As Makerere University is holding its 69th graduation ceremony, THRiVE is happy to have fully supported two out of seven grandaunts for a Degree of Doctor of Philosophy from the college of Health Sciences.
Dr. Bwogi is a research officer and Head EPI Division at the Uganda Virus Research Institute in Uganda. Her research on Rotaviruses in Uganda found that There is transmission of rotavirus infection between humans and animals, and between different domestic animals and that rotavirus infection is common in under five year old children admitted with acute diarrhoea in Central Uganda. These findings will be useful in assessing the impact of introduction of rotavirus vaccination in Ugandan children.
Dr. Bonnie Wandera has been working with the Infectious Diseases Institute clinic on various research projects including evaluating sexual behaviours of HIV infected persons receiving antiretroviral therapy for up to 3 years. His current research focuses on the behavioural, biological and immunological correlates of alcohol consumption among persons living with HIV/AIDS. His findings show that alcohol consumers living with HIV/AIDS are more likely to report unprotected sexual intercourse, multiple sexual partners, non-disclosure of HIV status to sexual partners as well as having lower adherence to anti-retroviral drugs (ARVs). This study highlights the need to screen and manage alcohol use in persons living with HIV/AIDS and using interventions of more than a single alcohol counselling session.