Makerere University Lung Institute Inaugurationmli.mak.ac.ug/sites/default/files/MLI Newsletter...
Transcript of Makerere University Lung Institute Inaugurationmli.mak.ac.ug/sites/default/files/MLI Newsletter...
Makerere University held its inauguration
ceremony on the 30th April 2109. The
institute however has been in existence for
four years. MLI was the brainchild of its
current director, Dr. Bruce Kirenga, who
worked alongside fellow lung health
professionals in Mulago and abroad to start
an institute that would bring more attention
to chronic lung diseases. Thus, there was
plenty of reason to celebrate at MLI’s
inauguration ceremony that was preceded
by a two-day international lung science
symposium. In this issue, we being you
highlights form the occasion that was
graced by the Minister of Health, Hon. Dr.
Jane Ruth Aceng.
Physical activity is crucial in addressing the
non-communicable disease burden which
include chronic lung diseases. The Ministry
of Health organised the national day of
physical activity and MLI joined other
stakeholders to commemorate this day.
This quarterly newsletter is available on
MLI’s website: mli.mak.ac.ug. For any
comments or questions please reach out to
the editorial team.
Volume 2 Issue 3 July 2019
Dear Readers,
MLI organised a two-day event during which we held the 1st
International Lung Science Symposium and the institute’s
inauguration ceremony. As we celebrate this milestone, we look
back at some of MLIs achievements in addressing the problem
of the lung diseases epidemic in Uganda such as preforming
pioneer studies on air pollution (including indoor air pollution)
and participating in national lung disease surveys such as the
National asthma survey, National tuberculosis survey, chronic
obstructive pulmonary disease surveys, among others. MLI
Dr. Jasper Nidoi
Health Economist
STREAM trial
Denis Muwonge
Data manager
GECO project [email protected]
Dr. Simon Walusimbi
Co-investigator
Exit-TB
has also developed and implemented respiratory medicine
training programs for primary health care providers and
initiated super specialized skills training programs.
In line with our mission, we opened a translational chest clinic
which offers clinical services found in very few centres in
Africa such as a sleep disorders clinic and lab, pulmonary
function testing, allergy testing and pulmonary rehabilitation
among others.
Moving forward, MLI will harness opportunities that exist
while creating others, advocate for the inclusion of lung health
medicines in the essential medicines kits and expand its
collaboration base.
I wish you an enjoyable read
Science for healthy lungs as we build for the future
Editorial team
CELEBRATORY MOOD: From left to right, Prof Thys van der Molen, Dr. Federik van Gemert, Dr. Bruce Kirenga, Prof.
William Bazeyo, Hon. Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng, Dr. Rupert Jones, Dr. Doreen Birabwa-Male and Dr. Stavia Turyahabwe
cutting cake at the Institute Launch, Deans Gardens, MakCHS
Story on page 2
Makerere University Lung Institute Inauguration
Dr. Bruce J Kirenga
• MLI inauguration ceremony and first international lung science symposium
Inside this issue • Interview with
with PhD Fogarty Fellow, Adaeze Wosu
• MLI commemorates National Day of Physical Activity
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Makerere University Lung Institute Newsletter July 2019
The first panel discussion was held
under the theme ‘Uganda’s health
system’s readiness to provide universal
lung health coverage.’ Dr. Diana Atwine,
the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry
of Health was among the panellists and
she encouraged researchers to present
research findings to the MoH and
development partners as early as
clinic as some of the available tests were
underutilised.
The inauguration ceremony was
preceded by the 1st International Lung
Science Symposium during which
scientists presented key research findings
on lung health topic. Two high level
panel discussions were held which
included researchers and policy makers.
I n an event officiated by the Minister
of Health, Hon. Jane Ruth Aceng, the
Makerere University Lung Institute
(MLI) held a series of activities to
commemorate its inauguration. The
ceremony was held on Tuesday 30th
April 2019, in the Dean’s Gardens at the
College of Health Sciences, Makerere
University. The minister appreciated the
management of the Makerere University
and MLI’s international partners for
bearing the vision to build the Makerere
University Lung Institute, the second
institute of its kind in Africa. She also
noted that MLI is ‘poised to carry out
research, innovations and capacity
building of Ugandan doctors to manage
pulmonary diseases.’
