{"id":500,"date":"2017-10-30T08:12:09","date_gmt":"2017-10-30T08:12:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/demo.i3cdevelopers.ug\/usmr\/\/?page_id=500"},"modified":"2023-11-01T10:51:29","modified_gmt":"2023-11-01T10:51:29","slug":"home-02","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.muii.org.ug\/usmrc\/","title":{"rendered":"Home"},"content":{"rendered":"<section class=\"wpb-content-wrapper\"><p>[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text][\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row full_width=&#8221;stretch_row_content_no_spaces&#8221;][vc_column]\n\t\t\t<!-- START Mainsite REVOLUTION SLIDER 6.6.11 --><p class=\"rs-p-wp-fix\"><\/p>\n\t\t\t<rs-module-wrap id=\"rev_slider_1_1_wrapper\" data-source=\"gallery\" style=\"visibility:hidden;background:transparent;padding:0;margin:0px auto;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;\">\n\t\t\t\t<rs-module id=\"rev_slider_1_1\" style=\"\" data-version=\"6.6.11\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<rs-slides style=\"overflow: hidden; position: absolute;\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<rs-slide style=\"position: absolute;\" data-key=\"rs-12\" data-title=\"Slide\" data-thumb=\"\/\/www.muii.org.ug\/usmrc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/IMG-20240809-WA0053-100x50.jpg\" data-anim=\"ms:600;\" data-in=\"o:0;\" data-out=\"a:false;\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img src=\"\/\/www.muii.org.ug\/usmrc\/wp-content\/plugins\/revslider\/public\/assets\/assets\/dummy.png\" alt=\"\" title=\"IMG-20240809-WA0053\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1920\" class=\"rev-slidebg tp-rs-img rs-lazyload\" data-lazyload=\"\/\/www.muii.org.ug\/usmrc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/IMG-20240809-WA0053.jpg\" data-no-retina>\n<!--\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t--><rs-layer\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tid=\"slider-1-slide-12-layer-1\" \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-type=\"text\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-color=\"#ffffff\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-rsp_ch=\"on\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-xy=\"y:c;yo:65px;\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-text=\"s:40;l:57;fw:200;a:inherit;\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-frame_0=\"o:1;\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-frame_0_sfx=\"se:blocktoright;\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-frame_1=\"e:power4.inOut;sp:2000;\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-frame_1_sfx=\"se:blocktoright;\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-frame_999=\"o:0;st:w;sR:7000;\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tstyle=\"z-index:5;font-family:'Poppins';text-transform:uppercase;\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t><div class=\"slider-caption-1 style=\"color:#fff;\">\n<div class=\"slider-title\" style=\"color:#fff;\">\n<strong><span style=\"color:#fff;\">Uganda Schistosomiasis<br> Multi-disciplinary<br> Research Center<\/span><\/strong><br \/>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div> \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/rs-layer><!--\n-->\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/rs-slide>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<rs-slide style=\"position: absolute;\" data-key=\"rs-11\" data-title=\"Slide\" data-thumb=\"\/\/www.muii.org.ug\/usmrc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Malla-13-100x50.jpeg\" data-anim=\"ms:600;\" data-in=\"o:0;\" data-out=\"a:false;\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img src=\"\/\/www.muii.org.ug\/usmrc\/wp-content\/plugins\/revslider\/public\/assets\/assets\/dummy.png\" alt=\"\" title=\"Malla 13\" width=\"1080\" height=\"810\" class=\"rev-slidebg tp-rs-img rs-lazyload\" data-lazyload=\"\/\/www.muii.org.ug\/usmrc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Malla-13.jpeg\" data-no-retina>\n<!--\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t--><rs-layer\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tid=\"slider-1-slide-11-layer-1\" \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-type=\"text\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-color=\"#ffffff\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-rsp_ch=\"on\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-xy=\"y:c;yo:65px;\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-text=\"s:40;l:57;fw:200;a:inherit;\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-frame_0=\"o:1;\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-frame_0_sfx=\"se:blocktoright;\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-frame_1=\"e:power4.inOut;sp:2000;\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-frame_1_sfx=\"se:blocktoright;\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-frame_999=\"o:0;st:w;sR:7000;\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tstyle=\"z-index:5;font-family:'Poppins';text-transform:uppercase;\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t><div class=\"slider-caption-1 style=\"color:#fff;\">\n<div class=\"slider-title\" style=\"color:#fff;\">\n<strong><span style=\"color:#fff;\">Uganda Schistosomiasis<br> Multi-disciplinary<br> Research Center<\/span><\/strong><br \/>\n<\/div>\n<\/div> \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/rs-layer><!