OP. Scientists from Empresa de Servicios Ingenieros Especializados, Cuba (ESINES) were led by Dr. Figueroa Fernandez; Business and Development Director, Dr.Portuondo Vazquez; Deputy Director, and Dr. Sardina Fagundo; the Chief Architect & Project Manager.

The team also included Dr. Leyva Hernandez who is the Commercial & Business Director at Biocubafarma Group of Company. Dr. Palenzuela Diaz represented Immuneesayo Centre in Havana. The Ugandan embassy in Havana was represented by Dr. Komakech Paul who is an administrative assistant and also a Medical Intern at Medical University of Havana.

The purpose of this visit was to identify facilities and capital investments that can foster synergies and collaborative Research and Development (R&D) between MakBRC, STI-OP, and Cuban institutions. The Biomarker Discovery lab is one of such facilities since it is a place where basic and translational analysis of target biological markers can be performed, and prototypes validated before they progress to commercial production. Currently the lab is equipped with a high-performance liquid chromatograph-triple quadrupole mass spectrometer (LC/MS/MS) with mass range of m/z 2 to 2000.

HPLC Mass spectrometry in the Biomarker Discovery lab

The guests commended MakBRC for its commitment to developing capacity and championing innovations that reduce and mitigate disease burden in Uganda and beyond. They reiterated the importance of such high-tech research labs in preventing, detecting and responding to healthcare challenges and biologic threats.

The guests also visited the renovated and remodeled space where the HIV drug resistance and reservoir labs are to be established. Dr. Mwebaza informed the guests about the need for an HIV drug resistance testing facility as it ensures patients are given medications that are pharmacologically effective against the strain of HIV they have.

HPLC Mass spectrometry in the Biomarker Discovery lab

Such lab is crucial for mitigating the spread of antimicrobial resistance, and it is one step towards personalized HIV treatment in Uganda. He also informed the guests that by establishing facilities that conducts research on HIV reservoirs, MakBRC is positioning Ugandan Scientists to be part of the quest for the HIV cure.

 By MakBRC Public Relations

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Dr. Peter Kim, MD , Director of the Therapeutics Research Program at the Division of AIDS, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)

On the 18^th June 2024, Makerere University Biomedical Research Center (MakBRC) was honored to host a distinguished guest Dr. Peter Kim, MD who is the Director of the Therapeutics Research Program at the Division of AIDS, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID). His visit provided a unique opportunity for the research community of the College of Health Sciences-Makerere University to engage with one of the leading experts in the field of HIV/AIDS research. In lead with the Managing Director and Head of Research and Innovations MakBRC, Professor Moses Joloba and Dr. Ivan Mwebaza respectively, together with other scientists and researchers, Dr. Peter Kim was given a tour around MakBRC and the College of Health Sciences. Among the so many facilities he visited were the Genomics, Molecular and Immunology Laboratories and the IBRH3AU Biorespository. Dr. Peter Kim was over joyed to see the so much infectious disease research being undertaken and the available resources to support the same. To close off the visit, Dr. Peter Kim gave a presentation; sharing valuable insights into the latest advancements in therapeutic research, emphasizing groundbreaking approaches and ongoing efforts to combat infectious diseases globally. The presentation was very interactive and interesting as it saw so many vibrant committed young scientists engaging with the Director Therapeutics Research Program at the Division of AIDS, NIAID.

We as MakBRC commit to fostering collaborations with esteemed institutions like NIAID to enhance our understanding of infectious diseases and accelerate progress towards effective treatments. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Dr. Peter Kim, MD, Director of the Therapeutics Research Program at the Division of AIDS, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) for his visit and enlightening presentation and looking forward to future collaborations that will further enrich our research endeavors.

The Head Research and Innovations MakBRC, Dr. Ivan Mwebaza engaging Dr. Peter Kim

The Director NIAD visiting some of the laboratories.

The Director giving an insightful and interactive presentation to senior and young scientists at the College of Health Sciences, Makerere University.

Dr. Peter Kim, together with the Managing Director MakBRC Professor Moses Joloba

A brief discussion with the Dean School of Biomedical Sciences, Dr. David Kateete.

PROF. JOSEPHINE NAMUGANWA KASOLO. Prof Josephine Kasolo was a Mother, Doctor, Researcher, Women’s Leader, Scientist, Teacher, Enterpreneur and Community Builder and Leader. A medical doctor and lecturer at Makerere University for years, she taught thousands of doctors who have gone out to serve worldwide. A formidable and exact scientist she taught Medical physiology for years at Makerere University. She was also one of the Founder members of Association of Uganda Women Doctors (AUWMD) and acted as President when Dr Elizabeth Madraa, the leader then went to USA for studies. Dr Kasolo held a degree in Medicine and a Masters of Medicine in Physiology as well as a Ph.D in Medicine. She headed the Department of Physiology at Makerere University Medical School for many years following in the steps of Prof. Walumbe. A dynamic researcher, her work on many things changed science. She discovered the medicinal properties of Moringa and her works are documented in many scientific journals worldwide.

