Uganda; PI Yukari Manabe, MD

Fellowship Site: Uganda-Kampala-Manabe

The Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI) was established in 2004 as an International Center of excellence for building capacity in Africa for training, clinical care and research on HIV and related infections. IDI was established by a group of infectious disease experts in Uganda and North America (The Academic Alliance). It is located on the Mulago Hospital complex in Kampala, Uganda and is part of Makerere University. The Institute has trained over 2400 people in the care and treatment of HIV, and aspects of pharmacy, lab, and data management. The out-patient clinic has enrolled over 20,000 patients with more than 13,000 in active follow-up and over 6,000 on antiretroviral treatment. A longitudinal clinic cohort database is a rich source of data that has informed many aspects of HIV care and prevention. In addition, the collaborative and rich environment have enabled IDI to attract numerous other studies in malaria, tuberculosis, sexual and reproductive health, Kaposi’s sarcoma, and neurocognitive disorders.

Research Opportunities:

• Pharmacokinetic Research
• Comparison of the development of thymidine analogue mutations with CD4 monitoring alone versus CD4 monitoring plus viral load monitoring in naïve HIV-1 individuals on first-line antiretroviral therapy in Africa (TAMS)
• Hepatitis B virologic response in HIV co-infected patients on treatment with open label Truvada versus Combivir containing regimens
• Immune Reconstitution Inflammatory Syndrome in Ugandan HIV-infected patients after initiation of potent anti-retroviral therapy
• Prospective observational cohorts in the Infectious Diseases Clinic
• Preparation for conducting phase III Trials of novel TB vaccines in Ugandan infants and adolescents

Housing/Meals/Transportation:

The IDI maintains a 3 bedroom apartment that is a 15 minute walk from IDI and a 5 minute drive. Very inexpensive ($0.30 one way) mini-bus taxis are available with door-to-door service. Visiting trainees have a unique opportunity to exchange ideas in a relaxed house atmosphere. Laundry, grocery, shopping, cooking, and potable water are all available at the house. Rooms are available for $400-600/month.

Health Issues:

The usual health precautions for a resource-limited country in a malarious zone apply with need for monitoring foodstuffs, use of bottled water, and recommendations for malaria prophylaxis. Yellow fever vaccine is required for entry into the country as is a valid visa. Tuberculin skin test status should be ascertained prior to entering Uganda as this country is 17th on the high burden TB country list.

The NIH/FICRS program requires all trainees to see a physician before they leave for assignment abroad. Please visit U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and The Yellow Book: Health Information for International Travel for more information.

Safety Issues:

Please visit the State Department website.

Language requirements other than English:

The two official languages in Uganda are Luganda and English. In Kampala, all professionals speak fluent English so language should not be a professional barrier. For patient care, a working knowledge of Luganda would be desirable. On-site language training can easily be arranged.

What is it like to live in Uganda?