WHO, Makerere Explore Collaborating Centre Status for Uganda
The technical cooperation between WHO and MakSPH aims to promote safe, effective, and affordable research products, capacity building, and community services.
GENEVA, April 9, 2024 — The World Health Organization (WHO) and Makerere University's School of Public Health (MakSPH) are in discussions to designate MakSPH as a WHO Collaborating Centre (WHOCC) in Uganda, a move that could bolster the country's public health research and policy efforts, writes Winston Mwale.
The talks emerged during a review of a five-year memorandum of understanding between the two institutions, which has facilitated joint research projects on communicable diseases, non-communicable diseases, and health system strengthening since 2019.
"After five years of successful partnership, we should start working towards making MakSPH a WHO collaborating Centre," said Dr. Yonas Tegegn Woldemariam, WHO Representative to Uganda. "This will ensure sustainability, including unlocking opportunities for MakSPH and support to global health."
Of the 829 WHOCCs globally, only 27 (3.2%) are in the African region, according to 2019 figures. These institutions partner with WHO to conduct research, provide training, and offer services aligned with the organization's health agenda.
"We hope to use these operational research findings to inform policy and decision-making for advanced public health discourse around the world," said Prof. Rhoda Wanyenze, Dean of MakSPH, expressing appreciation for WHO's trust in the school's capabilities.
Over the past five years, the collaboration has produced strategic information and policy outputs, including a survey on non-communicable disease risk factors, an immunization program assessment, and a national immunization strategy. Other products cover pharmaceutical services, nutrition, and measles-rubella coverage.
MakSPH, one of four schools under Makerere University's College of Health Sciences, conducts research and provides consultancy services to the Ugandan government and various health organizations.
The technical cooperation between WHO and MakSPH aims to promote safe, effective, and affordable research products, capacity building, and community services, contributing to shared goals of improving public health.