Fund research in universities
On March 5, I was awarded the Inaugural Greenwood Africa Prize in London, UK. This award recognises excellence in research in infectious diseases. In my case, the selection committee recognised my contribution towards understanding the long-term effects of severe malaria on the brain, providing a better understanding and helping put an end to the nodding syndrome epidemic in Uganda. Since 2014, we have not had a single new case of nodding syndrome in Uganda. Since the award, I have received an outpouring of congratulations from family, friends, patients, colleagues in and outside the country.
To all of you, I say, thank you very much. I am truly humbled and resolved to work even harder. Our current research, which is funded by the UK Medical Research Council, US National Institutes of Health and Norwegian Research Council, among others, is focused on four areas:
First, together with colleagues in Kenya and Malawi, we are testing if offering a three-month course of malaria treatment will prevent re-admissions, need for additional blood transfusions and reduce death of children recovering from severe anaemia.
This large study is taking place in Jinja, Masaka, Hoima, Mubende and Kamuli hospitals and in five other hospitals in Kenya. We shall share the results before end of year.
Second, thousands of children in Africa suffer severe malaria annually. We have already demonstrated that 10-25 per cent suffer subsequent cognitive impairments. My colleague, Dr Paul Bangirana, is now leading research to examine the effects on achievements, behaviour, livelihood, and functioning into adulthood.
Third, in Uganda, 20,000 children are born with sickle cell anaemia annually. In the past, more than 80 per cent of these children die within five years of birth. Now, with education, better care and immunisation, many are growing into adulthood. Unfortunately, many continue to suffer pain crises, repeated hospitalisations and stroke.
Recently, our team led by Dr Robert Opoka, described that Hydroxyurea, a medicine commonly used in western countries, can also be used safely in Uganda without increasing the risk of infections. The Ministry of Health now recommends Hydroxyurea as part of standard of care. To further improve outcomes and prevent stroke, over the next five years, we will examine if we can provide even better malaria prophylaxis and whether the addition of micronutrients will help. These studies will take place in Mulago, Jinja and Soroti hospitals.
Fourth, in Kitgum Hospital, I have several young people conducting a study to better understand nodding syndrome and testing a treatment. Results will be available in 2020. We are also working with colleagues at Aga Khan (Nairobi) and Muhimbili hospitals on research and training to better treat epilepsy in East African children.
The responses I received with the Greenwood award has made me to reflect. Government needs to invest in research. It is said Africa will continue to lag behind unless we invest in research to drive our development. In 2006, African leaders pledged to commit at least 1 per cent of their GDP to research. To date, only three countries have met this target. Can Uganda do this?
We need to mentor and inspire the younger generation to excel. One Nigerian PhD student ululated so hard while praising God. She said the award was not only for me, but for all scientists in Africa. We need to build our institutions to achieve excellence. Can we fund research in the universities and research institutions better?
Dr Richard Idro,
[email protected]
