Welcome to the Biomedical Research at Mildmay Research Centre, where innovation, collaboration, and excellence converge to advance the frontiers of biomedical science. We are dedicated to conducting cutting-edge research, fostering interdisciplinary collaborations, and translating scientific discoveries into tangible solutions that improve human health and well-being.
Our Biomedical Research is a dynamic hub of scientific inquiry and discovery. Since 2021, we have been at the forefront of biomedical research, addressing fundamental questions in biology and healthcare at National and Global level. Driven by the passion understand the intricacies of life and disease, our researchers explore diverse research topics spanning from molecular biology, genetics, immunology, bioinformatics, and translational medicine. Through our collaborative and multidisciplinary approach, we unravel the complexities of the human body and develop innovative therapies and interventions to combat diseases and enhance human health.
We are home to diverse and talented teams of researchers, and graduate students who are passionate about advancing scientific knowledge and making a positive impact on society. Our researchers are renowned experts in their respective fields, with expertise spanning from basic science research, clinical practice, and translational research.
Our researchers are actively engaged in groundbreaking research projects, collaborating with leading institutions, industry partners, and healthcare organizations to drive innovation and translate scientific discoveries into clinical applications.
Our Biomedical Research supported by an internationally accredited state-of-the-art laboratory with cutting-edge technologies, a specialized hospital with resources to support our research endeavors and an institute with competency in training health workers. MRCU provides our researchers with the resources, infrastructure, and technical support they need to conduct high-quality research and achieve scientific excellence.
Mildmay Uganda Hospital, a General Hospital with over 16,000 People Living with HIV (PLHIV) in its care; of these 273 are children 0-9 years, 1147 adolescents <19 years. It has an ISO 15189 certified laboratory which also serves as national backup for Viral Load testing. This hospital is located at the Mildmay Uganda main site with physical address as 12 Kilometres from Kampala capital city, along Entebbe Road.
It’s a private not-for-profit general 38-bed capacity facility offering out-patient and in-patient services by general practitioners and specialists including Internal Medicine, Surgery, Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology and auxiliary services. The hospital uses the International Classification of Diseases – version 10 (ICD-10) for diagnosis through an Electronic Medical Record (EMR) platform called Clinic Masters.
Mildmay Uganda Laboratory, a clinical and research laboratory that is ISO 15189 South African National Accreditation System (SANAS) accredited. The laboratory serves as a backup to the Central Public Health Laboratory/Ministry of Health (MoH) Uganda for viral load testing, COVID-19 testing and HIV DNA PCR testing. The laboratory serves over 17,000 People Living with HIV (PLHIV) with diagnostic, monitoring tests in the management of HIV/AIDS at the Mildmay Uganda Hospital and supports close to 100 laboratories in central Uganda in establishment of Quality Management Systems and functionalization of the laboratories to perform recommended tests to the MoH tier. Through this network, the laboratory serves an additional 100,000 PLHIV.
The laboratory has departments such as Molecular, Microbiology, Hematology, Biochemistry, and Immunology. The laboratory has an assortment of equipment that include polymerase chain reaction (PCR) platforms; The Abbott RealTime assay in combination with the RealTime m2000 system allow scalable, automated process for flexible testing volume (24-96 samples) and up to 470 patient samples in 24 hours for viral load, HIV DNA PCR, STIs; Cobas Ampriprep/Taqman for viral and HIV DNA PCR; Four Module Cepheid Gene Xpert System for diagnosis of Tuberculosis, bacterial Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) and other bacterial infections. The laboratory has additional capacity as outlined below:
- Fully automated full blood count analyser Sysmex 1000 and 330
- Immunoassays Maglumi 800 that uses chemiluminescence in performing analysis (CLIA) for labelling and separation of cancer markers, diagnosis of infectious diseases such as HIV, Hepatitis B profile, assessment of fertility hormones, cardiac profiles, and thyroid profiles.
- HumaClot Duo Plus Manual 2-channel coagulation instrument and BD FACSCalibur™ platforms for cell analysis and cell sorting in a single benchtop system.
- Assortments of cold storage space/equipment; -80C freezers and 2-8C refrigerators and a nitrogen gas tank to support transportation and storage of samples.