--\n-->\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/rs-slide>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/rs-slides>\n\t\t\t\t\t<rs-static-layers><!--\n\t\t\t\t\t--><\/rs-static-layers>\n\t\t\t\t<\/rs-module>\n\t\t\t\t<script>\n\t\t\t\t\tsetREVStartSize({c: 'rev_slider_1_1',rl:[1240,1024,778,480],el:[550],gw:[1170],gh:[550],type:'standard',justify:'',layout:'fullwidth',mh:\"0\"});if (window.RS_MODULES!==undefined && window.RS_MODULES.modules!==undefined && window.RS_MODULES.modules[\"revslider11\"]!==undefined) {window.RS_MODULES.modules[\"revslider11\"].once = false;window.revapi1 = undefined;if (window.RS_MODULES.checkMinimal!==undefined) window.RS_MODULES.checkMinimal()}\n\t\t\t\t<\/script>\n\t\t\t<\/rs-module-wrap>\n\t\t\t<!-- END REVOLUTION SLIDER -->\n[\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row full_width=&#8221;stretch_row&#8221; content_placement=&#8221;middle&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1688713239373{padding-top: 50px !important;padding-bottom: 30px !important;}&#8221; el_class=&#8221;text-shadow&#8221;][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=&#8221;The Uganda Schistosomiasis Multidisciplinary Research Center (U-SMRC) has been established to build expertise and understanding of the underlying biological determinants of severe schistosomal morbidity and to develop and identify appropriate interventions for prevention and management of this important disease.&#8221; font_container=&#8221;tag:p|font_size:18px|text_align:justify|color:%236c757d&#8221; use_theme_fonts=&#8221;yes&#8221; css_animation=&#8221;none&#8221;][vc_empty_space height=&#8221;20px&#8221;][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n<div class=\"text-left\"><a class=\"button large\" href=\"https:\/\/www.muii.org.ug\/usmrc\/about-us\/\">Read More<\/a><\/div>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=&#8221;10px&#8221;][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_section css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1688713251756{padding-bottom: 35px !important;background-color: #e9eaee !important;}&#8221;][vc_row css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1688025197320{padding-top: 15px !important;padding-bottom: 15px !important;}&#8221;][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243;][vc_empty_space height=&#8221;30px&#8221;][vc_single_image image=&#8221;2523&#8243; img_size=&#8221;800&#215;480&#8243;][\/vc_column][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243;][vc_empty_space height=&#8221;30px&#8221;][vc_custom_heading text=&#8221;OUR SPECIFIC AIMS&#8221; font_container=&#8221;tag:h3|text_align:left&#8221; use_theme_fonts=&#8221;yes&#8221;][vc_empty_space height=&#8221;20px&#8221;][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">To compare early-life Schistosoma mansoni (Sm) infection and Sm-specific immune responses between Lake Albert (LA) and Lake Victoria (LV) regions and identify co-exposures that modulate Sm-specific immune responses and morbidity risk.<\/p>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><a class=\"button large\" href=\"https:\/\/www.muii.org.ug\/usmrc\/about-us\/\">Read More<\/a><\/p>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][\/vc_section][vc_row content_placement=&#8221;middle&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1688023477987{padding-top: 50px !important;}&#8221;][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;1\/3&#8243;][vc_custom_heading text=&#8221;NEWS &amp; INSIGHTS&#8221; font_container=&#8221;tag:h3|text_align:left&#8221; use_theme_fonts=&#8221;yes&#8221;][vc_empty_space height=&#8221;40px&#8221;][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;2\/3&#8243;][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner disable_element=&#8221;yes&#8221;][vc_column_inner offset=&#8221;vc_col-md-8&#8243;]\n\t<div class=\"blog-shortcode  post-thumbnail-cover style5\">\n\t\t\n\t\t<div class=\"blog-entries\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"entries-wrapper content-inner blog-grid\" data-grid=\"{&quot;itemSelector&quot;:&quot;.post&quot;}\" data-columns=\"2\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"post post-3071 type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-news\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"post-inner\">\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"post-image\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"post-title\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.muii.org.ug\/usmrc\/building-scientific-capacity-for-schistosomiasis-control-in-uganda\/\">Building Scientific Capacity for Schistosomiasis Control in Uganda<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"post-categories\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.muii.org.ug\/usmrc\/category\/news\/\" rel=\"category tag\">News<\/a>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"featured-image\" href=\"https:\/\/www.muii.org.ug\/usmrc\/building-scientific-capacity-for-schistosomiasis-control-in-uganda\/\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img