Uganda becomes East Africa's hub for virus detection

KAMPALA - Uganda has strengthened its regional leadership in infectious disease surveillance after the Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI) was officially designated the East African Community (EAC) Regional Centre of Excellence in Virology. The Centre, launched in Entebbe on Wednesday, July 22, will serve as the region's hub for advanced virology research, specialised laboratory training, disease surveillance, diagnostics and knowledge sharing, supporting Partner States in responding to public health threats such as Ebola, Marburg and other emerging and re-emerging viral diseases. The launch was officiated by Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, who represented President Yoweri Museveni during celebrations marking UVRI's 90th anniversary. Nabbanja said the designation places greater responsibility on Uganda and the region to strengthen health security amid evolving disease threats. "The world is changing rapidly alongside evolving health demands and policies. Through this journey, we have seen and learnt that a nation that studies its own pathogens is a self-reliant nation. We commit to increasing funding for research," she said. She noted that the Centre would not only benefit Uganda but also strengthen regional collaboration in responding to disease outbreaks that easily spread across borders. Nabbanja said the designation places greater responsibility on Uganda and the region to strengthen health security amid evolving disease threats. (Credit: Mary Kansiime)