- Equipment for fungal and bacterial culture and sensitivity.
- A broad suite of intuitive software solutions to streamline analysis for a wide range of applications including enumeration of lymphocyte subsets, stem cells, residual white blood cells and reticulocytes.
The laboratory has automated workflows such as specimen flow, and inventory through a Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) called LabWare which creates efficiency. The system is interlinked with Patient Information System in which test requests are made, received at collection area through the system, samples logged, and details automatically relayed to equipment in the laboratory. The interlinked system also supports analysis and release of results to the requester.
Mildmay Institute of Health Sciences (MIHS), a centre of higher learning accredited by the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE). The MIHS is designed to provide pre and in-service education programmes that contribute to the backbone of national health workforce and strengthening health systems. MIHS runs four schools: School of Nursing and Midwifery; School of Medical Laboratory Technology, School of Clinical Medicine and Community Health, and School of Applied Health Sciences. Amidst the courses offered within the four schools, physical, social and psychological rehabilitation is integrated in the design and delivery.
The MIHS has trained over 20,000 health and social care professionals since 2019. Currently the institute has 1,240 students across its training and education programmes. The school is regulated by national regulatory bodies including National Council for Higher Education (UNCHE), Uganda Nurses and Midwives’ Council (UNMC), Allied health professionals Council (AHPC). MIHS is affiliated to national and international institutions, among which; International Confederation of Midwives, University of Manchester, Mbarara University of Science and Technology and Uganda Christian University that offer graduate and postgraduate education programs. MIHS provides Continuous Professional Development (CPD) to healthcare professionals (HCPs) via accreditation by the professional councils including the Uganda Medical and Dental Practitioners’ Council (UMDPC).
Collaborations, Partnerships and Research Areas
We actively seek partnerships with other research institutions, academic centers, industry collaborators, and healthcare organizations to leverage complementary expertise, share resources, and accelerate scientific discovery. Through our pioneering research initiatives, we strive to deepen our understanding of biological processes, unravel the molecular mechanisms underlying diseases, and identify novel therapeutic targets and strategies to address unmet medical needs.
Our Research Milestones
GH002046-18033-Mubende (B. Mukasa, PI) 20/11/2017- 30/09/2023
CDC: Baseline, Midterm and End of Project Evaluation Protocol for Mildmay Mubende region: Midterm Review of Accelerating HIV Epidemic Control in 8 Districts of Mubende Region. The study aims to support the Uganda Ministry of Health with HIV epidemic control in 8 districts of central Uganda through operational research and implementation of proven interventions for prevention care and treatment.
MU-CT-002-1221 (Kalebu, PI) 03/01/2022 – 02/28/2024
EDCTP: Use of Point of Care HIV Viral Load Monitoring to improve Viral Load Suppression among Children, Adolescents Living with HIV in East Africa. The study aim is to evaluate feasibility, acceptability, and effectiveness of using PoC HIV VL monitoring to improve viral load suppression rates among children and adolescents living with HIV in East Africa.
R01HD074949 (Ssewamala/Sensoy/Nabunya, PI) 09/01/2020 - 07/31/2025
NIH/NICHD: Suubi+Adherence-R2: Examining the longitudinal HIV treatment adherence among youth living with HIV (YLHIV) transitioning into young adulthood. The study aims to examine the longitudinal HIV antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence and related outcomes, and the potential mechanisms of protective health behaviors among youth living with HIV who participated in an evidence-based family economic empowerment (FEE) intervention in Uganda and are now transitioning into young adulthood.
RIA2017MC-2009 (J. Mukonzo, PI) 06/01/2020 -06/30/2024
EDCTP:Safety and efficacy DTG and EFV400 for pregnant and breast-feeding women: a randomized non-inferiority clinical trial (PREGART). The study aims to provide evidence-based recommendation for safe and effective first line ART regimens for PMTCT and treatment of HIV infected pregnant and breast-feeding women living in resource-limited settings.
