Vaccinology
Lead Research Organisation:
London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine
Department Name: UNLISTED
Abstract
Vaccines are among the most successful tools available for protecting public health, but effective vaccines are still lacking for many infectious diseases that are important in Africa – including HIV, viruses that cause major outbreaks in African populations, and parasitic diseases including worm infections. As well, vaccines work better in some communities than others, with poor communities in rural, low-income, tropical settings often at a disadvantage.
Our theme will contribute to
• Developing new vaccines of particular importance for Africa, and testing them in clinical trials – for example vaccines against viruses such as Rift Valley Fever which causes outbreaks among humans and farm animals in East Africa, and against debilitating worm infections such as schistosomiasis
• Understanding how best to employ vaccines in Africa – for example how vaccines can be combined with other preventive measures against HIV, or what the most appropriate dosing schedules are for particular age groups and needs
• Investigating why some vaccines work differently in different communities, and working with communities to develop strategies that enable them to benefit from vaccines to the full
• Understanding how different communities learn about, understand and perceive vaccines, and what makes people confident to use them
• Building vaccine research expertise among African researchers
This work will contribute to ensuring that African communities secure the maximum possible benefit from vaccines.
Our theme will contribute to
• Developing new vaccines of particular importance for Africa, and testing them in clinical trials – for example vaccines against viruses such as Rift Valley Fever which causes outbreaks among humans and farm animals in East Africa, and against debilitating worm infections such as schistosomiasis
• Understanding how best to employ vaccines in Africa – for example how vaccines can be combined with other preventive measures against HIV, or what the most appropriate dosing schedules are for particular age groups and needs
• Investigating why some vaccines work differently in different communities, and working with communities to develop strategies that enable them to benefit from vaccines to the full
• Understanding how different communities learn about, understand and perceive vaccines, and what makes people confident to use them
• Building vaccine research expertise among African researchers
This work will contribute to ensuring that African communities secure the maximum possible benefit from vaccines.
Technical Summary
Vaccines are among our most successful public health interventions as shown during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, but deficiencies in Africa’s vaccine research capacity have been recognised. Our vaccine research is strongly aligned to the Unit’s mission to undertake research and capacity building for control of infectious diseases. Our goal is to contribute to optimising vaccines for Africa and globally. The key objectives of our focus areas are:
1) Vaccines for viruses: to contribute to control and prevention of viral infectious diseases through vaccine development, trials and implementation research. Targets are to identify and prepare populations for future vaccine trials; determine safety, efficacy and effectiveness of vaccines or vaccines with other interventions, and of vaccine schedules, for disease prevention in Africa; investigate vaccine hesitancy and identify strategies to support vaccine uptake; and contribute to national and regional vaccine development strategies.
2) Immunomodulation and vaccines: to determine why some vaccine responses are impaired in rural, low-income, tropical settings, and what can be done to optimise them. Targets are to identify key, modifiable social and biological exposures, and mechanistic pathways, which influence vaccine responses and impact; and to model and test interventions to improve vaccine impact in vulnerable communities.
The techniques to be used include epidemiology and clinical trials, including the development of controlled human infection studies relevant to the endemic setting. Laboratory work will harness molecular methods and a range of immunological techniques addressing measures of immunogenicity and correlates of protective immunity, as well as research using high-dimensional flow cytometry to understand immunological pathways associated with vaccine responses and efficacy. Cross-cutting community engagement and social science research will include quantitative and qualitative approaches.
The balance between the focus areas is expected to be about equal.
1) Vaccines for viruses: to contribute to control and prevention of viral infectious diseases through vaccine development, trials and implementation research. Targets are to identify and prepare populations for future vaccine trials; determine safety, efficacy and effectiveness of vaccines or vaccines with other interventions, and of vaccine schedules, for disease prevention in Africa; investigate vaccine hesitancy and identify strategies to support vaccine uptake; and contribute to national and regional vaccine development strategies.
2) Immunomodulation and vaccines: to determine why some vaccine responses are impaired in rural, low-income, tropical settings, and what can be done to optimise them. Targets are to identify key, modifiable social and biological exposures, and mechanistic pathways, which influence vaccine responses and impact; and to model and test interventions to improve vaccine impact in vulnerable communities.
The techniques to be used include epidemiology and clinical trials, including the development of controlled human infection studies relevant to the endemic setting. Laboratory work will harness molecular methods and a range of immunological techniques addressing measures of immunogenicity and correlates of protective immunity, as well as research using high-dimensional flow cytometry to understand immunological pathways associated with vaccine responses and efficacy. Cross-cutting community engagement and social science research will include quantitative and qualitative approaches.
The balance between the focus areas is expected to be about equal.
Organisations
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (Lead Research Organisation)
- International AIDS Vaccine Initiative (IAVI) (Collaboration)
- Serum Institute of India (Collaboration)
- UNIVERSITY COLLEGE LONDON (Collaboration)
- Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (Collaboration)
- Ministry of Health, Uganda (Collaboration)
- Leiden University Medical Center (Collaboration)
- UNIVERSITY OF YORK (Collaboration)
- Medical Research Council of South Africa (MRC) (Collaboration)
- Wellcome Trust (Collaboration)
- Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) (Collaboration)
- UNIVERSITY OF MANCHESTER (Collaboration)
- University of Glasgow (Collaboration)
- National Institute for Medical Research, Tanzania (Collaboration)
- University of the Witwatersrand (Collaboration)
- University of Oxford (Collaboration)
- Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (Collaboration)
- Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU Munich) (Collaboration)
- Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (Collaboration)
- Uganda National Expanded Programme on Immunisation (Collaboration)
- Makerere University (Collaboration)
- Instituto Nacional de Saúde (Collaboration)
- Sixth Framework Programme (FP6) (Collaboration)
- University of Bergen (Collaboration)
- KING'S COLLEGE LONDON (Collaboration)
- Gilead Sciences, Inc. (Collaboration)
- University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) (Collaboration)
- IMPERIAL COLLEGE LONDON (Collaboration)
- Uganda Christian University (Collaboration)
- Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Center (Collaboration)
- KAROLINSKA INSTITUTE (Collaboration)
- Uganda Virus Research Institute (Collaboration)
- Eurovacc Foundation (Collaboration)
People |
ORCID iD |
Publications
Dee DP
(2024)
A cross-sectional pilot household study of Schistosoma mansoni burden and associated morbidities in Lake Albert, Uganda.
in Tropical medicine & international health : TM & IH
Cohen CA
(2024)
A Longitudinal Analysis of Memory Immune Responses in Convalescent Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Survivors in Uganda.
in The Journal of infectious diseases
Kitonsa J
(2023)
A phase I COVID-19 vaccine trial among SARS-CoV-2 seronegative and seropositive individuals in Uganda utilizing a self-amplifying RNA vaccine platform: Screening and enrollment experiences.
in Human vaccines & immunotherapeutics
Rametse CL
(2023)
A randomized clinical trial of on-demand oral pre-exposure prophylaxis does not modulate lymphoid/myeloid HIV target cell density in the foreskin.
in AIDS (London, England)
Okello E
(2023)
Acceptability and applicability of biometric iris scanning for the identification and follow up of highly mobile research participants living in fishing communities along the shores of Lake Victoria in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.
in International journal of medical informatics
Nalwanga R
(2025)
Assessing community vulnerability to reduced vaccine impact in Uganda and Kenya: A spatial data analysis
in NIHR Open Research
Bahemuka U
(2024)
Assessing COVID-19 vaccine roll-out in Uganda: a case study of uptake and associated factors among health care workers and older people
in Open Research Africa
| Description | Chair of the UVRI-IAVI HIV vaccine Program Board |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Policy Influence Type | Participation in a guidance/advisory committee |
| Impact | We have been able to advise on the research priorities including vaccine trials. Advised on community engagement issues, fund raising and capacity development |
| Description | Data Safety Monitoring Board, malaria vaccine trials |
| Geographic Reach | Africa |
| Policy Influence Type | Participation in a guidance/advisory committee |
| Impact | Regulation of vaccine trials of potential future clinical importance in vaccine licensing and implementation |
| Description | Data and Safety Monitoring Board, rabies vaccine trial |
| Geographic Reach | Africa |
| Policy Influence Type | Participation in a guidance/advisory committee |
| Impact | Continuing participation in a DSMB of importance in development of an improved rabies vaccine |
| Description | Meetings with the Ministry of Health on Ebola Vaccine trials |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Policy Influence Type | Contribution to a national consultation/review |
| Description | Membership of the COVAX Independent Product Group (IPG) |
| Geographic Reach | Multiple continents/international |
| Policy Influence Type | Participation in a guidance/advisory committee |
| Impact | The recommendations approved vaccines to use and distribute in different countries |
| Description | National measles verification committee |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Policy Influence Type | Participation in a guidance/advisory committee |
| Impact | Hotpots for outbreaks were visited and follow up immunisations implemented |
| Description | Pandemic Sciences and Public Health Collaboratives Independent Advisory Committee; Science for Africa Foundation |
| Geographic Reach | Africa |
| Policy Influence Type | Participation in a guidance/advisory committee |
| Description | Participation as a committee member of the COVID-19 Vaccine Advisory Committee |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Policy Influence Type | Participation in a guidance/advisory committee |
| Impact | The committee was able to advise against the importation of some COVID-19 vaccines and to rule out some adverse events as a result of vaccinations. |
| Description | Participation in WHO meetings to guide on SOLIDALITY protocols for filovirus vaccine trials |
| Geographic Reach | Africa |
| Policy Influence Type | Participation in a guidance/advisory committee |
| Impact | A resolution is to have a ready adaptive multistage, multi-arm protocols for panfilo virus therapeutic and vaccine trials that will combine phase 1 and 2 during the inter-outbreak periods and phase 3 during outbreaks. |
| Description | Technical expert committee on schistosomiasis and soil transmitted helminths, Uganda Ministry of Health |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Policy Influence Type | Participation in a guidance/advisory committee |
| Description | Wellcome Genome Campus Advanced Courses - Overseas Expert Panel member |
| Geographic Reach | Multiple continents/international |
| Policy Influence Type | Participation in a guidance/advisory committee |
| Impact | Advising on international courses on genetics and bioinformatics run by the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, impacting on education for African scientists. |
| URL | https://coursesandconferences.wellcomegenomecampus.org/event-type/overseas-courses/ |
| Description | A Phase Ib trial to evaluate the safety and immunogenicity of R21/Matrix-M in African children living with HIV (VAC092) |
| Amount | € 1,095,385 (EUR) |
| Organisation | Serum Institute of India |
| Sector | Private |
| Country | India |
| Start | 05/2022 |
| End | 06/2024 |
| Description | A Phase Ib trial to evaluate the safety and immunogenicity of R21/Matrix-M in African children living with HIV (VAC092) |
| Amount | € 1,095,385 (EUR) |
| Organisation | Serum Institute of India |
| Sector | Private |
| Country | India |
| Start | 05/2022 |
| End | 06/2024 |
| Description | A Randomized, Observer-Blind, Phase 2 Clinical Trial of COVAC-2 in Generally Healthy Adults (COVAC-003) |
| Amount | $604,538 (USD) |
| Organisation | University of Saskatchewan |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| Country | Canada |
| Start | 12/2021 |
| End | 03/2024 |
| Description | Advancing Vaccine development: Harnessing Multiple Antigenic Epitopes for Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever in Humans and Animals |
| Amount | £1,979,781 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | 10087075 |
