Evidence that transforms health systems

Clinical trials, implementation science and care models

Clinical and Implementation Research

MRCU contributes to both observational and interventional clinical studies that improve health and wellbeing. The clinical studies range from mental health and sexual and reproductive health to the improvement of therapeutics for HIV through clinical trials. A multidisciplinary team of mental health experts, clinical trial experts and medical personnel works in collaboration with local and international organisations.

The portfolio includes PREGART, GOALS, INMIND, the UPART cohort, GHAP and TRANSPIRE, conducted in a conducive environment supported by Mildmay Uganda Hospital.

• Pregnancy and antiretroviral therapy studies
• Youth ART adherence and behavioural economics
• Palliative care outcome measurement
• Clinical trial site readiness through AfriTrials Connect

Understanding the human behaviours behind health outcomes

Behavioural Sciences Research

We value scientific inquiry into why individuals engage in specific behaviours that affect their health. Our behavioural research dates to 2014, when we studied the sexual behaviour of people living with HIV after starting antiretroviral therapy. Since then we have hosted studies on HIV self-testing, ART adherence incentives, mental health and the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on health-seeking behaviour.

Our multidisciplinary team includes senior behavioural health economists, behavioural scientists, mental health experts and public health specialists, collaborating with Makerere University School of Public Health and the UVRI-IAVI HIV Vaccine Program.

• ART adherence and habit formation
• HIV self-testing and partner testing
• PrEP implementation among key populations
• Mental health, stigma and care-seeking behaviour

Laboratory-enabled research and product validation

Biomedical and Diagnostic Science

Biomedical research at MRCU is supported by an ISO 15189 SANAS-accredited laboratory that also serves as a national backup to the Central Public Health Laboratory for viral load testing, COVID-19 testing and HIV DNA PCR testing. The laboratory comprises Molecular, Microbiology, Haematology, Biochemistry and Immunology departments.

Equipment includes Abbott RealTime m2000 PCR platforms, the Sysmex full blood count analysers, Maglumi 800 chemiluminescence immunoassay systems, BD FACSCalibur cell analysis platforms, and a full cold chain of minus-80 freezers and a nitrogen tank for sample storage.

• Diagnostics and medical device validation
• Malaria and TB innovation pathways
• Laboratory quality systems
• Product development for African health systems

Turning longitudinal clinical data into policy-relevant evidence

Data Science and Health Informatics

MRCU has accumulated substantial data over more than two decades, drawn from the HIV programme across Uganda's Central region and from Mildmay Uganda Hospital since 1998. The data covers HIV and comorbidities including tuberculosis, hepatitis B, cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and mental health.

The aim of our data science work is to mine and analyse these datasets to discover knowledge that informs the development of policy and regulation, so that evidence-based decisions maximise benefit to society.

• Longitudinal health analytics
• Secondary data analysis for fellows
• Predictive analytics for care transitions
• Data access governance and collaboration review

Research for population health, equity and preparedness

Public Health and Epidemic Response

Public health research at MRCU was originally boosted by Mildmay Uganda's five-year Epidemic Control Project across eight districts of the Mubende region, funded by PEPFAR through the CDC. This generated longitudinal datasets that continue to inform how evidence transforms communities.

The portfolio focuses on gender-transformative strategies, epidemic preparedness, immunisation integration, TB, HIV and service models for high-risk populations including fisherfolk and urban refugees.

• Community awareness, screening and treatment campaigns
• Epidemic preparedness and vaccine integration
• Gender transformation and adolescent health
• Health systems strengthening in district programmes

Ethical review and study oversight through MUREC

Research Ethics, Monitoring and Governance

MUREC supports ethical review, study monitoring, administrative clearance, community advisory board engagement and research integrity. This function protects participants while enabling efficient, compliant research implementation.

• Protocol review and ethics clearance
• On-site, remote and risk-based monitoring
• Community Advisory Board management
• Human subjects protection and GCP-aligned practice