class=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.muii.org.ug\/usmrc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/IMG_6948-scaled-800x450.jpg\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" alt=\"IMG_6948\" title=\"IMG_6948\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"post post-3054 type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-blogs\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"post-inner\">\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"post-image\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"post-title\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.muii.org.ug\/usmrc\/witnessing-research-impact-firsthand-in-the-hoima-kikuube-communities\/\">Witnessing Research Impact Firsthand in the Hoima\u2013Kikuube Communities<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"post-categories\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.muii.org.ug\/usmrc\/category\/blogs\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Blog<\/a>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"featured-image\" href=\"https:\/\/www.muii.org.ug\/usmrc\/witnessing-research-impact-firsthand-in-the-hoima-kikuube-communities\/\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img class=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.muii.org.ug\/usmrc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/or-800x450.png\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" alt=\"or\" title=\"or\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>[\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner offset=&#8221;vc_col-md-4&#8243;]\n\t<div class=\"blog-shortcode  post-date-cover\">\n\t\t\n\t\t<div class=\"blog-entries\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"entries-wrapper content-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"post post-3038 type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-news\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"post-inner\">\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"post-image\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"featured-image\" href=\"https:\/\/www.muii.org.ug\/usmrc\/how-namayingo-communities-are-standing-by-u-smrc-through-delays\/\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"post-title\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tHow Namayingo Communities are Standing by U-SMRC through Delays\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"post-date\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span>July 23, 2025<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"post post-3015 type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-blogs\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"post-inner\">\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"post-image\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"featured-image\" href=\"https:\/\/www.muii.org.ug\/usmrc\/from-lakeside-tales-to-lab-bench-truths\/\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"post-title\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tFrom Lakeside Tales to Lab Bench Truths\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"post-date\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span>May 23, 2025<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>[\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner]<div class=\"blogsqode_shortcode \" id=\"\" > <div class=\"blogsqode-blog-wrap\">\r\n\t \t\t<div class=\"selected-layout layout-9 post-grid-3\">\r\n\t \t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"blogsqode-post-item\">\r\n\t\t\t<div class=\"blogsqode-post-item-inner\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"blog-thumbnail-wrap layout-9 \" style=\"background-image: url('https:\/\/www.muii.org.ug\/usmrc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/IMG_6948-scaled.jpg');\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<h5 class=\"blogsqode_post_cat\">News<\/h5>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"content layout-9-content\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"blogsqode-author-wrap\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"blogsqode-authorname-date\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"blogsqode-post-date\">March 18, 2026<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"blogsqode_post_title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.muii.org.ug\/usmrc\/building-scientific-capacity-for-schistosomiasis-control-in-uganda\/\">Building Scientific Capacity for Schistosomiasis Control in Uganda<\/a><\/h2>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"blogsqode_post_sort_desc\">Scientific progress rarely happens on its own... It grows from the work of dedicated researchers asking difficult questions and searching for solutions to complex health challenges.\r\n\r\nAt the Uganda Schistosomiasis Multidisciplinary Research Centre (U-SMRC), supporting the next generation of scientists is an important part of the Centre\u2019s work. The Centre brings together researchers from different disciplines to better understand schistosomiasis and develop improved strategies for its control. Alongside this research, U-SMRC is supporting doctoral training for Ugandan scientists investigating key questions about the disease.