HIV researchers to get CDC training

Nov 18, 2001

THE Makerere University Institute of Public Health (IPH) and the US Centre for Disease Control (CDC) have initiated a US $3.5million (sh6.1bn) project to train HIV/AIDS researchers and programme managers in Uganda.

By Charles Wendo and Edris Kisambira THE Makerere University Institute of Public Health (IPH) and the US Centre for Disease Control (CDC) have initiated a US $3.5million (sh6.1bn) project to train HIV/AIDS researchers and programme managers in Uganda. Prof. David Serwadda, a senior lecturer at IPH and co-ordinator of the project, said recently that CDC would provide $700,000 per year for five years to train HIV/AIDS researchers and programme implementers. Speaking during the project’s inaugural meeting at IPH, Serwadda said the overall aim was to develop capacity for HIV/AIDS research and development work in Uganda. He said currently many AIDS services or research organisations especially those in the rural areas have a shortage of skilled personnel. “We feel the challenge of training is where there is a gap,” he said. Serwadda said the project would recruit eight fellows annually, train them, then attach them to various institutions where they can receive on-job training and conduct research. He said the project would also hold a number of short courses for HIV/AIDS workers. “Next week we shall advertise for fellows and we hope to have them on board before Christmas,” he said. Dr Donna Kabatesi, the CDC-Uganda director of programmes, said the organisation agreed to fund the project because it was unique and innovative. “This programme has not happened anywhere else in Africa or in the world,” she said. Serwadda said each fellow would be on the programme for two years, and be entitled to $10,000 for their operations, a stipend of $1,000 per month, as well as a laptop computer and printer. In the end, the best performing fellow would receive the Matthew Lukwiya Memorial Award worth $1,000. ends

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