She even developed approved oils from Moringa that she developed to market level in a company called Jolika. Her scientifically proven Medical products like LymphatImmuneUp are sold in pharmacies in Uganda..Dr Kasolo spearheaded many grants and projects including the very impactful Safe Motherhood Iinitiative and was among the women doctors who proposed and founded the idea of a Women’s Hospital alongside colleagues like Dr Madraa, Prof. Mirembe, Dr Jane Kavuma. Dr Jane Bbosa, Dr Christine Kadama and Dr Sentumbwe Olive. Prof Kasolo was very good at resource mobilisation and wrote several proposals and received funding for many. Including for Safe Motherhood which funding was later taken over by the line Uganda Ministry of Health when it got much bigger.

The current Ministry of Health’s work in that area of safe motherhood is therefore largely built on the foundation that Dr Kasolo Josephine and her sister doctor colleagues in AUWMD initiated. The late Prof Kasolo was a very hard working lady even in her own marital home. Dr Jane Bossa and Dr Madraa who walked the journey wih her as contemporaries can testify. The loss of Prof. Josephine Namuganwa Kasolo is indeed a great loss to her family, to the Department of Physiology, to the Association of Uganda Women Doctors ( AUWMD), to the Uganda Medical Association( U.M.A), to Makerere University and to Women in Science and to Women in Health and to the Women’s Movement in Uganda Her loss is not only a loss to her family and friends but also a great loss to our Mother Country Uganda.
May her Departed Soul Rest in Eternal peace .
Dr Elizabeth Madraa Past President AUWMD, Dr Patience Atuhaire Current President AUWMD and Members of The Association of Uganda Women Doctors ( AUWMD) . 23.01.2024

The Genomics, Molecular, and Immunology Laboratories (GMI Labs), operating under the auspices of the Makerere University Biomedical Research Center (MakBRC), have achieved another significant milestone in their journey of diagnostic excellence. The labs, renowned for their pivotal role in infectious and non-infectious disease research, have received official approval from the Director General Health Services at the Ministry of Health (MoH), Uganda, to conduct DNA Paternity Tests.

Situated at the Dept of Immunology & Molecular Biology under the School of Biomedical Sciences at the College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, the GMI Labs have been at the forefront of cutting-edge research, diagnostic testing, and training initiatives. Their remarkable contributions during the COVID-19 pandemic, where they conducted nearly a million PCR tests, underscored their unwavering commitment to public health and scientific advancement. The labs’ exemplary performance and reliability were further highlighted by their successful management of two critical COVID-19 prevalence surveys. The findings of these surveys served as foundational data for crucial decisions guiding the country’s lockdown strategies and phased reopening, earning commendation from the President and the Ministry of Health.

This latest authorization from the Ministry of Health marks a significant expansion of the GMI Labs’ diagnostic capabilities. With the approval to conduct DNA Paternity Tests, the labs are now equipped to offer a crucial service addressing the need for accurate and reliable genetic testing for determining biological parentage. In a letter dated 22nd November 2023, the Director General Health Services emphasized the laboratory’s rigorous adherence to international standards, proficiency in molecular biology techniques, and their proven track record in delivering precise and credible results. This approval further solidifies the labs’ position as a trusted institution for advanced genetic diagnostics in Uganda.

Prof. Moses L Joloba, the Director of the GMI Labs, expressed immense pride in the team’s dedication and expertise that led to this authorization. He highlighted the labs’ commitment to upholding the highest standards of ethical practice, confidentiality, and accuracy in DNA paternity testing, ensuring the delivery of dependable results crucial for legal, personal, and familial purposes.

The inclusion of DNA Paternity Testing within the GMI Labs’ list of services aligns with their overarching goal of advancing healthcare through state-of-the-art diagnostics, research, and education. This milestone represents not only a significant achievement for the labs but also a valuable resource for individuals seeking reliable and comprehensive genetic testing services. As the GMI Labs continue their unwavering commitment to excellence in healthcare and research, this new capability reaffirms their pivotal role in advancing the frontiers of molecular diagnostics and genetic testing in Uganda, working closely with reputable institutions such as Makerere University Hospital and other top-notch health facilities.

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MakBRC hosted a team of scientists from STI-OP and Cuba

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GMI Labs Authorized to Conduct DNA Paternity Testing and Human Identification

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