\r\n\r\nThree PhD students are currently contributing to the programe, each exploring a different extent of the disease, from the environmental conditions that enable transmission, to the genetic diversity of the parasite, and the human immune responses that shape the disease outcomes.\r\n\r\nTogether, their work shows how building scientific capacity in Africa can drive locally relevant solutions for millions affected across the continent.\r\n\r\nFor David Oguttu, understanding schistosomiasis begins with the environments where transmission occurs. David is pursuing his PhD at Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST).\r\n\r\nHis research focuses on freshwater snails, the intermediate hosts responsible for transmitting the parasite Schistosoma mansoni (S.m) to humans. By studying how water quality, aquatic vegetation, and human activity influence snail populations, David is highlighting the ecological conditions that allow transmission to persist in endemic communities.\r\n\r\n\u201cIf we understand the ecological conditions that allow snail populations to thrive, we can design smarter and more targeted interventions,\u201d David explains.\r\n\r\nInsights from his work could inform environmental management strategies and guide health authorities to focus control efforts in areas where the risk of transmission is highest.\r\n\r\nWhile environmental factors influence where transmission occurs, the biology of the parasite itself can influence how disease manifests in different communities.\r\n\r\nDavis Kiberu is pursuing his PhD at Makerere University, Uganda. His research focuses on the different types (genetic variations) of the parasite Schistosoma mansoni found across the Albertine and Lake Victoria regions.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nHe is studying how these differences in the parasite may help explain why some people have severe infections or experience worse illness than others.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\u201cUnderstanding the parasite at the genetic level allows us to ask new questions about how the disease behaves in different regions,\u201d he says.\r\nIn the long term, these findings could explain why some communities experience more severe burdens and may support the development of more targeted treatment strategies.\r\n\r\n\r\nMatthew Odongo is also pursuing his PhD at Makerere University, Uganda. His research focuses on how the body\u2019s immune response to the parasite Schistosoma mansoni differs between communities living around Lake Albert and Lake Victoria.\r\nHe explains, \u201cCommunities experience schistosomiasis differently, and understanding those differences is essential if we want interventions that truly work for the populations most affected.\u201d\r\nHis work could help guide future vaccine development and support treatment approaches that better reflect the needs of different communities.\r\nLooking Ahead\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nBeyond their individual research projects, these students represent a strong investment in Africa\u2019s scientific future.\r\nBy supporting doctoral training within Uganda, the U-SMRC is helping to ensure that the expertise needed to address diseases like schistosomiasis continues to grow in the regions most affected.\r\n\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_3089\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"730\"] Quarterly PhD's fellows meeting held at UVRI, January 2026[\/caption]\r\nAlongside their research, the three students are developing a wide range of professional and technical skills, including multidisciplinary research, grant writing, scientific communication, intellectual property management, and collaboration across international research networks. These experiences are equipping them to become future leaders in global health research.\r\nTheir work contributes not only to disease control efforts in Uganda, but also to a broader understanding of schistosomiasis across Africa.\r\nIn this way, the studentship programe is doing more than training researchers, it is building a strong foundation to tackle schistosomiasis and other neglected tropical diseases for generations to come.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"bottom\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=https:\/\/www.muii.org.ug\/usmrc\/building-scientific-capacity-for-schistosomiasis-control-in-uganda\/ class=\"blogsqode_read_more_button blogsqode-rmlayout-1\">Read More<svg width=\"12\" height=\"7\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 7\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M6.40846 3.87524H1.18762C0.946122 3.87524 0.750122 3.67924 0.750122 3.43774C0.750122 3.19624 0.946122 3.00024 1.18762 3.00024H6.40846C6.64996 3.00024 6.84596 3.19624 6.84596 3.43774C6.84596 3.67924 6.64996 3.87524 6.40846 3.87524\" fill=\"#6F39FD\"\/><mask id=\"mask0_33539_2\" style=\"mask-type:alpha\" maskUnits=\"userSpaceOnUse\" x=\"5\" y=\"0\" width=\"7\" height=\"7\"><path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M5.97095 0.0835724H11.4759V6.79249H5.97095V0.0835724Z\" fill=\"white\"\/><\/mask><g mask=\"url(#mask0_33539_2)\"><path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M6.84595 1.31348V5.5619L10.2176 3.43798L6.84595 1.31348ZM6.40845 6.79273C6.33553 6.79273 6.2632 6.77406 6.19728 6.7379C6.05728 6.6609 5.97095 6.51448 5.97095 6.35523V0.52073C5.97095 0.360897 