| Organisation | Innovate UK |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 01/2024 |
| End | 12/2025 |
| Description | COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness and variants in Uganda: a test- negative case-control study with genetic sequencing (COVVAR) |
| Amount | $509,268 (USD) |
| Organisation | World Health Organization Regional Office for Africa |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | Congo |
| Start | 03/2023 |
| End | 03/2023 |
| Description | Characterization of protein and glycan epitopes recognised following controlled human infection with Schistosoma mansoni in an endemic population |
| Amount | € 149,846 (EUR) |
| Organisation | Sixth Framework Programme (FP6) |
| Department | European and Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | Netherlands |
| Start | 08/2021 |
| End | 08/2024 |
| Description | Clinical and immunological impact of S. mansoni infection and treatment on the course of HBV infection among urban Ugandans |
| Amount | $750,000 (USD) |
| Organisation | National Institutes of Health (NIH) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United States |
| Start | 03/2020 |
| End | 03/2025 |
| Description | Clinical development of the new ChAdOx1 Plague vaccine: A Phase 1b trial in a target population |
| Amount | £500,000 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | 10026240 |
| Organisation | Innovate UK |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 03/2022 |
| End | 03/2024 |
| Description | Crimean Congo Heamorrhagic Fever |
| Amount | £750,000 (GBP) |
| Organisation | University of Oxford |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 07/2024 |
| End | 08/2028 |
| Description | Deciphering the role of baseline transcription profile in determining vaccine responses. |
| Amount | £11,443 (GBP) |
| Organisation | Medical Research Council (MRC) |
| Department | MRC/UVRI and LSHTM Research Unit Uganda |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| Country | Uganda |
| Start | 01/2024 |
| End | 07/2025 |
| Description | Developing antibody functional assays to evaluate naturally acquired immunity against schistosomiasis in an endemic Ugandan population (SchistoF(x) study) |
| Amount | £29,880 (GBP) |
| Organisation | Merck |
| Sector | Private |
| Country | Germany |
| Start | 01/2025 |
| End | 12/2025 |
| Description | Development and deployment of image-based methods for quantifying schistosome attributes |
| Amount | £38,978 (GBP) |
| Organisation | Higher Education Funding Council for Wales (HEFCW) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 08/2024 |
| End | 02/2025 |
| Description | Development of Ebola Sudv and Marburg immunology assays |
| Amount | $1,200,000 (USD) |
| Organisation | Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations |
| Sector | Learned Society |
| Country | Norway |
| Start | 03/2024 |
| End | 03/2025 |
| Description | ERC-funded work on 3D tonsil cultures to assess vaccine responses in Uganda, and Hypovax PhD fellowship for Ronald Nkangi |
| Amount | € 157,000 (EUR) |
| Organisation | Leiden University Medical Center |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| Country | Netherlands |
| Start | 03/2024 |
| End | 03/2028 |
| Description | How do early-life infectious and nutritional exposures characteristic of tropical Africa impact subsequent cardiovascular disease risk? |
| Amount | £1,134,893 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | MR/Y013948/1 |
| Organisation | Medical Research Council (MRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 03/2024 |
| End | 03/2027 |
| Description | Innovations for vaccines against helminth infections (WORMVACS2.0) |
| Amount | € 7,510,206 (EUR) |
| Organisation | European Commission |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | Belgium |
| Start | 08/2023 |
| End | 08/2028 |
| Description | NIHR Global Health Groupon on vaccines for vulnerable people in Africa (VAnguard) |
| Amount | £2,984,447 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | NIHR134531 |
| Organisation | National Institute for Health and Care Research |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 08/2022 |
| End | 02/2026 |
| Description | Novel Adenovector Covid-19 vaccine |
| Amount | £1,000,000,000 (UGX) |
| Organisation | Government of Uganda |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | Uganda |
| Start | 01/2023 |
| End | 12/2024 |
| Description | Studying of break through infections in SARS-CoV-2 vaccinated Ugandans. |
| Amount | $250,000 (USD) |
| Organisation | Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation |
| Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
| Country | United States |
| Start | 08/2024 |
| End | 09/2025 |
| Description | Tropical Medicine Research Centers: Uganda Schistosomiasis Multidisciplinary Research Center |
| Amount | $2,653,173 (USD) |
| Funding ID | U01AI168609 |
| Organisation | National Institutes of Health (NIH) |
| Department | National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United States |
| Start | 04/2022 |
| End | 04/2027 |
| Description | VacICoP: Chad3-MARV Vaccine-induced Correlates of Protection |
| Amount | £5,000,000 (GBP) |
| Organisation | Wellcome Trust |
| Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 07/2024 |
| End | 08/2028 |
| Description | Wellcome International Training Fellowship for Gyaviira Nkurunungi: "The impact of differential parasite exposure on immunological and metabolic predictors of vaccine response in the tropics" |
| Amount | £296,299 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | 224263/Z/21/Z |
| Organisation | Wellcome Trust |
| Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 03/2022 |
| End | 03/2025 |
| Title | BonoboFlow Bioinformatics pipeline |
| Description | BonoboFlow was a key tool tailored for adenovector vaccine production, mainly in the adenovirus isolation and characterisation, streamlining the complex process of reconstructing viral genomes from long-read sequencing data. By integrating key steps like read filtering, chimeric read removal, error correction, and genome polishing, BonoboFlow ensures the accurate assembly of viral genomes, crucial for understanding genetic diversity and informing vaccine development strategies. In Addition this pipeline is open access via platforms like GitHub and Docker Hub fosters collaboration and accelerates scientific progress by enabling researchers worldwide to leverage its capabilities in their own investigations, thus positioning BonoboFlow as a pivotal resource in the ongoing battle against infectious diseases. |
| Type Of Material | Improvements to research infrastructure |
| Year Produced | 2023 |
| Provided To Others? | Yes |
| Impact | The pipeline has been applied to HIV-1 characterization research work under the Viral Pathogen theme. Using the pipeline, analysis was done using the 3-half end of HIV sequence which is approximately 4500nt. The analysis was carried using 30 sequences which were sequences both with sanger and ONT. The comparison between the two platforms revealed a mean disagreement error-rate of 0.499888%, indicating a relatively low level of discordance. Furthermore, the mean percentage identity between the platforms was found to be 99.5%, indicating a high degree of similarity. When examining the specific variants, the minimum number of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) observed was 0, while the minimum number of insertions and deletions (indels) was 1, across the two platforms. On the other hand, the maximum number of SNPs detected was 84, and the maximum number of indels identified was 137. Analyzing the overall performance, most of the samples exhibited an error rate of less than 1% and a percentage identity of 99% or higher. This trend was consistent across most samples. |
| URL | https://github.com/nchis09/BonoboFlow |
| Title | Discovery and characterisation of monoclonal antibodies |
| Description | Screen population for elite neutralisers in order to identify monoclonal antibodies for detection and immune therapies |
| Type Of Material | Improvements to research infrastructure |
| Year Produced | 2023 |
| Provided To Others? | Yes |
| Impact | reagent tools for assays can be made available |
| Title | Pseudoviruses and antigens for neutralising and binding antibody assays |
| Description | a protocol that can be adopted for any virus antibody detection |
| Type Of Material | Technology assay or reagent |
| Year Produced | 2023 |
| Provided To Others? | Yes |
| Impact | Other can use the published method to use the assays |
| Title | Data for: Changes in self-reported risky sexual behaviour indicators among adults receiving regular risk reduction counselling and optional initiation of pre-exposure prophylaxis in an HIV vaccine preparedness study in Masaka, Uganda |
| Description | A quantitative dataset collected as part of an on-going HIV vaccine preparedness study "The PrEPVacc Registration Cohort". It contains information on demographic, HIV risk behavioural characteristics and PrEP uptake among participants. Responses cover participants from the Masaka registration cohort who completed at least one year of follow-up in the cohort. |
| Type Of Material | Database/Collection of data |
| Year Produced | 2023 |
| Provided To Others? | Yes |
| Impact | Publications attributed to this dataset 1. Kitonsa J, Kansiime S, Kusemererwa S, Onyango M, Nayiga B, Kabarambi A, Mugisha JO, Kaleebu P, Ruzagira E; PrEPVacc Study Group. Changes in self-reported risky sexual behaviour indicators among adults receiving regular risk reduction counselling and optional initiation of pre-exposure prophylaxis in an HIV vaccine preparedness study in Masaka, Uganda. Glob Health Action. 2023 Dec 31;16(1):2242672. doi: 10.1080/16549716.2023.2242672. PMID: 37548558; PMCID: PMC10408567. |
| URL | https://datacompass.lshtm.ac.uk/id/eprint/3403 |
| Title | Data supporting "Does schistosome or malaria exposure contribute to urban-rural differences in vaccine responses in Uganda? A causal mediation analysis using data from three linked randomised controlled trials." |
| Description | This dataset comprises individual-level data from participants in the POPVAC series of three randomised controlled trials. POPVAC A was conducted among schoolchildren from Koome islands, Uganda (a schistosomiasis-endemic setting), POPVAC B was conducted among schoolchildren from Jinja district, Uganda (a malaria-endemic setting), POPVAC C was conducted among schoolchildren from Entebbe, Uganda (a lower infection prevalence setting). |
| Type Of Material | Database/Collection of data |
| Year Produced | 2024 |
| Provided To Others? | Yes |
| Impact | This dataset comprises individual-level data from participants in the POPVAC series of three randomised controlled trials. POPVAC A was conducted among schoolchildren from Koome islands, Uganda (a schistosomiasis-endemic setting), POPVAC B was conducted among schoolchildren from Jinja district, Uganda (a malaria-endemic setting), POPVAC C was conducted among schoolchildren from Entebbe, Uganda (a lower infection prevalence setting). |
| URL | https://datacompass.lshtm.ac.uk/id/eprint/3761 |
| Title | Data supporting "Helminth-driven gut inflammation and microbial translocation are linked to altered vaccine responses in rural Uganda" |
| Description | This dataset comprises individual-level data from participants in the POPVAC A randomised controlled trial. POPVAC A was conducted among schoolchildren from Koome islands, Uganda (a schistosomiasis-endemic setting). Variables include data on socio-demographic characteristics, helminth infections, vaccine-specific responses, and stool and plasma markers of gut inflammation and microbial translocation. |
| Type Of Material | Database/Collection of data |
| Year Produced | 2025 |
| Provided To Others? | Yes |
| Impact | This dataset is accessible to researchers interested in gut inflammation and microbial translocation, and how these associate with vaccine immunogenicity |
| URL | https://datacompass.lshtm.ac.uk/id/eprint/4505 |
| Title | Data supporting "The effect of current helminth infection on vaccine responses among adolescents living in helminth-endemic islands of Lake Victoria, Uganda" |
| Description | The data contain anonymized individual-level records of 478 schoolchildren (aged 9-17 years) who participated in a randomized controlled trial investigating the effect of Schistosomiasis treatment on responses to a portfolio of vaccines, known as the POPVAC A trial. Helminth infections were assessed prior to vaccination to enable comparisons of vaccine-specific immune responses between infected and uninfected children, aiming to answer the question of whether helminth infection before vaccination affects responses observed following vaccination. |
| Type Of Material | Database/Collection of data |
| Year Produced | 2024 |
| Provided To Others? | Yes |
| Impact | This dataset constitutes data that was analysed for the manuscript "Pre-vaccination Schistosoma mansoni and hookworm infections are associated with altered vaccine immune responses: a longitudinal analysis among adolescents living in helminth-endemic islands of Lake Victoria, Uganda" published in Frontiers (https://doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2024.1460183) |
| URL | https://datacompass.lshtm.ac.uk/id/eprint/3862 |
| Title | Data supporting "The effect of intensive praziquantel treatment on vaccine-specific responses among schoolchildren in Ugandan schistosomiasis-endemic islands: results of the POPVAC A randomised, controlled trial" |
| Description | This dataset comprises individual-level data from participants in the POPVAC A randomised controlled trial. POPVAC A was an open-label randomised controlled trial of intensive versus standard intervention against Schistosoma mansoni among schoolchildren (9-17 years) in Koome islands, Uganda (ISRCTN60517191). The aim of the trial was to comprehensively address the hypothesis that Schistosoma mansoni infection causes suppression of responses to unrelated vaccines and that this effect can be reversed by intensive treatment with praziquantel. The trial population was selected to comprise children at intense risk of exposure to Schistosoma mansoni infection in a "hot-spot", island setting in Lake Victoria, Uganda. A portfolio of vaccines, of potential benefit to the children and comprising live, inert, oral and parenteral, was provided to enable a comprehensive assessment and comparison of effects of intensive treatment of Schistosoma mansoni on immune response to vaccines with different characteristics. |
