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Makerere’s contribution to the development of a high impact HIV research population-based cohort in the Rakai Region, Uganda


Edward Nelson Kankaka
Fred Nalugoda
David Serwadda
Fredrick Makumbi
Maria J Wawer
Ronald H Gray
Thomas C Quinn
Steven J Reynolds
Gertrude Nakigozi
Tom Lutalo
Godfrey Kigozi
Nelson K Sewankambo
Joseph Kagaayi

Abstract

Longitudinal population-based cohort studies can provide critical insights on temporal, spatial and sociodemographic changes in health status and health determinants that are not obtained by other study designs. However, establishing and maintaining such a cohort study can be challenging and expensive. Here, we describe the role of Makerere University in the development and conduct of such a cohort. We chronicle the first academia-led reports of HIV in East Africa; how this led to initiation of the Rakai Community Cohort Study in 1988, the first and oldest HIV cohort in sub-Saharan Africa; its impact on HIV prevention, care and treatment; how the cohort has been maintained; and opportunities, challenges, and future directions including non-communicable diseases.


Keywords: Makerere; high impact HIV research; Rakai Region; Uganda.


Journal Identifiers


eISSN: 1729-0503
print ISSN: 1680-6905