6.05728 0.21448 6.19728 0.13748C6.3367 0.0610635 6.50761 0.0657301 6.6412 0.150313L11.2717 3.06756C11.3994 3.14806 11.4759 3.28748 11.4759 3.43798C11.4759 3.5879 11.3994 3.7279 11.2717 3.80781L6.6412 6.72506C6.57061 6.76998 6.48953 6.79273 6.40845 6.79273V6.79273Z\" fill=\"#6F39FD\"\/><\/g><\/svg><\/a>\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"blogsqode-post-item\">\r\n\t\t\t<div class=\"blogsqode-post-item-inner\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"blog-thumbnail-wrap layout-9 \" style=\"background-image: url('https:\/\/www.muii.org.ug\/usmrc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/or.png');\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<h5 class=\"blogsqode_post_cat\">Blog<\/h5>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"content layout-9-content\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"blogsqode-author-wrap\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"blogsqode-authorname-date\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"blogsqode-post-date\">March 18, 2026<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"blogsqode_post_title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.muii.org.ug\/usmrc\/witnessing-research-impact-firsthand-in-the-hoima-kikuube-communities\/\">Witnessing Research Impact Firsthand in the Hoima\u2013Kikuube Communities<\/a><\/h2>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"blogsqode_post_sort_desc\">No one quite tells you what a field visit will really feel like!\r\nYou will hear about the long journeys, the community meetings, and the schedules but no one prepares you for the quiet excitement of finally standing in the very places where the research you talk about every day happens.\r\nMy name is Trust Debbie Lenia, and I serve as the Communications and Engagement Officer at the Uganda Schistosomiasis Multidisciplinary Research Centre (U-SMRC). Funded by National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIH), the Centre brings together scientists and communities to tackle schistosomiasis(bilharzia), a neglected tropical disease that affects millions through research, health education and community-led solutions.\r\nRecently, I had the opportunity to travel to the Hoima\u2013Kikuube communities along the shores of Lake Albert, Uganda and what I experienced there was far more than a routine field visit.\r\nIt became a moment of reflection, learning, and appreciation for the communities that sit at the heart of our research.\r\n\r\nAs we approached the area, the landscape slowly opened into wide views of Lake Albert. Fishing boats dotted the water in the distance, children moved along narrow paths between homes, and the rhythms of daily life unfolded in ways both ordinary and deeply meaningful. For many families in these communities, the lake is both a source of life and a place where the risk of infection quietly persists.\r\nIt finally dawned on me that this right here was where the science we often discuss in meetings and reports takes on real human context.\r\n\r\nWalking through the community, I quickly realized that the study is not simply something people have heard about, rather, it is something they feel connected to.\r\nMany residents greeted the research team with familiarity and warmth, sharing stories of their involvement with the programe since the first field visit in 2024.\r\nSome spoke about health education sessions that helped them better understand bilharzia and how it spreads.\r\n\r\n\r\n\u201cBefore the researchers came, many of us did not fully understand why this disease kept affecting our children. Now we know what bilharzia is and how to protect ourselves. The study has helped us learn.\u201d\r\n\r\n\r\nOthers reflected on the regular interactions with the study teams and the reassurance that comes from knowing health support such as free medical checkups and treatment for bilharzia is close by.\r\nOne mother I spoke to shared a reflection that stayed with me long after the visit.\r\n\u201cWe used to think this sickness was just part of life by the lake. Now, we understand it, and we know how to protect our children. That knowledge has given us hope.\u201d\r\nHer words captured something powerful: research, when done with communities rather than simply within them, becomes something much bigger than data collection.\r\nIt simply becomes a shared journey of understanding, trust, and hope.\r\nAs conversations continued throughout the days with community leaders, mothers, and young people, it became clear that the work of the U-SMRC has created more than scientific knowledge. It has built relationships, strengthened awareness about schistosomiasis health, and given communities a voice in research that seeks to address diseases affecting their lives.\r\nAnd for me, as someone responsible for telling the stories of this work, the visit was a powerful reminder that behind every dataset, every report, and every scientific breakthrough, there are people whose experiences shape the meaning and impact of the research itself.\r\nCatch me in the next series as we continue this journey of science and community, where every step brings us closer to impact...