R01MH115830 (G. Wagner, PI) 08/15/2018-05/08/2023
NIH/NIMH: Depression Care to Improve Adherence to PMTCT Care Continuum & Pregnancy Outcomes. This study aims at generating evidence for providing a model for integrating depression care into Antenatal clinics and promoting optimal adherence to the PMTCT care continuum and maternal and child health outcomes.
R34MH119924-01A1 (L. Bogart, PI) 04/01/2020-03/31/2023 NIH - Implementation of Community-Based PrEP provision for Uganda Fisher Folk. The study aims at examining barriers to and facilitators of PrEP uptake, and to obtain input on acceptable PrEP messaging and provision among fisher folk communities on Lake Victoria, Uganda.
R34AA025891-01. (S. Kiene, PI) 09/01/2019 – 08/31/2022
NIH/NIAAA: Development and Pilot Testing of a Combination Intervention to Reduce Heavy Drinking and Improve HIV Care Engagement among Fisher folk in Uganda. The study aims to establish the effect of the intervention on ART adherence and retention in HIV care; Determine the effect of intervention on harmful use of alcohol; Determine the effect of intervention on savings and social support.
R01MH110350 (S. Linnemayr, PI) 09/13/2017-10/14/2022
NIH/NIMH: Behavioral Economics Incentives to Support HIV Treatment Adherence in Sub-Saharan Africa (BEST). The study aims to establish the role of behavioral economic incentives for Anti Retro Viral Therapy (ART) medication adherence, in suppressing Viral load using low-cost economic incentives to motivate patients on ART treatment to adhere to medication.
R01HD104555 (Huang/Linnemayr, PI) 05/2021 – 01/2026
NIH/NIMH: Goals for Adherence with Low-cost Incentives (GOALS). The study aims to improve antiretroviral (ART) adherence among youth living with HIV by providing small incentives based on insights from behavioral economics, combined with text messages sent by mobile phone. The approach is particularly targeted at those with low adherence as it allows to adjust eligibility thresholds for incentives to participants’ initial adherence, thereby reducing health inequality and facilitating high, long-term ART adherence for a particularly vulnerable group of HIV clients.
R34MH122331(S. Linnemayr, PI) 09/01/2020 -08/31/2023
NIH/NIMH: INcentives and ReMINDers to Improve Long-term Medication Adherence (INMIND). The study aims at testing novel ways of designing incentive interventions to improve ART adherence. It will ensure that all participants receive information on the importance of and ways to establish new behavioral routines.
MU-CT-001-0521 (Ndagije/Mukasa, PI) 10/02/2020 – 09/30/2021
Uganda National Drug Authority (NDA): Evaluating the Glycemic Effects of Dolutegravir (DTG) among Patients Receiving Dolutegravir Based Regimens at Mildmay Uganda ART sites. The study aims at studying the incidence of hyperglycemia among patients receiving DTG based regimen and the association between previous NRTI or NRTtI exposure at Mildmay Uganda supported sites.
1K01MH121663-01A1 (K. Sileo, PI) 08/01/2020 – 12/31/2023
NIH:A Gender Transformative Strategy with providers to Improve HIV Outcomes in Uganda. The study aims to develop and evaluate the acceptability, feasibility, and preliminary efficacy of an innovative gender transformative implementation strategy to improve HIV provider capacity for equitable HIV care and ART adherence counselling.
MicroResearch Educational Program, Dalhousie University, Canada, 2019 – Present
The Program aims at staff capacity development in undertaking health research as coaches, co-teachers and lead investigators at Mildmay Uganda.
MR 19N MLD 04 (E. Omony, PI): Barriers and facilitators of access to Hepatitis B services among women of reproductive age in Bidibidi refugee settlement.
MR 19N MLD 02 (S. Ezajobo, PI): Uptake of HIV Testing Services through Assisted Partner Notification (APN) among Men in Wakiso District.
MR 19N MLD 03 (Namayanja/Mugabe, PI): Clients’ knowledge, perceptions and compliance towards hypertension management among adults living with HIV.