| Type Of Material | Database/Collection of data |
| Year Produced | 2024 |
| Provided To Others? | Yes |
| Impact | This dataset comprises individual-level data from participants in the POPVAC A randomised controlled trial. POPVAC A was an open-label randomised controlled trial of intensive versus standard intervention against Schistosoma mansoni among schoolchildren (9-17 years) in Koome islands, Uganda (ISRCTN60517191). |
| URL | https://datacompass.lshtm.ac.uk/id/eprint/3758 |
| Title | Data supporting "The effect of intermittent preventive treatment for malaria with dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine on vaccine-specific responses among schoolchildren in rural Uganda: results of the POPVAC B randomised, controlled trial" |
| Description | This dataset comprises individual-level data from participants in the POPVAC B randomised controlled trial. POPVAC B was a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of the effect of malaria IPT with dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine (DP) on vaccine responses among schoolchildren (9-17 years) in Jinja district, Uganda (ISRCTN62041885). The aim of the trial was to comprehensively address the hypothesis that malaria infection causes suppression of responses to unrelated vaccines and that this effect can be reversed at least partially, by monthly intermittent preventive treatment (IPT) of malaria in high-transmission settings. A portfolio of vaccines, of potential benefit to the children and comprising live, inert, oral and parenteral, was provided to enable a comprehensive assessment and comparison of effects of IPT of malaria on immune response to vaccines with different characteristics. |
| Type Of Material | Database/Collection of data |
| Year Produced | 2024 |
| Provided To Others? | Yes |
| Impact | This dataset constitutes data that was analysed for the manuscript "The effect of intermittent preventive treatment for malaria with dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine on vaccine-specific responses among schoolchildren in rural Uganda (POPVAC B): a double-blind, randomised controlled trial" published in the Lancet Global health (DOI: 10.1016/S2214-109X(24)00281-X) |
| URL | https://datacompass.lshtm.ac.uk/id/eprint/3759 |
| Title | Data supporting: "The effect of BCG revaccination on the response to unrelated vaccines in urban Ugandan adolescents: results of the POPVAC C randomised, controlled trial" |
| Description | This dataset comprises individual-level data from participants in the POPVAC C randomised controlled trial. POPVAC C was an open-label randomised controlled trial of Bacillus Calmette Guérin (BCG) revaccination versus no BCG among schoolchildren in Entebbe, Uganda (ISRCTN10482904). The aim of the trial was to comprehensively address the hypothesis that revaccination with BCG might enhance responses to unrelated vaccines. A portfolio of vaccines, of potential benefit to the children and comprising live, inert, oral and parenteral, was provided to enable a comprehensive assessment and comparison of effects of BCG revaccination on immune response to vaccines with different characteristics. |
| Type Of Material | Database/Collection of data |
| Year Produced | 2024 |
| Provided To Others? | Yes |
| Impact | This dataset constitutes data that was analysed for the manuscript "The effect of BCG revaccination on the response to unrelated vaccines in urban Ugandan adolescents (POPVAC C): an open-label, randomised controlled trial" published in the Lancet Global health (DOI: 10.1016/S2214-109X(24)00282-1) |
| URL | https://datacompass.lshtm.ac.uk/id/eprint/3760 |
| Title | Dataset for: Developing HIV risk prediction tools in four African settings |
| Description | A quantitative dataset collected as part of an on-going HIV vaccine preparedness study "The PrEPVacc Registration Cohort". The study was set up at sites in Masaka, Uganda; Durban, South Africa; Maputo, Mozambique; Mbeya and Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, to prepare a population of HIV negative individuals at risk of acquiring HIV for possible participation in the PrEPVacc HIV vaccine efficacy and pre-exposure prophylaxis trial. It contains information on demographic, HIV risk behavioural characteristics, HIV prevalence at screening and incidence during follow up, among participants. |
| Type Of Material | Database/Collection of data |
| Year Produced | 2023 |
| Provided To Others? | Yes |
| Impact | Publications attributed to the dataset 1. Kansiime S, Hansen CH, Hayes R, Ruzagira E; PrEPVacc Study Team. Developing HIV risk prediction tools in four African settings. Trop Med Int Health. 2023 Sep;28(9):720-730. doi: 10.1111/tmi.13916. Epub 2023 Jul 27. PMID: 37496465. |
| URL | https://datacompass.lshtm.ac.uk/id/eprint/3540 |
| Title | Ethical and practical considerations arising from community consultation on implementing controlled human infection studies using Schistosoma mansoni in Uganda |
| Description | Issues related to controlled human infection studies using Schistosoma mansoni (CHI-S) were explored to ensure the ethical and voluntary participation of potential CHI-S volunteers in an endemic setting in Uganda. We invited volunteers from a fishing community and a tertiary education community to guide the development of informed consent procedures. Consultative group discussions were held to modify educational materials on schistosomiasis, vaccines and the CHI-S model and similar discussions were held with a test group. With both groups, a mock consent process was conducted. Fourteen in-depth key informant interviews and three group discussions were held to explore perceptions towards participating in a CHI-S. Most of the participants had not heard of the CHI-S. Willingness to take part depended on understanding the study procedures and the consenting process. Close social networks were key in deciding to take part. The worry of adverse effects was cited as a possible hindrance to taking part. Volunteer time compensation was unclear for a CHI-S. Potential volunteers in these communities are willing to take part in a CHI-S. Community engagement is needed to build trust and time must be taken to share study procedures and ensure understanding of key messages. |
| Type Of Material | Database/Collection of data |
| Year Produced | 2022 |
| Provided To Others? | Yes |
| Impact | Basis for further development of controlled human infection studies in Uganda |
| URL | https://tandf.figshare.com/articles/dataset/Ethical_and_practical_considerations_arising_from_commun... |
| Title | Examining oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) literacy among participants in an HIV vaccine trial preparedness cohort study |
| Description | Abstract Background PrEP literacy is influenced by many factors including the types of information available and how it is interpreted. The level of PrEP literacy may influence acceptability and uptake. Methods We conducted 25 in-depth interviews in a HIV vaccine trial preparedness cohort study. We explored what participants knew about PrEP, sources of PrEP knowledge and how much they know about PrEP. We used the framework approach to generate themes for analysis guided by the Social Ecological Model and examined levels of PrEP literacy using the individual and interpersonal constructs of the SEM. Results We found that PrEP awareness is strongly influenced by external factors such as social media and how much participants know about HIV treatment and prevention in the local community. However, while participants highlighted the importance of the internet/social media as a source of information about PrEP they talked of low PrEP literacy in their communities. Participants indicated that their own knowledge came as a result of joining the HIV vaccine trial preparedness study. However, some expressed doubts about the effectiveness of the drug and worried about side effects. Participants commented that at the community level PrEP was associated with being sexually active, because it was used to prevent the sexual transmission of HIV. As a result, some participants commented that one could feel judged by the health workers for asking for PrEP at health facilities in the community. Conclusion The information collected in this study provided an understanding of the different layers of influence around individuals that are important to address to improve PrEP acceptability and uptake. Our findings can inform strategies to address the barriers to PrEP uptake, particularly at structural and community levels. Trial registration https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04066881 |
| Type Of Material | Database/Collection of data |
| Year Produced | 2022 |
| Provided To Others? | Yes |
| Impact | Unknown |
| URL | https://springernature.figshare.com/collections/Examining_oral_pre-exposure_prophylaxis_PrEP_literac... |
| Title | Qualitative interview data on the factors that influence COVID-19 vaccine uptake among healthcare workers and older persons in three Ugandan hospitals and areas of Wakiso district |
| Description | Anonymised transcripts of 33 in-depth interview with 25 healthcare workers (HCWs) and 8 older persons who gave consent to participate in the COVID-19 vaccine uptake study among healthcare workers and older persons in three hospitals in Uganda and areas of Wakiso district. Transcripts cover social demographic information and explores participants' knowledge, beliefs, personal experiences, barriers, and facilitators to vaccine uptake and suggestions for future COVID-19 vaccine rollout. |
| Type Of Material | Database/Collection of data |
| Year Produced | 2023 |
| Provided To Others? | Yes |
| Impact | Abstract presented at the Global Health Network Conference 1. Slivesteri, S., Ssali, A., Bahemuka, U., Nsubuga, D., Muwanga, M., Nsereko, C., Ruzagira, E. (2023). The Influences of structural, social and contextual factors to COVID-19vaccine uptake: A qualitative study among healthcare workers and older persons (50 years and above) in Uganda. The Global Health Network Collections. https://doi.org/10.21428/3d48c34a.2129322d |
| URL | https://datacompass.lshtm.ac.uk/id/eprint/3700 |
| Title | Survey data on willingness to participate in COVID-19 vaccine trials among healthcare workers in three Ugandan hospitals |
| Description | Survey data collected as part of a study to investigate willingness to participate in COVID-19 vaccine trials among healthcare workers. Survey was completed by 657 healthcare workers in three hospitals in Uganda. The dataset contains variables on socio-demographic information, willingness to participate in a COVID-19 vaccine trial, motivators and barriers to participation, and the effect of different hypothetical trial characteristics on willingness to participate. |
| Type Of Material | Database/Collection of data |
| Year Produced | 2021 |
| Provided To Others? | Yes |
| Impact | Publications 1. Kitonsa J, Kamacooko O, Bahemuka UM, Kibengo F, Kakande A, Wajja A, Basajja V, Lumala A, Ssemwanga E, Asaba R, Mugisha J, Pierce BF, Shattock R, Kaleebu P, Ruzagira E. Willingness to participate in COVID-19 vaccine trials; a survey among a population of healthcare workers in Uganda. PLoS One. 2021 May 27;16(5):e0251992. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0251992. PMID: 34043693; PMCID: PMC8158909. |
| URL | https://datacompass.lshtm.ac.uk/id/eprint/2168 |
| Description | A Phase Ib trial to evaluate the safety and immunogenicity of R21/Matrix-M in African children living with HIV (VAC092) |
| Organisation | University of Oxford |
| Department | Jenner Institute |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | - Obtain ethics/regulatory approvals - Clinical operations/monitoring - safety monitoring - Participant recruitment and follow-up |
| Collaborator Contribution | - Funding - Provision of investigational medicinal product |
| Impact | Outputs: None Disciplines: Epidemiology, Immunology |
| Start Year | 2022 |
| Description | A combination efficacy study in Africa of two DNA-MVA- or DNA- Env protein HIV-1 vaccine regimens with pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEPVacc) |
| Organisation | Eurovacc Foundation |
| Country | Switzerland |
| Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
| PI Contribution | - Recruitment and follow-up of participants - Clinical operations, trial management, data management and statistical support - Immunology assays |
| Collaborator Contribution | - provision of investigational medicinal product (Vaccines, PrEP) - Recruitment and follow-up of participants |
| Impact | - implementation of a phase IIb HIV vaccine and PrEP trial |
| Start Year | 2017 |
| Description | A combination efficacy study in Africa of two DNA-MVA- or DNA- Env protein HIV-1 vaccine regimens with pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEPVacc) |
| Organisation | Gilead Sciences, Inc. |
| Country | United States |
| Sector | Private |
| PI Contribution | - Recruitment and follow-up of participants - Clinical operations, trial management, data management and statistical support - Immunology assays |
| Collaborator Contribution | - provision of investigational medicinal product (Vaccines, PrEP) - Recruitment and follow-up of participants |
| Impact | - implementation of a phase IIb HIV vaccine and PrEP trial |
| Start Year | 2017 |
| Description | A combination efficacy study in Africa of two DNA-MVA- or DNA- Env protein HIV-1 vaccine regimens with pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEPVacc) |
| Organisation | Imperial College London |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | - Recruitment and follow-up of participants - Clinical operations, trial management, data management and statistical support - Immunology assays |
| Collaborator Contribution | - provision of investigational medicinal product (Vaccines, PrEP) - Recruitment and follow-up of participants |