<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"bottom\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=https:\/\/www.muii.org.ug\/usmrc\/witnessing-research-impact-firsthand-in-the-hoima-kikuube-communities\/ class=\"blogsqode_read_more_button blogsqode-rmlayout-1\">Read More<svg width=\"12\" height=\"7\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 7\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M6.40846 3.87524H1.18762C0.946122 3.87524 0.750122 3.67924 0.750122 3.43774C0.750122 3.19624 0.946122 3.00024 1.18762 3.00024H6.40846C6.64996 3.00024 6.84596 3.19624 6.84596 3.43774C6.84596 3.67924 6.64996 3.87524 6.40846 3.87524\" fill=\"#6F39FD\"\/><mask id=\"mask0_33539_2\" style=\"mask-type:alpha\" maskUnits=\"userSpaceOnUse\" x=\"5\" y=\"0\" width=\"7\" height=\"7\"><path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M5.97095 0.0835724H11.4759V6.79249H5.97095V0.0835724Z\" fill=\"white\"\/><\/mask><g mask=\"url(#mask0_33539_2)\"><path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M6.84595 1.31348V5.5619L10.2176 3.43798L6.84595 1.31348ZM6.40845 6.79273C6.33553 6.79273 6.2632 6.77406 6.19728 6.7379C6.05728 6.6609 5.97095 6.51448 5.97095 6.35523V0.52073C5.97095 0.360897 6.05728 0.21448 6.19728 0.13748C6.3367 0.0610635 6.50761 0.0657301 6.6412 0.150313L11.2717 3.06756C11.3994 3.14806 11.4759 3.28748 11.4759 3.43798C11.4759 3.5879 11.3994 3.7279 11.2717 3.80781L6.6412 6.72506C6.57061 6.76998 6.48953 6.79273 6.40845 6.79273V6.79273Z\" fill=\"#6F39FD\"\/><\/g><\/svg><\/a>\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"blogsqode-post-item\">\r\n\t\t\t<div class=\"blogsqode-post-item-inner\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"blog-thumbnail-wrap layout-9 \" style=\"background-image: url('https:\/\/www.muii.org.ug\/usmrc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/IMG-20250530-WA0017.jpg');\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<h5 class=\"blogsqode_post_cat\">News<\/h5>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"content layout-9-content\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"blogsqode-author-wrap\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"blogsqode-authorname-date\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"blogsqode-post-date\">July 23, 2025<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"blogsqode_post_title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.muii.org.ug\/usmrc\/how-namayingo-communities-are-standing-by-u-smrc-through-delays\/\">How Namayingo Communities are Standing by U-SMRC through Delays<\/a><\/h2>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"blogsqode_post_sort_desc\">In the quiet villages of Namayingo District; Buyondo, Maruba, Bumeru A, and Bumeru B communities, something quietly remarkable is happening. Despite a pause in data collection due to funding delays, over 95% of enrolled study participants are ready and waiting for their follow-up procedures and recruitment of adult participants for research on how bilharzia makes them sick. One would wonder why this is so? The answer to this is simply because trust has already been built.\r\n\r\nWhen the Uganda Schistosomiasis Multidisciplinary Research Centre (U-SMRC) returned to Namayingo in May 2025 for site preparation and participant mobilization for the final data collection visit, the expectation was simple: reconnect, set up, and move forward. However, what the team encountered was something deeper.\r\n\r\nFrom village chairpersons who welcomed the study team back, to Village Health Teams (VHTs) who helped trace absent participants, the community\u2019s readiness was unwavering. Even when one of the most active VHT in Bumeru B had sadly passed away, the community ensured a quick handover to a replacement, keeping the study on track. Guardians expressed willingness to support one last visit for their children, and even those who had migrated said they would return, if only transport could be facilitated.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nHousehold visits to confirm participant availability in the communities\r\n\r\nWhat stood out was not just the numbers, though they were impressive. Out of 220 participants, 209 were fully available, and most of the rest were reachable. What truly mattered was the attitude.\r\n\u201cPeople asked when we were starting again,\u201d said Christopher Zziwa, Acting Study Coordinator. \u201cThere\u2019s a sense that this research belongs to them too.\u201d\r\nIn a region long burdened by Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs), including schistosomiasis, the community knows the value of research. U-SMRC\u2019s earlier engagement with leaders and the use of local language in mobilization efforts fostered not only understanding but owner-ship.\r\n\r\n\u00a0\r\n\r\nMeeting with Namayingo District Leadership\r\n\r\nThis is not just a story about scientific preparedness or community engagement; it\u2019s a story of loyalty in the face of uncertainty. In Namayingo, science has a home. Moreover, the people? They are still here, ready to continue the journey.