Publications
- Ssewamala, F. M., Sensoy Bahar, O., Nabunya, P., Thames, A. D., Neilands, T. B., Damulira, C., Mukasa, B., Brathwaite, R., Mellins, C., Santelli, J., Brown, D., Guo, S., Namatovu, P., Kiyingi, J., Namuwonge, F., & McKay, M. M. (2021). Suubi+Adherence-Round 2: A study protocol to examine the longitudinal HIV treatment adherence among youth living with HIV transitioning into young adulthood in Southern Uganda. BMC Public Health, 21(1), 1-21. doi: 10.1186/s12889-021-10202-3
- Nabunya, P., Kiyingi, J., Witte, S. S., Sensoy Bahar, O., Jennings Mayo-Wilson, L., Tozan, Y., Nabayinda, J., Mwebembezi, A., Tumwesige, W., Mukasa, B., Namirembe, R., Kagaayi, J., Nakigudde, J., McKay, M. M., & Ssewamala, F. M. (2021, online first). Working with economically vulnerable women engaged in sex work: Collaborating with community stakeholders in southern Uganda. Global Public Health. doi: 10.1080/17441692.2021.1916054
- Tozan, Y., Capasso, A., Sun, S., Neilands, T. B., Damulira, C., Namuwonge, F., Nakigozi, G., Mwebembezi, A., Mukasa, B., Sensoy Bahar, O., Nabunya, P., Mellins, C. A., McKay, M. M., & Ssewamala, F. M. (2021). The efficacy and cost-effectiveness of a family-based economic empowerment intervention (Suubi + Adherence) on suppression of HIV viral loads among adolescents living with HIV: results from a Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial in southern Uganda. Journal of the International AIDS Society, 24(6), e25752. https://doi.org/10.1002/jia2.25752
- Linnemayr S, Jennings Mayo-Wilson L, Saya U, Wagner Z, MacCarthy S, Walukaga S, Nakubulwa S, Karamagi Y. HIV Care Experiences During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Mixed-Methods Telephone Interviews with Clinic-Enrolled HIV-Infected Adults in Uganda. AIDS Behav. 2021 Jan;25(1):28-39. doi: 10.1007/s10461-020-03032-8. PMID: 32918641; PMCID: PMC7486807.
- Wagner Z, Mukasa B, Nakakande J, Stecher C, Saya U, Linnemayr S. Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Use of HIV Care, Antiretroviral Therapy Adherence, and Viral Suppression: An Observational Cohort Study From Uganda. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr. 2021 Dec 15;88(5):448-456. doi: 10.1097/QAI.0000000000002811. PMID: 34757973; PMCID: PMC8575089.
- Rose K, Matovu JK, Vrana-Diaz CJ, Buregyeya E, Kagaayi J, Chemusto H, Mugerwa S, Musoke W, Mukama CS, Malek AM, Korte JE, Wanyenze RK. Ease of understanding and performing HIV self-tests by pregnant women and their male partners in Uganda: a cross-sectional study. Int J STD AIDS. 2021 Jun;32(7):629-637. doi: 10.1177/0956462420983935. Epub 2021 Feb 6. PMID: 33554745.
- Ezeamama AE, Sikorskii A, Sankar PR, Nakasujja N, Ssonko M, Kaminski NE, Guwatudde D, Boivin MJ, Giordani B. Computerized Cognitive Rehabilitation Training for Ugandan Seniors Living with HIV: A Validation Study. J Clin Med. 2020 Jul 7;9(7):2137. doi: 10.3390/jcm9072137. PMID: 32645896; PMCID: PMC7408686.
- Hakim, A.J., Mukasa, B., Hundley, L., Odiit, M., Ogwal, M., Sendagala, S., Karamagi, Y., Sande, E. and Hladik, W., 2019. Correlates of undiagnosed HIV infection and retesting among voluntary HIV testing clients at Mildmay Clinic, Uganda. AIDS and Behavior, 23(4), pp.820-834.
- Jude, E., Brian, S., Stephen, K., Brenda, N., Bridget, N., Charles, B. and Omony, E., 2021. Expanding The Use Of Friedewald Equation In Lipid Profile Testing Among HIV Positive And Negative Elderly Persons. medRxiv.
Get Involved
Are you passionate about biomedical research? Join us in our quest to unravel the mysteries of life and disease. Explore opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and researchers to get involved in research projects, internships, and training programs.