| Impact | - implementation of a phase IIb HIV vaccine and PrEP trial |
| Start Year | 2017 |
| Description | A combination efficacy study in Africa of two DNA-MVA- or DNA- Env protein HIV-1 vaccine regimens with pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEPVacc) |
| Organisation | Instituto Nacional de Saúde |
| Country | Mozambique |
| Sector | Public |
| PI Contribution | - Recruitment and follow-up of participants - Clinical operations, trial management, data management and statistical support - Immunology assays |
| Collaborator Contribution | - provision of investigational medicinal product (Vaccines, PrEP) - Recruitment and follow-up of participants |
| Impact | - implementation of a phase IIb HIV vaccine and PrEP trial |
| Start Year | 2017 |
| Description | A combination efficacy study in Africa of two DNA-MVA- or DNA- Env protein HIV-1 vaccine regimens with pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEPVacc) |
| Organisation | International AIDS Vaccine Initiative (IAVI) |
| Country | Global |
| Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
| PI Contribution | - Recruitment and follow-up of participants - Clinical operations, trial management, data management and statistical support - Immunology assays |
| Collaborator Contribution | - provision of investigational medicinal product (Vaccines, PrEP) - Recruitment and follow-up of participants |
| Impact | - implementation of a phase IIb HIV vaccine and PrEP trial |
| Start Year | 2017 |
| Description | A combination efficacy study in Africa of two DNA-MVA- or DNA- Env protein HIV-1 vaccine regimens with pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEPVacc) |
| Organisation | Karolinska Institute |
| Country | Sweden |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | - Recruitment and follow-up of participants - Clinical operations, trial management, data management and statistical support - Immunology assays |
| Collaborator Contribution | - provision of investigational medicinal product (Vaccines, PrEP) - Recruitment and follow-up of participants |
| Impact | - implementation of a phase IIb HIV vaccine and PrEP trial |
| Start Year | 2017 |
| Description | A combination efficacy study in Africa of two DNA-MVA- or DNA- Env protein HIV-1 vaccine regimens with pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEPVacc) |
| Organisation | Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) |
| Country | Switzerland |
| Sector | Hospitals |
| PI Contribution | - Recruitment and follow-up of participants - Clinical operations, trial management, data management and statistical support - Immunology assays |
| Collaborator Contribution | - provision of investigational medicinal product (Vaccines, PrEP) - Recruitment and follow-up of participants |
| Impact | - implementation of a phase IIb HIV vaccine and PrEP trial |
| Start Year | 2017 |
| Description | A combination efficacy study in Africa of two DNA-MVA- or DNA- Env protein HIV-1 vaccine regimens with pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEPVacc) |
| Organisation | Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU Munich) |
| Country | Germany |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | - Recruitment and follow-up of participants - Clinical operations, trial management, data management and statistical support - Immunology assays |
| Collaborator Contribution | - provision of investigational medicinal product (Vaccines, PrEP) - Recruitment and follow-up of participants |
| Impact | - implementation of a phase IIb HIV vaccine and PrEP trial |
| Start Year | 2017 |
| Description | A combination efficacy study in Africa of two DNA-MVA- or DNA- Env protein HIV-1 vaccine regimens with pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEPVacc) |
| Organisation | Medical Research Council of South Africa (MRC) |
| Country | South Africa |
| Sector | Public |
| PI Contribution | - Recruitment and follow-up of participants - Clinical operations, trial management, data management and statistical support - Immunology assays |
| Collaborator Contribution | - provision of investigational medicinal product (Vaccines, PrEP) - Recruitment and follow-up of participants |
| Impact | - implementation of a phase IIb HIV vaccine and PrEP trial |
| Start Year | 2017 |
| Description | A combination efficacy study in Africa of two DNA-MVA- or DNA- Env protein HIV-1 vaccine regimens with pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEPVacc) |
| Organisation | Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences |
| Country | Tanzania, United Republic of |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | - Recruitment and follow-up of participants - Clinical operations, trial management, data management and statistical support - Immunology assays |
| Collaborator Contribution | - provision of investigational medicinal product (Vaccines, PrEP) - Recruitment and follow-up of participants |
| Impact | - implementation of a phase IIb HIV vaccine and PrEP trial |
| Start Year | 2017 |
| Description | A combination efficacy study in Africa of two DNA-MVA- or DNA- Env protein HIV-1 vaccine regimens with pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEPVacc) |
| Organisation | National Institute for Medical Research, Tanzania |
| Country | Tanzania, United Republic of |
| Sector | Public |
| PI Contribution | - Recruitment and follow-up of participants - Clinical operations, trial management, data management and statistical support - Immunology assays |
| Collaborator Contribution | - provision of investigational medicinal product (Vaccines, PrEP) - Recruitment and follow-up of participants |
| Impact | - implementation of a phase IIb HIV vaccine and PrEP trial |
| Start Year | 2017 |
| Description | A combination efficacy study in Africa of two DNA-MVA- or DNA- Env protein HIV-1 vaccine regimens with pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEPVacc) |
| Organisation | University College London |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | - Recruitment and follow-up of participants - Clinical operations, trial management, data management and statistical support - Immunology assays |
| Collaborator Contribution | - provision of investigational medicinal product (Vaccines, PrEP) - Recruitment and follow-up of participants |
| Impact | - implementation of a phase IIb HIV vaccine and PrEP trial |
| Start Year | 2017 |
| Description | A combination efficacy study in Africa of two DNA-MVA- or DNA- Env protein HIV-1 vaccine regimens with pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEPVacc) |
| Organisation | Walter Reed Army Institute of Research |
| Country | United States |
| Sector | Public |
| PI Contribution | - Recruitment and follow-up of participants - Clinical operations, trial management, data management and statistical support - Immunology assays |
| Collaborator Contribution | - provision of investigational medicinal product (Vaccines, PrEP) - Recruitment and follow-up of participants |
| Impact | - implementation of a phase IIb HIV vaccine and PrEP trial |
| Start Year | 2017 |
| Description | A phase Ib study to assess the safety and immunogenicity of a recombinant adenovirus-based vaccine against plague in a target population (PlaVAC Uganda) |
| Organisation | University of Oxford |
| Department | Department of Paediatrics |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | - Conduct of the Plavac trial - ethics/regulatory approvals, recruitment and follow up of participants, data management |
| Collaborator Contribution | - Funding - Clinical monitoring |
| Impact | - completion of participant recruitment and follow-up |
| Start Year | 2022 |
| Description | Advancing vaccine development: Harnessing Multiple Antigenic Epitopes for Crimean Congo Hemorrhagic fever in humans and Animals |
| Organisation | Makerere University |
| Department | College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Bio-security (COVAB) |
| Country | Uganda |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | -CCHFV vaccine candidates for preclinical studies - Conduct all the data analysis for safety and immunogenecity |
| Collaborator Contribution | - Uganda Virus Research Institute: Cloning and Bulk stocks of the vaccine candidates - Makerere University: Preclinical animal studies (Safety and Immunogenecity) |
| Impact | Collaboration is multidsciplinary; Virology, Immunology, bioinformatics, animal studies |
| Start Year | 2024 |
| Description | Advancing vaccine development: Harnessing Multiple Antigenic Epitopes for Crimean Congo Hemorrhagic fever in humans and Animals |
| Organisation | Uganda Virus Research Institute |
| Country | Uganda |
| Sector | Public |
| PI Contribution | -CCHFV vaccine candidates for preclinical studies - Conduct all the data analysis for safety and immunogenecity |
| Collaborator Contribution | - Uganda Virus Research Institute: Cloning and Bulk stocks of the vaccine candidates - Makerere University: Preclinical animal studies (Safety and Immunogenecity) |
| Impact | Collaboration is multidsciplinary; Virology, Immunology, bioinformatics, animal studies |
| Start Year | 2024 |
| Description | Afzal Siddiqui, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center |
| Organisation | Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center |
| Country | United States |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | We have developed a funding proposal to be supported by the Wellcome Trust for establishment of a Controlled Human Infection model for Schistosomiasis (CHI-S) in Uganda. Together with Meta Roestenberg and colleagues, we held a meeting in Leiden to discuss the proposed work. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Dr Siddiqui and colleagues have developed a candidate vaccine which we plan to test using the CHI-S model |
| Impact | The grant application was recommended for funding by the Wellcome Trust panel; details of the award are in the final stages of negotiation |
| Start Year | 2019 |
| Description | Arbovirology, UVRI |
| Organisation | Uganda Virus Research Institute |
| Department | Department of Arbovirology, Emerging and Re-emerging Infections |
| Country | Uganda |
| Sector | Public |
| PI Contribution | We are conducting the POPVAC research programme, samples from which will be processed by the department of arbovirology at UVRI |
| Collaborator Contribution | They will undertake yellow fever plaque reduction neutralisation tests. |
| Impact | Not yet |
| Start Year | 2020 |
| Description | Co-supervision with colleagues from Witwatersrand |
| Organisation | University of the Witwatersrand |
| Department | School of Public Health |
| Country | South Africa |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | We are jointly supervising PhD student Lawrence Lubyayi who is using data form this project for his PhD |
| Collaborator Contribution | We are jointly supervising PhD student Lawrence Lubyayi who is using data form this project for his PhD |
| Impact | Draft paper |
| Start Year | 2017 |
| Description | Collaboration with KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Programme on biological predictors of vaccine responsiveness |
| Organisation | Wellcome Trust |
| Department | KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme |
| Country | Kenya |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | As a member of the NIHR-funded VANguard programme, I am collaborating with KEMRI scientists on my Wellcome-funded work that aims to uncover the immunological predictors of vaccine response. We are using samples from our Ugandan POPVAC trials. With KEMRI scientists (Prof. Atkinson and Prof. Kinyanjui), part of the collaboration involves co-supervision of a PhD student (Mr Karanja) to do flow cytometry and Luminex experiments in our lab at the MRC/UVRI and LSHTM Uganda Research Unit. Culminating from this collaboration is preliminary work on baseline micronutrient status and how this associates with vaccine responses, using samples from a Kenyan study in young children. My recently submitted Wellcome CDA application builds on this latter collaboration to suggest exploration of the micronutrient status (among other environmental factors) as a critical determinant of low or optimal vaccine responsiveness. |
| Collaborator Contribution | 1. Co-supervision of a research degree (PhD) student 2. Regular meetings to discuss findings and plans 3. Support on further funding applications based on our mutual preliminary results |
| Impact | Prof. Atkinson has provided support on my recently submitted Career development fellowship application to Wellcome. Preliminary data have been generated together, which have aided further funding applications. Co-supervision and mentorship of research students and junior staff. |
| Start Year | 2022 |
| Description | Crimean Congo Hemorrhagic vaccine preclinical studies in mice |
| Organisation | Makerere University |
| Country | Uganda |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Six CCHF vaccine immunogenicity for testing preclinical in mice. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Facility to conduct the Preclinical studies for safety and Immunogenicity in mice. |
| Impact | So far, we have preclinical data including ELISA results for the pilot study working with three immunogenicity. It is multidisciplinary including Virology, Immunology, Clinical Laboratory services, Pathologists, statistician, data clerks, Veterinary and biomedical laboratory staff. |
| Start Year | 2024 |
| Description | Dr Cecile Crosnier |
| Organisation | University of York |
| Department | Department of Biology |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | We are working with Dr Cecile Crosnier on her MRC Career Development Award to extend Dr Moses Egesa's work "Epitope mapping of schistosome tegument and alimentary tract proteins in humans". |
| Collaborator Contribution | Dr Crosnier has availed a library of recombinant parasite proteins for use in assays with samples from Schistosomiasis endemic populations to identify the targets of protective immunity. |
| Impact | A large resource of recombinant parasite proteins to identify the targets of protective immunity |
