UVRI warded top regional virology hub
The Director of UVRI, Dr Pontiano Kaleebu, stated that the honour comes at a time when medical research at the institute is thriving, though not without challenges, including limited funding and the need for deeper community engagement
ENTEBBE, June 25, 2025 — Uganda has been designated East Africa’s Centre of Excellence in virology, medical research, and infectious disease control.
The recognition, awarded to the Uganda Virus Research Institute [UVRI], follows decades of scientific dedication and impactful public health initiatives, including the institute’s pivotal role in combating major viral threats such as Ebola, Marburg, and COVID-19.
The Director of UVRI, Dr Pontiano Kaleebu, stated that the honour comes at a time when medical research at the institute is thriving, though not without challenges, including limited funding and the need for deeper community engagement.
“This highlights Uganda’s unwavering commitment to protecting not only its own citizens but also the broader East African region. Our work is guided by science, collaboration, and the urgent need to safeguard lives,” he said.
This milestone follows a successful summit hosted by the institute, which brought together medical researchers from across Africa to discuss the pressing challenges facing the field in the context of emerging and re-emerging viral diseases, including Ebola, Marburg, Smallpox, HIV/AIDS, and COVID-19.
Experts and policymakers explored innovative strategies, underscoring the importance of stronger research collaborations, evidence-based policymaking, and more inclusive healthcare approaches.
Professor Moffat Nyirenda, Head of the Medical Research Unit at UVRI, highlighted the significant contributions made by research across Africa in addressing public health challenges, particularly in the poverty-stricken regions of Sub-Saharan Africa.
“Our research has been instrumental across Sub-Saharan Africa, although we are often let down by inadequate government support, especially in financing and community engagement,” he said.
One recent breakthrough was the development of a malaria vaccine, offering partial protection particularly for infants. Working in partnership with GlaxoSmithKline, UVRI played a central role in vaccine development ahead of clinical trials in Ghana, Kenya, Uganda, and Malawi.
The RTS,S malaria vaccine is expected to curb the spread of a disease that remains a leading killer on the continent, with millions of cases reported annually. It has demonstrated a 30 percent reduction in malaria cases — a significant achievement in the fight against the disease.
Despite such breakthroughs, science continues to face challenges in the dissemination of research findings. A lack of developed infrastructure, limited resources, and the predominance of English-language publications often hinder local communities from accessing and engaging with the research.
Fr. Emmanuel Katabaazi, the focal person for Medical Research in the Masaka Catholic Diocese, stressed the importance of working with community leaders to ensure vital health information reaches rural populations.
“All the medical research and discoveries must reach communities in a language they fully understand. We need extensive sensitisation to achieve behavioural change,” he said.
Experts have also called for health strategies that integrate climate adaptation with health system strengthening. This includes building more resilient healthcare infrastructures, improving disease surveillance, and incorporating climate data into health planning.
These efforts aim to address the pressing challenge of fragile health systems and to ensure preparedness in responding to future pandemics.
According to data from UNAIDS, Sub-Saharan Africa remains home to at least 60 percent of the global population living with HIV. While significant progress has been made in treatment, the development of an effective vaccine remains elusive.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Uganda was among the first countries in Sub-Saharan Africa to develop and implement diagnostic testing protocols. Its swift and coordinated responses to Ebola outbreaks have been credited with saving numerous lives both within Uganda and in neighbouring countries.
With its new designation, UVRI is poised to expand its regional role by training virologists, conducting in-depth research, and providing technical support across the East African Community [EAC]. The recognition brings enhanced funding opportunities, increased knowledge-sharing, and stronger regional collaborations to combat viral epidemics.
Founded in 1936 to study yellow fever, UVRI has evolved into a globally recognised centre for infectious disease research. It partners with leading organisations such as the World Health Organization [WHO], the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention [Africa CDC], and several world-renowned research institutions.
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