This year marks the twelfth anniversary of a formidable research collaboration between Gulu University and Training of Health Researchers into Vocational Excellence in East Africa (THRiVE) program. The story begins in 2009 when the Northern Region, Uganda was beginning to heal from more than two decades of war, challenged by vector-borne diseases such as malaria and river blindness transmitted by mosquitoes and black flies, respectively.
However, in the last 12 years, with funding from THRiVE, the university has made great strides in research, infrastructure development and research mentorship. In keeping with the University’s motto, ‘For community transformation,’ students and staff of the university have undertaken various research projects to improve on the life of the local populace in the region. For example, Dr. Richard Echodu, a Senior Lecturer and Director, Multifunctional Research Laboratory obtained a THRiVE Career Development Award to undertake research to determine the insecticide resistance levels in mosquitoes in northern Uganda. The outcome of his research, reaffirmed that it is essential to use alternative insecticides for indoor residual spraying in the region rather than the commonly used pyrethroids to which mosquitoes have developed resistance. It also emphasized the need for continuous monitoring for insecticide resistance. Going forward, we aspire to create more innovative and progressive research projects that impact on policy and practice. The COVID-19 crisis has showed, more than ever, the value of nurturing strong research partnerships in order to deal with emerging health crises.
Right across the university, our researchers have risen to the challenge, bringing their expertise in epidemiology, diagnostics and clinical practices to address the pandemic. Thus, the university will continue to strengthen its partnership with THRiVE so that we’ll grow into an institution renowned for producing outstanding research in neglected tropical diseases, communicable and non-communicable diseases.
I hope you will enjoy this special anniversary magazine which looks back on the achievements attained by the university courtesy of THRiVE; highlights of research undertaken and activities of community engagement undertaken by our researchers.