| Start Year | 2022 |
| Description | Dr James Hewitson |
| Organisation | University of York |
| Department | Department of Biology |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | James Hewitson |
| Collaborator Contribution | With Dr Hewitson, we have applied and successfully obtained two grants from GCRF and one from the MRC. Dr Moses Egesa has been seconded as Post-doctoral Research Associate to the Hewitson Laboratory to study (1) in vivo anti-schistosome immune responses in endemic populations using humanised mouse models of schistosomiasis and (2) infection-induced changes in haematopoiesis. Dr Egesa underwent training in animal models of schistosomiasis, cutting-edge technologies (humanised mouse models) and specialised immunological techniques (e.g. confocal microscopy, multi-parameter flow cytometry) |
| Impact | Dr Egesa completed accredited training for personnel working under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986; EU Modules achieved: PIL AB (by The University of Newcastle) EU Modules achieved: PIL C (by The Royal Veterinary College) |
| Start Year | 2019 |
| Description | Early versus late BCG vaccination in HIV-1 exposed infants in Uganda |
| Organisation | Makerere University |
| Department | School of Public Health |
| Country | Uganda |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Dr Steve Cose was invited to collaborate on the above funded clinical trial, as the Immunologist for the trial. The trial is funded by the Research Council for Norway, and has now funded a PhD student. Dr Cose is formally registered as a PhD supervisor for the student. This collaboration and PhD student has come as a direct result of his work in Uganda on our MRC Project grant, and our international reputation for undertaking studies on tuberculosis. Our lab will serve as the research lab for all immunological outputs and analysis. |
| Collaborator Contribution | The senior authors for this clinical trial (NCT02606526) are leading epidemiologists who conceived the idea and obtained funding. The primary outcomes for this trial are to compare the risk of severe illness during the first 14 weeks of life, in infants given BCG at birth compared to those given BCG at 14 weeks. Secondary outcomes are to examine the immunological mechanisms behind any effect - in particular the hypothesis that BCG induces trained immunity in the innate immune system, and that giving BCG at birth results in a lower incidence of recorded severe illness events in this group of children. The lead authors will undertake the epidemiological analyses and trial co-ordination. |
| Impact | None as yet. |
| Start Year | 2016 |
| Description | Early versus late BCG vaccination in HIV-1 exposed infants in Uganda |
| Organisation | University of Bergen |
| Department | Department of Earth Science |
| Country | Norway |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Dr Steve Cose was invited to collaborate on the above funded clinical trial, as the Immunologist for the trial. The trial is funded by the Research Council for Norway, and has now funded a PhD student. Dr Cose is formally registered as a PhD supervisor for the student. This collaboration and PhD student has come as a direct result of his work in Uganda on our MRC Project grant, and our international reputation for undertaking studies on tuberculosis. Our lab will serve as the research lab for all immunological outputs and analysis. |
| Collaborator Contribution | The senior authors for this clinical trial (NCT02606526) are leading epidemiologists who conceived the idea and obtained funding. The primary outcomes for this trial are to compare the risk of severe illness during the first 14 weeks of life, in infants given BCG at birth compared to those given BCG at 14 weeks. Secondary outcomes are to examine the immunological mechanisms behind any effect - in particular the hypothesis that BCG induces trained immunity in the innate immune system, and that giving BCG at birth results in a lower incidence of recorded severe illness events in this group of children. The lead authors will undertake the epidemiological analyses and trial co-ordination. |
| Impact | None as yet. |
| Start Year | 2016 |
| Description | Edridah Tukahebwa, Narcis Kabatereine |
| Organisation | Ministry of Health, Uganda |
| Department | Vector Control Division |
| Country | Uganda |
| Sector | Public |
| PI Contribution | These collaborators have expertise in the epidemiology, diagnosis and control of helminth infections. They also understand policy implications and applications. We have worked with them on implementation of all our helminth related work in Uganda. |
| Collaborator Contribution | These collaborators have expertise in the epidemiology, diagnosis and control of helminth infections. They also understand policy implications and applications. |
| Impact | Numerous papers and presentations Stakeholders' meetings Grants |
| Description | Helen McShane, Adrian Hill, Alex Mentzer |
| Organisation | University of Oxford |
| Department | Jenner Institute |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Collaboration on (1) genetic studies on the response to infant vaccines (on-going) (2) a trial investigating the impact of schistosomiasis on the response to candidate TB vaccine MVA85A (completed) (3) a trial of ChAdOx1 85A and MVA85A as a new regimen for boosting TB immunity in adolescents. We are conducting the trial in Uganda (about to start) |
| Collaborator Contribution | For (1) the partners provide expertise in genetics For (2) and (3) the partners are providing the vaccine, as well as contributing expertise in TB vaccine trials |
| Impact | Publications and conference presentations DPhil for Alex Mentzer (completed) Contributions to PhDs for Swaib Lule (completed), Anne Wajja (on-going) and Beatrice Nassanga (about to commence) |
| Start Year | 2017 |
| Description | King's College London |
| Organisation | King's College London |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Monoclonal antibody production pipeline, comparison of COVID-19 infection data between the Ugandan and the United Kingdom population. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Technology transfer, capacity building |
| Impact | Capacity building in antibody production, scientific literature, reagent transfer, |
| Start Year | 2021 |
| Description | Maria Yazdanbakhsh; Meta Roestenberg |
| Organisation | Leiden University Medical Center |
| Country | Netherlands |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | We are undertaking collaborations with LUMC department of parasitology on immuno-epidemiological effects of helminths, and on schistosomiasis vaccine development including controlled human infection models for schistosomiasis (CHI-S) In 2019 we developed a proposal for establishing the CHI-S in Uganda which the Wellcome Trust panel supported for funding. We are awaiting the award letter. |
| Collaborator Contribution | The partners provide technical expertise, particularly in parasite immunology and |
| Impact | PhD: co-supervision to completion of two fellows, Gyaviira Nkurunungi and Moses Egesa (both completed successfully in 2019). Publications and conference presentations. New grants for preparatory work on Sm-CHI |
| Start Year | 2011 |
| Description | Metabolic phenotypes and vaccine response |
| Organisation | Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Center |
| Country | Netherlands |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | We are collaborating with Prof. Richard Grencis ( University of Manchester) on work to understand the association between pre-vaccination metabolic phenotype and the post-vaccination response to a panel of 5 vaccines (BCG, HPV, Yellow Fever, Oral typhoid, Tetanus/Diphtheria) among adolescents participating in a set of Ugandan trials. In Uganda, we extracted metabolites from plasma samples onto cartridges, and sent them to Manchester for liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) to quantitate metabolites. Results have been returned to us for high dimensional analysis. |
| Collaborator Contribution | The Manchester team conducted the LC-MS experiments. |
| Impact | We have worked on a Material Transfer Agreement and a collaboration agreement with the Manchester team for the LC-MS experiments. I have held discussions with the Radboud team (Dr de Mast) regarding analysis of the resultant metabolome data. I am currently analysing results from this work, alongside a bioinformatician in our group. Next steps is to work with the radboud team to refine the analysis. We expect to publish a manuscript out of this work before the end of 2025. Preliminary results have already been presented to the Immunomodulation and Vaccines group at MRC/UVRI and LSHTM Uganda Research Unit, and to Kenyan colleagues. |
| Start Year | 2022 |
| Description | Metabolic phenotypes and vaccine response |
| Organisation | University of Manchester |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | We are collaborating with Prof. Richard Grencis ( University of Manchester) on work to understand the association between pre-vaccination metabolic phenotype and the post-vaccination response to a panel of 5 vaccines (BCG, HPV, Yellow Fever, Oral typhoid, Tetanus/Diphtheria) among adolescents participating in a set of Ugandan trials. In Uganda, we extracted metabolites from plasma samples onto cartridges, and sent them to Manchester for liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) to quantitate metabolites. Results have been returned to us for high dimensional analysis. |
| Collaborator Contribution | The Manchester team conducted the LC-MS experiments. |
| Impact | We have worked on a Material Transfer Agreement and a collaboration agreement with the Manchester team for the LC-MS experiments. I have held discussions with the Radboud team (Dr de Mast) regarding analysis of the resultant metabolome data. I am currently analysing results from this work, alongside a bioinformatician in our group. Next steps is to work with the radboud team to refine the analysis. We expect to publish a manuscript out of this work before the end of 2025. Preliminary results have already been presented to the Immunomodulation and Vaccines group at MRC/UVRI and LSHTM Uganda Research Unit, and to Kenyan colleagues. |
| Start Year | 2022 |
| Description | MoH UNEPI programme |
| Organisation | Uganda National Expanded Programme on Immunisation |
| Country | Uganda |
| Sector | Public |
| PI Contribution | We are running the POPVAC trials which will provide EPI with information on the effects of parasitic infections on the response to widely used vaccines. |
| Collaborator Contribution | The EPI programme is providing HPV vaccine for individuals in the POPVAC trials. As well, they are supporting us with training and advice. |
| Impact | None as yet |
| Start Year | 2018 |
| Description | NIHR Global Health Group, VAnguard |
| Organisation | Uganda Christian University |
| Country | Uganda |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | This is a new Global Health Group which I lead together with Professor Pontiano Kaleebu, taking forward our work on optimising vaccine benefits for vulnerable populations in Africa. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Partners are leading various work packages |
| Impact | No outputs yet. |
| Start Year | 2022 |
| Description | NIHR Global Health Group, VAnguard |
| Organisation | Uganda Virus Research Institute |
| Country | Uganda |
| Sector | Public |
| PI Contribution | This is a new Global Health Group which I lead together with Professor Pontiano Kaleebu, taking forward our work on optimising vaccine benefits for vulnerable populations in Africa. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Partners are leading various work packages |
| Impact | No outputs yet. |
| Start Year | 2022 |
| Description | NIHR Global Health Group, VAnguard |
| Organisation | University of Oxford |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | This is a new Global Health Group which I lead together with Professor Pontiano Kaleebu, taking forward our work on optimising vaccine benefits for vulnerable populations in Africa. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Partners are leading various work packages |
| Impact | No outputs yet. |
| Start Year | 2022 |
| Description | NIHR Global Health Group, VAnguard |
| Organisation | Wellcome Trust |
| Department | KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme |
| Country | Kenya |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | This is a new Global Health Group which I lead together with Professor Pontiano Kaleebu, taking forward our work on optimising vaccine benefits for vulnerable populations in Africa. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Partners are leading various work packages |
| Impact | No outputs yet. |
| Start Year | 2022 |
| Description | Novel Adenovector COVID-19 vaccine |
| Organisation | Makerere University |
| Department | College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Bio-security (COVAB) |
| Country | Uganda |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | - Provided COVID-19 Vaccine candidates for preclinical studies - MRC/UVRI & LSHTM has performed the immunogenicity assays and conducted all the data analysis |
| Collaborator Contribution | - Makerere University has conducted the animal studies in mice for (safety, immunogenicity and Efficacy) - Uganda Virus research institute has provided financial resources to conduct the study - Uganda Virus Research Institute has also provided infrastructure (laboratories) to conduct cloning and tissue culture assays |
| Impact | - Preclinical safety and immunogenicity data (Makerere University) - Cloning products and bulk stocks of the vaccine candidates ( UVRI) |
| Start Year | 2020 |
| Description | Novel Adenovector COVID-19 vaccine |
| Organisation | Uganda Virus Research Institute |
| Country | Uganda |
| Sector | Public |
| PI Contribution | - Provided COVID-19 Vaccine candidates for preclinical studies - MRC/UVRI & LSHTM has performed the immunogenicity assays and conducted all the data analysis |