In his keynote address, Prof. Thys van
der Molen, a member of MLI’s Board of
Directors, noted that in comparison to
the number of deaths from HIV, asthma
deaths per week more than double HIV
deaths and the deaths from chronic
obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
are about five times HIV deaths. Asthma
and COPD account for more deaths than
HIV, Malaria and Tuberculosis
combined. This highlights the growing
burden of non-communicable lung
diseases in Uganda and the need to
develop effective strategies to ameliorate
suffering and death from these diseases.
Prof. William Bazeyo, the university’s
Deputy Vice Chancellor, applauded the
College of Health Sciences for setting up
the Lung Institute and noted that this
would have a positive impact on the
research output of the university which
currently ranks second in Africa.
Following the speeches, the guests were
invited to take a tour of the MLI
premises. This included a tour of the MLI
clinic, showcasing the pulmonary
function testing unit which offers
services such as spirometry, the sleep
disorders clinic and lab and the newly
constructed pulmonary rehabilitation
unit. In his address, Dr. Bruce Kirenga,
MLI’s director, noted the need to increase
awareness of the services offered at the
Makerere University Lung Institute’s Inauguration Ceremony
MLI TOUR: Dr. Bruce Kirenga -Director, MLI taking Prof. William Bazeyo and Hon. Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng - Minister of
Health, Uganda on a tour of the MLI premises
MLI TOUR: Prof. William Bazeyo -Deputy Vice Chancellor, Makerere University, Hon. Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng - Minister of
Health, Uganda and Dr. Bruce Kirenga cutting the ribbon at the entrance of the MLI premises as Prof Thys van der Molen,
Dr. Stavia Turyahabwe, Dr. Doreen Birabwa-Male, Dr. Rebecca Nantanda and Dr. Sabrina Kitaka look on.
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Makerere University Lung Institute Newsletter July 2019
pollution on several body systems such
as the lung and heart. Dr. Waiswa from
NEMA noted the need for political will
and multisectoral collaboration to
harness the opportunities and address
the challenges faced in reducing air
pollution.
By Dr. Jasper Nidoi
highlighted the work KCCA was doing
to monitor air quality within the city and
also presented plans by KCCA to
improve air quality by enhancing public
transport, establishing pedestrian areas,
setting up a centralised traffic control
unit and upgrading city roads to reduce
traffic congestion. Dr. Bruce also
highlighted the multifaceted effects of air
possible to facilitate early lobbying of
funds for implementing evidence-based
strategies.
The second panel discussion under the
theme ‘breathe clean air for a healthy
future’ drew panellists from the US
embassy, NEMA, KCCA including its
executive director Eng. Andrew Kitaka
and researchers from MLI. Eng. Kitaka
AIR QUALITY PRESS CONFERENCE DURING SYMPOSIUM: Dr. Bruce Kirenga, Dr. Lynn Atuyambe
(MakSPH) , Dr. Lisa Mills (CDC), Eng Andrew Kitaka (KCCA), Dr. Tom Okorut (NEMA)
(TOP) PULMONARY REHABILITATION UNIT: Dr. Bruce Kirenga
interacts with guests during a tour of the pulmonary rehabilitation block
(LEFT ) MLI CLINIC TOUR: Dr. Jaliah Nanyonga and Sr. Susan Aketch
take Prof. William Bazeyo and Hon. Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng on a tour of the
MLI clinic facilities
NETWORKING: Guests interacting during the Institute launch in the Deans Gardens,
MakCHS
IST INTERNATIONAL LUNG SCIENCE SYMPOSIUM: Participants attending a one of the
symposium session in the Davis Lecture Theatre, MakCHS
SPEECHES: The Chairperson, Symposium and Launch Committee - Dr.
Ivan Kimuli addressing guests during the Institute launch
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Makerere University Lung Institute Newsletter July 2019
here in Uganda has exponentially
increased my appreciation of context. In
my work, I have been amazed at the
unique ethical, administrative, and
logistical considerations that come with
research in Uganda. On a personal level,
my beliefs, assumptions and
understanding of the world are
challenged daily, and my knowledge
undergoes continuous expansion. There
is so much to gain from daily interactions
with people and places that you don’t get
from just reading the literature. I have
benefitted from being in an environment
like MLI by having great mentorship and
colleagues. I enjoy the diversity of
research topics at the Institute (air
pollution, TB, asthma, COPD, clinical
trials, microbiome, genomics) and the
frequent opportunities to learn and
exchange ideas—from the weekly journal
clubs, field activities, monthly Day of
Lung Science, and involvement in study
design, statistical analysis and
interpretation of study findings.
