MRC/UVRI Uganda Research Unit on AIDS
Professor Pontiano Kaleebu
Director of MRC/UVRI Uganda Research Unit on AIDS
The MRC/UVRI Research Unit on AIDS in Uganda is based at the Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI). It was established following a request in 1988 from the Ugandan Government to the British Government for assistance regarding the research and the control of HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) infection and AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome).
The unit is situated on the shores of Lake Victoria in Entebbe, and has three field stations in Masaka and Jinja district. It is multidisciplinary, which reflects the wide-ranging nature of the problems caused by HIV. The primary focus of the programme is to investigate, within a broad framework, HIV infection related issues of public health relevance to Uganda and other parts of sub-Saharan Africa. Activities range from virology and immunology to social science, clinical studies and intervention trials, all underpinned by a strong epidemiological and statistical base, the necessary administrative and laboratory support services and a community development section. Research activities of the unit currently comprise five main areas: an observational studies programme to investigate the epidemiology, the clinical characteristics and the determinants of the epidemic in the presence of care; an intervention research programme to identify and evaluate interventions that are expected to reduce HIV transmission; a research programme to develop and evaluate interventions aiming to reduce disease progression; a social science programme to study the behavioural aspects of prevention and care and the social consequences of the epidemic; and a basic science programme focussing on research to support the development of vaccines and to explore issues around the appearance of viral resistance against anti-retroviral drugs. The unit is mainly funded by the MRC and the Department for International Development, but various activities are supported by the Wellcome Trust, the European Commission, the US Centres for Disease Control and the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative. The unit collaborates with universities and partner institutions throughout Uganda, sub-Saharan Africa, the United Kingdom and with academic institutions in Europe and the US.
Medical Research Council Programme on AIDS
Uganda Virus Research Institute
P.O. Box 49
Entebbe
Uganda
UTL: +256 0417 704000
MTN: +256 0312 262910/1
ZAIN: +256 0752 731733
Fax: +256 0414 321137
Email: mrc@mrcuganda.org
Web: www.mrcuganda.org