| Collaborator Contribution | - Makerere University has conducted the animal studies in mice for (safety, immunogenicity and Efficacy) - Uganda Virus research institute has provided financial resources to conduct the study - Uganda Virus Research Institute has also provided infrastructure (laboratories) to conduct cloning and tissue culture assays |
| Impact | - Preclinical safety and immunogenicity data (Makerere University) - Cloning products and bulk stocks of the vaccine candidates ( UVRI) |
| Start Year | 2020 |
| Description | Obtaining single-cell level insights into the immunological and metabolic pathways associated with vaccine hypo-responsiveness |
| Organisation | Leiden University Medical Center |
| Country | Netherlands |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | This collaboration will enable assessment of the humoral and cellular immune and metabolic response towards the AstraZeneca ChadOx1 nCoV-19 vaccine in European (UK; COM-COV1-study) and Ugandan adults (CO-ROLL-study). Knowledge gained from this project, combined with ongoing in vitro organoid work in our lab, will help to uncover key pathways underlying hypo-responsiveness Our team in Uganda has conducted sample collection, processing and storage; metadata collection and curation. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Colleagues at LUMC (Prof. Maria Yazdanbakhsh) will 1) measure the SARS-CoV-2 antibody response at baseline, 3 months after prime vaccination and 1 month after boost vaccination in European and Ugandan adults, and 2)characterise peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and their response to prime/booster vaccination with the AstraZeneca ChadOx1 nCoV-19 vaccine in European and Ugandan adults using single cell technologies |
| Impact | Material Transfer Agreements have been generated |
| Start Year | 2023 |
| Description | Richard Grencis |
| Organisation | University of Manchester |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Together with Prof Grencis, we won a Royal Society Collaborative Award to support further work on the metabolic impacts of helminth infection. We contribute studies in humans populations |
| Collaborator Contribution | Prof Grencis and colleagues support work in the mouse model, as well as training for Ugandan scientists. |
| Impact | A Masters degree in Bioinformatics form the University of Manchester for Bridgious Walusimbi |
| Start Year | 2016 |
| Description | Sarah Atkinson |
| Organisation | Wellcome Trust |
| Department | KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme |
| Country | Kenya |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | We have provided samples and data from the Entebbe Mother and Baby Study for work on the relationship between iron deficiency and malaria. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Our partners have assembled an international collaboration with data from four major cohorts and have conducted analyses on iron status and genetics. |
| Impact | Publications and conference presentations. PhD in progress for John Muriuki Two Masters degrees in progress. |
| Start Year | 2016 |
| Description | Spectral flow cytometry (Cytek Aurora) and mass cytometry (CyTOF) wet-lab experiments, and subsequent analysis of the resultant high-dimensional data |
| Organisation | Leiden University Medical Center |
| Country | Netherlands |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | In collaboration with Prof. Yazdanbakhsh and Dr Jochems, I conducted cytometry by time-of-flight (CyTOF) experiments to assess pre-vaccination immune phenotypes that associate with the rural-urban environment, helminth infections and their treatment, and which potentially predict low or optimal (high) vaccine responsiveness. I am currently writing a manuscript from this work. Results have been presented at several local and international meetings and conferences. Further to the CyTOF work, I have collaborated with Prof. Yazdanbakhsh, Dr Jochems, Dr Coppola, to design and optimise spectral flow cytometry panels for assessment of pre- and post-vaccination immune profiles. The work will commence in April. The Wellcome funds have contributed to costs for antibodies to be used. Analysis of the high-dimensional data from the CyTOF experiments has been done in collaboration with, and under the supervision of Dr Jochems, Dr Mahfouz and Dr Manurung, who are systems biologists at the Leiden University Medical Center. |
| Collaborator Contribution | My partners have provided supervision and guidance, infrastructure (e.g. the Cytek and CyTOF machines), and training in analysis of the resultant high-dimensional data. |
| Impact | Outcomes include 1. A manuscript under preparation 2. Preliminary data that supported a Wellcome Career Development Fellowship application 3. Further collaboration on new projects, such as one looking at 3D tonsil cultures to assess vaccine responses. On this project, I am now co-supervising a PhD student with Prof. Yazdanbakhsh and Dr Coppola at LUMC. |
| Start Year | 2022 |
| Description | Training on Assembly and generation of multiantigen cassette |
| Organisation | University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) |
| Country | United States |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | To participate in the training and transfer the technology to the MRC/UVRI&LSHTM Ugandan research unit |
| Collaborator Contribution | They provide the training on how to assemble and generate a multi-antigenic cassette relevant for designing multivalent vaccines for infectious diseases |
| Impact | Capacity building for the PhD fellow and the MRC/UVRI&LSHTM Research unit |
| Start Year | 2024 |
| Description | Uganda Schistosomiasis Multidisciplinary Research Center |
| Organisation | Uganda Virus Research Institute |
| Country | Uganda |
| Sector | Public |
| PI Contribution | This is an NIH-funded Tropical Medicine Research Center which I lead. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Partners lead on various aspects of the work, through Working Groups. |
| Impact | Uganda Schistosomiasis Symposium held March 2023 |
| Start Year | 2022 |
| Description | Uganda Schistosomiasis Multidisciplinary Research Center |
| Organisation | University of Glasgow |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | This is an NIH-funded Tropical Medicine Research Center which I lead. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Partners lead on various aspects of the work, through Working Groups. |
| Impact | Uganda Schistosomiasis Symposium held March 2023 |
| Start Year | 2022 |
| Description | priMe clinical trial partnership |
| Organisation | Serum Institute of India |
| Country | India |
| Sector | Private |
| PI Contribution | Collected data and implemented the clinical trial which is still ongoing |
| Collaborator Contribution | VPM Germany provided project management EDCTP provided funding for the project Diagnosearch India was the clinical research organisation |
| Impact | The project is still ongoing and the has been extended for 3 years to 2026 |
| Start Year | 2018 |
| Description | priMe clinical trial partnership |
| Organisation | Sixth Framework Programme (FP6) |
| Department | European and Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership |
| Country | Netherlands |
| Sector | Public |
| PI Contribution | Collected data and implemented the clinical trial which is still ongoing |
| Collaborator Contribution | VPM Germany provided project management EDCTP provided funding for the project Diagnosearch India was the clinical research organisation |
| Impact | The project is still ongoing and the has been extended for 3 years to 2026 |
| Start Year | 2018 |
| Title | Novel Adenovector backbone |
| Description | Adenoviruses have been handy in virus vector production but they have been hindered by pre-existing immunity. Efforts to overcome this challenge have included alternative non-human primate adeno-vectors with limited neutralizing antibodies in the target population. To contribute to this effort we generated a E1_UgUVRI_ChAdVec (E1 gene deleted adenovectors) isolated from Ugandan chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes schweinfurthii) also known as Eastern chimpanzee. The generated vectors had mild level of neutralizing antibodies in some geographical areas of Uganda. Our findings present a compelling case for the potential of Two E1_UgUVRI_ChAdVec in vaccine development, supported by their unique genetic characteristics especially on the structural proteins, favourable phylogenetic clustering, and the present of little/mild level neutralizing antibodies in few areas of Uganda. |
| IP Reference | ARIPO AP/P/2023/015068(AE/R/2023/003183 |
| Protection | Patent / Patent application |
| Year Protection Granted | |
| Licensed | No |
| Impact | - The discovery was initially designed for COVID-19 vaccine development. However, it is now applicable to various infectious pathogens including those with epidemic potential |
| Title | A novel adenovector Covid-19 vaccine |
| Description | Currently at the preclinical stage, Dosage escalation pilot animal experiments are ongoing in mice. It is funded by the government of Uganda |
| Type | Therapeutic Intervention - Vaccines |
| Current Stage Of Development | Initial development |
| Year Development Stage Completed | 2023 |
| Development Status | Under active development/distribution |
| Impact | - An adenovector backbone that is compatible with other infectious diseases beyond COVID-19 |
| Title | Development, preclinical assessment, and clinical evaluation of an inactivated COVID-19 vaccine for both safety and immunogenicity |
| Description | Therapeutic Intervention, Vaccine |
| Type | Therapeutic Intervention - Vaccines |
| Current Stage Of Development | Initial development |
| Year Development Stage Completed | 2023 |
| Development Status | Under active development/distribution |
| Impact | Capacity and infrastructure development for viral epidemic preparedness |
| Description | 4th IABS Controlled Human Infection Model Conference, Mombasa, Kenya 22nd-24th May 2023 |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | 4th IABS Controlled Human Infection Model Conference, Mombasa, Kenya 22nd-24th May 2023. Talk 1 - "Establishing a single sex Schistosoma mansoni controlled human infection (CHI-S) model for Uganda, an overview" and Talk 2 - "Interactions with Research Ethics Committees (RECs) and National Regulatory Agencies (NRAs)" |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| Description | A community vaccine awareness day commemorating World Immunization week held on 23rd April 2024 - Celebrating 50 years of the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | A community vaccine awareness day commemorating World Immunization week held on 23rd April 2024 - Celebrating 50 years of the Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI); the event featured presentations by renowned immuno-virologist including Professor Pontiano Kaleebu the VAnguard Co- PI, addressing "the elusiveness of the HIV vaccine", Dr. Josephine Bwoogi tackling "Updates on the current measles outbreak and a vibrant panel discussion on the importance of immunization, with distinguished panelists including the WHO representative for Uganda and chairpersons of Community Advisory Boards in Entebbe, Masaka and Kyamulibwa. This was a hybrid event with over 100 participants. The feedback revealed that the involvement of community members and leaders in the discussion on national and community-level immunization were noted as positive aspects of the event. This indicates that attendees valued the consideration of local and community contexts in vaccine-related discussions. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | ADVANCE Annual Principal Investigators' Meeting 2023. |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Provide updates and discuss find from the HIV virus surveillance studies |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| Description | African Immunobiology of Parasites, Pathogens, and Pathogenesis (AfrIBOP) course held (13th February 2024) at the KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme (KWTRP) in Kilifi, Kenya |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
| Results and Impact | Dr Moses Egesa, gave an invited talk on the Wellcome-funded programme to establish a controlled human infection with Schistosoma mansoni in Uganda and on his EDCTP2-funded Career Development Fellowship project to profile antibodies to S. mansoni epitopes to about 100 African investigators. AfrIBOP course held annually since 2016 to equip young African investigators with basic immunology knowledge and its application to infectious diseases; provide young African investigators with the most recent data on the immunoepidemiology of infectious diseases and implications for vaccine development; provide young African investigators the opportunity to discuss their research projects with experts in the field; foster collaborations and enable the development of an African network of scientists where region-specific problems can be addressed; how to write grant applications; and train flow cytometry and bioinformatics. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| URL | https://www.gla.ac.uk/research/az/wcip/postgraduatecoursesandteaching/afribop/#afribop2024 |
| Description | Attended the LSHTM week in London, UK |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Attended the LSHTM week in London UK which included scientific presentations and discussions with scientists |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| Description | Brazilian Symposium on Controlled Human Infection, Belo Horizonte, Brazil 8th-9th August 2024 |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Brazilian Symposium on Controlled Human Infection, Belo Horizonte, Brazil 8th-9th August 2024. Talk 1 - "A single sex Schistosoma mansoni controlled human infection model for Uganda" and Talk 2 - "Engagement about CHI in Uganda" |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness and variants in Uganda |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Over 50 researchers attended WHO sponsored meeting on COVID-19 Vaccine Effectiveness studies in Africa and SE Asia. Presented updates on the study in Uganda |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| Description | Commissioning of MRC/UVRI & LSHTM Clinical Research Facility |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