What’s our favorite thing about MLI?
It’s difficult to pick just one thing. But
top of the list is the environment, and the
people here at MLI. Mentors and
colleagues are very supportive. I also
enjoy the science, collegiality and
liveliness at MLI, and how opposing
views are discussed in a respectful
manner.
through how I could answer the
questions of interest.
How did you get connected with MLI?
I got connected through the Johns
Hopkins Center for Global Non-
communicable Diseases Research and
Training. After speaking with
researchers there about my emerging
interest in air pollution in Uganda, I was
connected to Dr. Bruce Kirenga. During a
visit to Kampala in 2017, I discussed my
research ideas with him. He liked them
and was willing to collaborate and
provide mentorship to me.
What impact do you hope to have in
your research field?
I hope that this work draws more
attention to the massive problems of
indoor and outdoor air pollution that we
have in Uganda, and the African
continent more generally. I would like
my work to call attention to air
pollution’s impact across the life course,
from early childhood to late adulthood,
and to accelerate efforts towards
population-level interventions.
What is your experience as a PhD
student doing research at MLI and
Uganda more broadly?
Being in Uganda and working at MLI has
been exciting. Before living in Uganda, I
knew the importance of understanding
the context in which people live, and
where research is conducted. But being
What has been the most challenging
aspect of your PhD journey?
I’m not sure that I can pick out one thing.
Many aspects of the PhD have been
challenging, but the most challenging
aspects have been the most exciting and
rewarding too. I have learned a lot from
the ups and downs that come with the
entire process—applying for funding,
determining what’s feasible, and
working out the analytical, logistical,
ethical and administrative aspects of
studies. Challenging, but extremely
fulfilling.
How did you narrow down on a
research topic, from broad to narrow?
There was a bit of serendipity! I’ve had a
longstanding interest in environmental
and social determinants of health.
During my early visits to Kampala, I was
struck by the high levels of air pollution.
I began talking with people and reading
more about this problem and then I
honed in on gaps in literature.
Did you come up with your own
research topic?
Yes, I came up with my own research
topic based on my experiences, academic
and professional interests, and review of
journal articles and reports. I received
feedback and guidance from my
academic advisors, dissertation
committee, faculty, mentors, and
colleagues throughout the process. This
helped me refine my ideas and think
An Interview with Fogarty Fellow, Adaeze Wosu
Adaeze Wosu is a fourth year PhD candidate in the Department of Epidemiology at Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public health. She is currently based at MLI where she is completing a fellowship as part of the Fogarty International Center’s Global Health Fellows Program, and working on her dissertation research, which examines the links between air pollution and early childhood development.
NDPA: Dr. John Omagino (Executive Director, Uganda Heart
Institute), Hon. Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng (Minister of Health), Dr.
Orem Jackson (Executive Director, Uganda Cancer Institute)
and Dr. Bruce Kirenga during this years NDPA
10km walk with HE Yoweri Kaguta
Museveni as the chief walker.
In the directors speech, Dr. Bruce
Kirenga alluded to the fact that there is a
heavy disease burden of asthma, Chronic
obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
and lung cancer in Uganda and physical
activity should be embraced for
preventing chronic respiratory diseases
and treating these conditions through
pulmonary rehabilitation. He also
encouraged people to make physical
activity part of their daily routine.
By Dr. Ivan Kimuli
M LI joined the nation in
celebrating the second national
day of physical activity (NDPA) which is
commemorated annually in the second
week of July.
This years NDPA was celebrated on the
14th July at Kololo Independence
grounds under the theme was ’My
health, my responsibility’ with the goal
of raising awareness on the role of
physical activity in curbing the non-
communicable disease epidemic.
Activities of the day included aerobics,
Sukuma dance, Zumba, games and a
National Day of Physical Activity Commemoration