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"bottom\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=https:\/\/www.muii.org.ug\/usmrc\/how-namayingo-communities-are-standing-by-u-smrc-through-delays\/ class=\"blogsqode_read_more_button blogsqode-rmlayout-1\">Read More<svg width=\"12\" height=\"7\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 7\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M6.40846 3.87524H1.18762C0.946122 3.87524 0.750122 3.67924 0.750122 3.43774C0.750122 3.19624 0.946122 3.00024 1.18762 3.00024H6.40846C6.64996 3.00024 6.84596 3.19624 6.84596 3.43774C6.84596 3.67924 6.64996 3.87524 6.40846 3.87524\" fill=\"#6F39FD\"\/><mask id=\"mask0_33539_2\" style=\"mask-type:alpha\" maskUnits=\"userSpaceOnUse\" x=\"5\" y=\"0\" width=\"7\" height=\"7\"><path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M5.97095 0.0835724H11.4759V6.79249H5.97095V0.0835724Z\" fill=\"white\"\/><\/mask><g mask=\"url(#mask0_33539_2)\"><path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M6.84595 1.31348V5.5619L10.2176 3.43798L6.84595 1.31348ZM6.40845 6.79273C6.33553 6.79273 6.2632 6.77406 6.19728 6.7379C6.05728 6.6609 5.97095 6.51448 5.97095 6.35523V0.52073C5.97095 0.360897 6.05728 0.21448 6.19728 0.13748C6.3367 0.0610635 6.50761 0.0657301 6.6412 0.150313L11.2717 3.06756C11.3994 3.14806 11.4759 3.28748 11.4759 3.43798C11.4759 3.5879 11.3994 3.7279 11.2717 3.80781L6.6412 6.72506C6.57061 6.76998 6.48953 6.79273 6.40845 6.79273V6.79273Z\" fill=\"#6F39FD\"\/><\/g><\/svg><\/a>\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t \t\t<\/div>\r\n\t \t\t<\/div> <div class=\"load_more_posts\" data-pages=\"5\">Load More<\/div><\/div>[\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_column][vc_column][vc_empty_space height=&#8221;20px&#8221;][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row full_width=&#8221;stretch_row&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1688715445294{background-color: #e9eaee !important;background-position: 0 0 !important;background-repeat: no-repeat !important;}&#8221;][vc_column][vc_row_inner content_placement=&#8221;middle&#8221; gap=&#8221;35&#8243;][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243; offset=&#8221;vc_col-md-7&#8243;][vc_empty_space height=&#8221;20px&#8221;][vc_custom_heading text=&#8221;CAREER DEVELOPMENT&#8221; font_container=&#8221;tag:h3|text_align:left&#8221; use_theme_fonts=&#8221;yes&#8221;][vc_empty_space height=&#8221;20px&#8221;][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Welcome to the Career Development section of our website, where we are excited to showcase the diverse and impactful projects undertaken by our talented PhD fellows.<br \/>\nIn this section, we provide a glimpse into the cutting-edge research our PhD fellows are engaged in, highlighting their innovative ideas, and the potential implications of their work.<\/p>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=&#8221;30px&#8221;][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><a class=\"button large\" href=\"https:\/\/www.muii.org.ug\/usmrc\/career-development\/\">Read More<\/a><\/p>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=&#8221;20px&#8221;][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243; offset=&#8221;vc_col-md-5&#8243;][vc_single_image image=&#8221;2579&#8243; img_size=&#8221;800&#215;480&#8243;][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1688641943713{padding-top: 50px !important;}&#8221;][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=&#8221;Partners&#8221; font_container=&#8221;tag:h3|text_align:center&#8221; use_theme_fonts=&#8221;yes&#8221;][vc_raw_html]JTVCZWxmc2lnaHRfbG9nb19zaG93Y2FzZSUyMGlkJTNEJTIyMSUyMiU1RA==[\/vc_raw_html][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">This project is funded by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, part of the National Institutes of Health, under award U01AI168609.<\/p>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]<\/p>\n<\/section>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text][\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row full_width=&#8221;stretch_row_content_no_spaces&#8221;][vc_column][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row full_width=&#8221;stretch_row&#8221; content_placement=&#8221;middle&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1688713239373{padding-top: 50px !important;padding-bottom: 30px !important;}&#8221; el_class=&#8221;text-shadow&#8221;][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=&#8221;The Uganda Schistosomiasis Multidisciplinary Research Center (U-SMRC) has been established to build expertise and understanding of the underlying biological determinants [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":[],"acf":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.muii.org.ug\/usmrc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/500"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.muii.org.ug\/usmrc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.muii.org.ug\/usmrc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.muii.org.ug\/usmrc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.muii.org.ug\/usmrc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=500"}],"version-history":[{"count":254,"href":"https:\/\/www.muii.org.ug\/usmrc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/500\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2868,"href":"https:\/\/www.muii.org.ug\/usmrc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/500\/revisions\/2868"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.muii.org.ug\/usmrc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=500"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}