Abstract:
This application addresses how UVRI will assist MOH to achieve the UNAIDS95*95*95 goals by 2025, work towards epidemic control and HIV/AIDS elimination by 2030. Furthermore, it articulates how MOH will implement the One Health approach to detect, diagnose, and respond to viral outbreaks at source thus enhancing global health security. Specifically, we shall implement the strategies and activities as provided in the NOFO.
We shall build on the success over the past 15 years in which over 40,000 testers in over 2,300 laboratories have participated in the various external quality assessment (EQA) schemes including HIV-rapid testing, HIV Recency, CD4 enumeration, blood bank; training testers and auditing testing sites for certification, holding quarterly regional EQA performance review meetings, providing targeted support supervision in collaboration with the District Health Teams and recently the Regional Referral Hospitals as well as comprehensive implementing partners. We shall continue to provide HIVDR routine testing services as well as surveillance for emerging resistance to routinely used ARV drugs. Data generated from this programme will guide decision making for the most appropriate ART regimens for use in the national ART programme. We have successfully worked with ACP and NHLDS, public and private sector, academia, non-government organizations including community-based and faith-based organizations.
In collaboration with MOH, Ministry of Agriculture Animal Industry and Fisheries, Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, Ministry of Water and Environment, Makerere College of Veterinary Medicine and Biosecurity, and leveraging on the HR capacity as well as the highly specialized laboratories built over the years which were successfully utilized in managing the recent epidemics of COVID-19, Ebola and other viral haemorrhagic fevers, we shall continue supporting outbreak preparedness and response.
With strong leadership, governance and robust financial management that ensure appropriate financial stewardship and the IT capability that adequately supports all the institute departments, UVRI is ready to implement this NOFO.