| Results and Impact | Commissioning of new clinical research facility |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
| Description | Community Engagement Meeting-Ganze Sub County Health Management Team- Kilifi |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | The Community Engagement Meeting with the Ganze Sub- County health management team (SCHMT) was held on 28th August 2023 and in attendance were approximately 11 people, 04 of which were study team members/KEMRI and 07 members of the Ganze SCHMT. The purpose of the meeting was to make a formal presentation to the team about the VAnguard study, informing them of the objectives and planned procedures. Question & Answer discussion session was held where the team asked questions about the study and gave suggestions that the study team can take into consideration. Questions raised about the study were around, - The sample size, - Stakeholders that the study plans to engage, - Benefits of the study to the community and the households that will be participating in the study, - How and why the Ganze sub county was selected, - What will the observations entail and - What is the study's working definition of vaccine uptake/ full immunization. Suggestions: - The SCHMT suggested that the study team can consider selecting at least one area within the sub county that is doing well in terms of uptake of vaccines and another that is doing poorly. - The team also suggested three locations within the sub county where the study can be conducted. These were Vitengeni, Mirihini and Mwapula. The three were identified as having low childhood immunization uptake. Overall, the SCHMT felt that study was timely and would positively contribute to understanding the issues around vaccine uptake in the sub-county and were pleased and willing to collaborate with the study team where necessary. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| Description | Dissemination and Piloting Workshop (VAnguard and NIHR CEI Guidelines) |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Study participants or study members |
| Results and Impact | The activity focused on sharing preliminary findings from the VAnguard formative study in Koome Island and the piloted NIHR CEI guiding principles. It aimed to provide insights, assess the guidelines' applicability, and gather participant feedback. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | EPI ad-hoc partner's technical meeting at Hotel Africana Uganda |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
| Results and Impact | 20 participants attended the meeting, this was intended to introduce the VAnguard project to the National EPI implementing partners and seek for avenues of collaboration and to meet key stakeholders in the vaccination space. An overview of the VAnguard project was presented by Prof. Chibita Monica who is the Communication and Engagement work package lead for the VAnguard highlighting the project objectives. It enabled the VAnguard team to identify working groups and committee in the immunization space for easy collaboration and benchmarking on best practices. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| Description | Ebola Vaccine Trial meetings |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
| Results and Impact | Discussions on vaccine trials for the Sudan Ebola Vaccine |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022,2023 |
| Description | Emerging and Complex Study Designs Training (13th February 2024) at the Infectious Diseases Institute, Kampala |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Dr Moses Egesa conducted a session on Controlled human infection (CHI) model to members of up to six Research Ethics Committee (REC) during the SCALE-IT Project Emerging and Complex Study Designs Training (13th Feb 2024) at IDI, Makerere. The session focused on key aspects in controlled human infection models and areas of focus for REC members while reviewing studies with controlled human infection models. He used this opportunity to share experiences on the CHI for schistosomiasis conducted by the MRC/UVRI and LSHTM Uganda Research Unit. The sessions had 30-45 members of the different RECs at Mulago Hospital and the College of Health Sciences. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| URL | https://idi.mak.ac.ug/ |
| Description | Engagement with district authorities in planning of the POPVAC B trial in Jinja District |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Other audiences |
| Results and Impact | An on-going series of meetings with district health and education authorities to plan and then conduct the POPVAC B trial in Jinja district. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020,2021,2022 |
| Description | Establishing a Schistosoma mansoni Controlled Human Infection studies for Uganda held at Nkumba University 26th November 2021 |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | This was the inaugural Nkumba International Research Conference held at Nkumba University - where we have set up study sites for the Controlled human infection studies. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
| Description | Establishing a single sex Schistosoma mansoni controlled human infection model for Uganda - the Parasitic Helminths: New Perspectives in Biology and Infection held in Hydra, Greece September 2023 |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | 100 investigators attend this Conference in the Mediterranean Greek island of Hydra since 2002. This collaborative and interactive conference covers diverse topics from genomics, immunology to tropical medicine relevant to global health. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| URL | https://hydra.bio.ed.ac.uk/ |
| Description | Evidence Synthesis Workshop |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | This workshop aimed to impart knowledge and skills in combining data from various studies examining the same topic with the goal to comprehensively understand their findings. Topics covered 1. Introduction to evidence synthesis 2. How to search for appropriate literature 3. Content analysis 4. Narrative synthesis/ review 5. Conducting systematic reviews 6. Conducting mapping/scoping reviews 7. Framework analysis 8. Meta-analysis 9. Meta-synthesis The workshop generated interest in the attendees to undertake forms of evidence synthesis as part of their work |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| URL | https://www.lshtm.ac.uk/research/units/mrc-uganda |
| Description | Exhibitor National Science week: Adenovector vaccines |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Schools |
| Results and Impact | Update the public regarding capacity for vaccine development at the unit using the adenovector platform |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| URL | https://twitter.com/MRC_Uganda/status/1723606222249845022 |
| Description | Expert Committee Meeting on Schistosomiasis and Soil-Transmitted Helminths. |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | The activity involved an expert committee meeting focused on schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminths. During the meeting, preliminary research findings were shared by representatives from U-SMRC to inform and engage health experts and policymakers. The purpose was to disseminate new research insights and foster discussions on disease control strategies. The outcome includes raising awareness and potentially influencing health policy or research focus. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | Fight against HIV: how MRC/UVRI, IAVI are collaborating with global agencies to develop HIV vaccine research and Scientists make strides in HIV vaccine research |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Collaborative Leadership development program between five African countries (Uganda, Kenya, Zambia, Rwanda and South Africa) with India funded by IAVI and hosted at the unit sparked off discussions regarding global progress for an HIV-1 vaccine., |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| URL | https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/scientists-make-strides-in-hiv-vaccine-research-44026... |
| Description | Global Challenges & Opportunities for Vaccines |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | A workshop on the immunomodulating effects of helminth infection. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| Description | Global Challenges & Opportunities for Vaccines |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | I was invited as a key speaker at the workshop Global Challenges and Opportunities for Vaccines from 30. November to 1. December 2023 near Munich, Germany, along with other experts from around the world, to present our latest scientific findings on the nexus of schistosomiasis (Bilharziose) coinfection and its impact on vaccines especially within the sub-Saharan African context. This generated possible areas of research in the field that could be undertaken. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| URL | https://globalhealth.de/news/view/global-challenges-opportunities-for-vaccines.html |
| Description | HIV Advocacy meeting: mRNA platform for HIV-1 vaccine development, Livingstone, Zambia |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | About 20 people from the public attended to have an understanding of the mRNA vaccine platform used during the covid-19 pandemic and the possibilities for adaptation to develop an HIV-1 vaccine |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| Description | Hypovax: connecting people to reverse vaccine hyporesponsiveness |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | A workshop on population differences in vaccine responses and how hyporesponsiveness could be addressed. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| URL | https://hypovax.org/ |
| Description | Induction of the parliamentary executive members on gene drive technology by Target Malaria on 16th November 2023 at Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI).. |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
| Results and Impact | 30 individuals participated in Induction of the parliamentary executive members on gene drive technology by Target Malaria on 16th November 2023 at Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI). The intended purpose was to introduce the VAnguard project to the parliamentary executive members and establish connections for further engagement. A brief presentation about VAnguard project and especially made a case for follow on engagements with the members of parliament. This was well received with questions at the end as well as successful networking session. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| Description | Interview for STAT news |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Media (as a channel to the public) |
| Results and Impact | Media interview with STAT news, a leading media organisation for on health, science and medicine, following the announcement at the ICASA 2023 conference that the independent data monitoring committee had stopped vaccine injections in the PrEPVacc trial |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| URL | https://www.statnews.com/2023/12/06/aids-hiv-vaccine-fail-prepvacc-africa/ |
| Description | Invited Presentation "BMGF funded GIISER; Gates of Change for Country Driven Epidemic Response:Insights from Uganda" |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | the meeting was to share updates on progress epidemic preparedness across the BMGF funded GIISER consortia countries across Africa, India and Brazil |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| URL | https://gcgh.grandchallenges.org/article/grand-challenges-annual-meeting-2023-be-held-dakar-senegal |
| Description | Invited Presentation; SOLIDARITY United in solidarity against filovirus threats Building research readiness for a future filovirus outbreak |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Updates on our assay readiness for filovirus clinical trials |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | LSHTM Trials Network Webinar |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | The LSHTM Trials Network held a webinar as a follow-up to the inaugural Trials Day hybrid event on Monday 6 March 2024. The day showcased a selection of LSHTM's vast experience and innovation in randomized controlled trials with a great line-up of speakers and attendees |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| URL | https://www.lshtm.ac.uk/research/centres-projects-groups/clinical-trials-unit#welcome |
| Description | LSHTM inaugural LSHTM trials day in London |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | The Vaccine theme sponsored a member to attend the LSHTM annual Trials day where she presented an abstract entitled '' Building Capacity to manage complex clinical trials in Africa through partnership. The PrEPVacc consortium''. The audience was amazed by the way we distributed the roles and practicability of managing such a complex study (three trials in one, in four African countries. Insightful interactions with other experienced Clinical trial managers in attendance made it so engaging. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| Description | MRC Investigators Meeting |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | An MRC investigators meeting, mainly on working with industry and the importance of AI. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | Malaria Vaccine Technical Working Group meeting |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | The malaria vaccine rollout is set for April 2025, and Uganda National Expanded Program on Immunization (UNEPI) is interested in insights from Namiyingo, one of the first districts to receive the vaccine. The VAnguard team presented the project preliminary results to the UNEPI group ahead of the vaccine rollout to support the process with any relevant information. The presentation sparked questions and discussion in relation to vaccine uptake, its access and side effects. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2025 |
| Description | Maternal immunization consortium meeting held from the 21-22 February 2024 in Johannesburg in South Africa |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | This was a maternal immunisation consortium meeting held from the 21-22 February in Johannesburg in Soth Africa. It is a platform for enabling maternal immunisation. It is coordinated by the University of the Witwatersrand, vaccines and infection disease analytics IWITS-VIDA).The activities comprise the development of readiness agenda for provision of MI new vaccines in several countries which include Uganda. Kenya, Pakistan, South Africa, Ethiopia and Ghana. This study is planned under Makerere John Hopkins University collaboration (MU-JHU) in Mulago. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | Media coverage - PrEPVacc vaccine trial results release at ICASA 2023 |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | The PrEPVacc trial results presented at the ICASA conference (202) was covered by the Guardian news paper under the headline "HIV vaccine trial in Africa halted after disappointing initial results" |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| URL | https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2023/dec/07/prepvacc-hiv-trial-africa-halted-after-di... |
| Description | Media coverage of PrEPVacc trial |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | CNN story on PrEPVacc trial under headline "A trial is underway that could be 'the last roll of the dice' for an HIV vaccine this decade" |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| URL | https://edition.cnn.com/2023/08/28/health/prepvacc-hiv-vaccine-trial-spc-scn-intl/index.html |
| Description | National Science week |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Provided updates regarding progress on the inactivated COVID-19 vaccine development |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| URL | https://sti.go.ug/expression-of-interest-national-science-week-2023/ |
| Description | Optimms investigators' meeting |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Investigators meeting attended by partners from Uganda, UK and Nepal. Discussion of progress and preliminary results, and way forward. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | POPVAC Programme Steering Committee Meeting |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Steering Committee meetings are held annually. Members include representatives of the District Health Leadership and of the Vector Control Division of the Ministry of Health. Also international experts. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018,2019,2020,2021 |
| Description | Panel discussion "How to speed up assay development" focusing on best practice, challenges and bottle necks and possible solutions. |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Panel discussion "How to speed up assay development" focusing on best practice, challenges and bottle necks and possible solutions. CEPI Face to Face meeting, Rome, 9-10 July 2024 |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | Parasitology and Infectious Diseases Seminar |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Parasitology and Infectious Diseases Seminar Aberystwyth, Wales, 3rd December 2024. Talk title "Establishing a single sex Schistosoma mansoni controlled human infection model for Uganda". |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | PrEPVacc Annual Investigators meeting, Zanzibar, 2004 |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Provide updates on the progress with the PrEPVacc trail lab coordination and end point immunogenicity studies |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | PrEPVacc: An in-depth look at the trial, and what's next |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Media (as a channel to the public) |
| Results and Impact | Reviewed the PrEPVacc trial, which is testing two different vaccine candidates and two daily oral PrEP regimens. Reviewed design and implementation, how the trial integrated social and behavioral science, details on the latest decision to discontinue vaccinations, and what the results mean to the field. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| URL | https://avac.org/blog/upcoming-webinars-and-workshops-you-wont-want-to-miss/ |
| Description | PrEPVacc: An in-depth look at the trial, and what's next - Trial Implementation and Baseline Data |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Reviewed the status of the PrEPVacc trial. PrEPVacc, a 3-in-1 trial testing two different vaccine candidates (plus placebo arm) and two daily oral PrEP regimens, recently discontinued vaccinations in the trial due to an independent data review board's conclusion that the vaccines were having no effect in preventing HIV infection. Reviewed key aspects of PrEPVacc, including its innovative study design, implementation, integrated social science, and data analysis plans. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| URL | https://avac.org/event/prepvacc-an-in-depth-look-at-the-trial-and-whats-next/ |
| Description | PrEPVacc: design, implementation, baseline results, and current status, Harare, Zimbabwe - ICASA 2023 |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Update on the PrEPVacc trial (design, implementation, baseline results, and current status) including recommendation by the Independent Data Monitoring Board to stop vaccine injections due to futility |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| URL | https://www.prepvacc.org/news/experimental-hiv-vaccine-regimens-likely-to-be-ineffective-6-dec-2023-... |
| Description | Programme staff retreat |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Programme staff retreat. Team building and education in financial management |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
| Description | Schistosomiasis Stakeholders Meeting 15th -16th January 2025 |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Conference was to further map the development pathway for schistosomiasis vaccine Sm-p80. We heard about progress and discussed aspects of the development of a Phase III trial protocol. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2025 |
| Description | Spike-Directed IgG Elevation Correlates with Robust IgG Antibody Response Targeting the SARS-CoV-2 S2 Spike Subunit for Viral Immunity, Claire Baine, Jackson Sembera, Geoffrey Odoch, Maria Bafumba, Gerald Kevin Oluka, Violet Ankunda, Laban Kato, Joseph Ssebwana Katende, COVID-19 Immunoprofiling Team, Pontiano Kaleebu, Jennifer Serwanga |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Presented updates on our study findings "Spike-Directed IgG Elevation Correlates with Robust IgG Antibody Response Targeting the SARS-CoV-2 S2 Spike Subunit for Viral Immunity" |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| URL | https://iuis2023.org/ |
| Description | Symposium |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Dissemination meeting for researchers from the HATUA consortium (GCRF-funded, on Anti-Microbial Resistance) and MUII-plus (DELTAS Africa consortium, research and capacity building in infection and immunity). Attended by Uganda's Honourable Minister for Science, Technology and Innovation. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
| Description | The 13th East Africa Association (EACA) Annual Conference (2023); Lemigo Hotel, Kimihurura, Kigali Rwanda |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | 150 participants attended the event, the purpose of the event was to share the contribution of Communication and Community Engagement in enhancing vaccine outcomes during the management of pandemics in vulnerable communities in sub-Saharan Africa by Flavia Zalwango a PhD student with support from Prof. Monica B. Chibita (Supervisor) on the VAnguard project. The presentation was an opportunity for Flavia to "test" her literature review and received feedback. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| Description | The National HIV & AIDS Scientific Meeting| 16th - 18th NOV 2023 |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
| Results and Impact | presented updates on studies to assess if HIV historical and contemporary viruses are still sensitive to broadly neutralising antibodies |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| URL | https://uac.go.ug/index.php?option=com_sppagebuilder&view=page&id=37 |
| Description | The Vaccine theme strategic meeting |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | The Vaccine theme strategic meeting was held on 24th August 2023 at MRC/UVRI and LSHTM Masaka field facility. This had both online and physical attendance. It was specifically to address the scientific goals of the Vaccine Research Theme Focus Areas and Groups, as well as their objectives, and deliverables, and how these would align with, and contribute to, achieving the Unit mission, objectives, deliverables and desired impact. All the focus areas were represented and updates, focus area results chains (theory of change) and funding status were presented and discussed. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| Description | Uganda Schistosomiasis Symposium |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | A three-day symposium attended by national and international colleagues in schistosomiasis research and in the development of controlled human infection studies. Attended by researchers in person and online, school students, ministry of health colleagues and representatives of the media. Academic talks and demonstrations. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| Description | Using a registrational cohort to estimate background HIV incidence for an active-controlled pre-exposure prophylaxis trial: Lessons from PrEPVacc |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Talk on the use of registration cohort data to predict background HIV incidence in an active-controlled PrEP trial. This was part of a series of talks on study design approaches for Future Active-Controlled HIV prevention trials that provoked a lot of interest and discussion among the foremost professionals in the field |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| Description | VAnguard Global Health Group Launch event |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | An event engaging collaborators, community members and other stakeholders to initiate and plan for the NIHR Global Health Group, VAnguard |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
| Description | VAnguard Key communication messages development and CAB meeting held on 25.01.2024 at UVRI Training room |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Study participants or study members |
| Results and Impact | 25 participants attended the meeting with community members, Community Advisory Board members and project staff. This was intended to provide project progress update to the CAB members as well as develop key communication messages for the communities where we are working. The involvement of the CAB and community members in developing key communication messages worked well; they provided clarity and proper context of their communities. They advised on what kind of messages would work with each type of audience. The meeting increased project understanding and ownership. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | VAnguard community entry and engagement in Koome Subcounty (Main Island), Mukono District 5th -14th September 2023. |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Study participants or study members |
| Results and Impact | Four meetings were held with different stakeholders/community gatekeepers, including Sub cCounty, religious, and cultural leaders, as well as health workers. The activity aimed at gaining access into the community and understanding community perceptions, practices and challenges in utilizing available vaccine programmes in Koome Islands. Community participation in immunization programs varied by location, with some areas showing high coverage while others faced vaccine hesitancy. Community members highlighted various factors influencing vaccine uptake, including misinformation, disinformation, long distances to healthcare facilities, and concerns about side effects. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| Description | Vaccine Research Theme Social Science Day 2024 held on 19th November 2024 |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | This was a one day event organized by MRC/UVRI and LSHTM Uganda Research Unit to explore the intersection of social science and vaccine research. The purpose was to foster dialogue on the role of social science in understanding vaccine acceptance, challenges, and the development of effective vaccination strategies. Topics also focused on understanding local vaccine hesitancy and consent processes in maternal and child health contexts. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | Vaccine Research Theme retreat |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | A Theme retreat in preparation for the forthcoming quinquennium of the MRC/UVRI and LSHTM |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| Description | WORMVACS consortium meeting |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Inaugural meeting of the WORMVACS-2 consortium |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| URL | https://linq-management.com/news/wormvacs-kickoff-meeting-in-leiden.html |
| Description | Wellcome Trust meeting: Use and utility of human infection study data in the vaccine licensure pathway |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Scientific workshop |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
| Description | mRNA platform for the development of an HIV vaccine: Curb your enthusiasm, Ineternational AIDS vaccine initiative stakeholders meeting in Geneva |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Stakeholder's discussion for the way forward regarding HIV-1 vaccine development using the mRNA platform |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |