Ugandan Colleagues Visit IGHS

Top row: Eva Muhanguzi, Andrew Ameny, and Edward Bichetero. Bottom row: Rikita Merai, Krysia Lindan, Lydia Itaagi, Evelyn Akello, and Laura Buback. (Photo courtesy of IGHS)

In July, IGHS hosted members of the Monitoring and Evaluation Technical Support (METS) Program from Uganda. METS is a five-year CDC-supported partnership between Makerere University School of Public Health (MakSPH), UCSF, and the Health Information Systems Program Uganda. This initiative aims to strengthen Uganda’s capacity for HIV and tuberculosis programming through health systems strengthening, monitoring and evaluation, strategic information, disease surveillance, and health informatics systems. Global Programs Uganda staff work with the METS team to support project implementation.

Global Programs Kenya hosts accomplished FELTP resident

Dr. Fred Mutisya

Since 2004, the CDC-funded Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Program (FELTP) has been enhancing epidemiology and surveillance capacity in Kenya. Global Programs Kenya, a designated FELTP field placement site, is currently hosting Dr. Fred Mutisya, a distinguished medical doctor and AI developer. 

Mutisya has spearheaded projects that include an AI-powered platform for antimicrobial resistance prediction which won the 2023 Vivli/Wellcome AMR Surveillance Open Data Re-Use Data Challenge. His experience includes managing a 150-bed hospital, supervising numerous health centers, and contributing to HIV technical support, achievements that earned him the 2020 PEPFAR Heroes award. 

During his two-year placement as a FELTP resident, Mutisya aims to further refine his skills in epidemiology and research. 

Contact: Fred.Mutisya@ucglobalprograms.org

Dr. George Rutherford and Dr. Kinagwi meet Kenya's Minister of Health

Koki Kinagwi, Susan Nakhumicha Wafula, and George Rutherford

Kenya Minister of Health Cabinet Secretary (and former Global Programs Kenya Procurement Manager) Susan Nakhumicha Wafula hosted a meeting with Global Programs Board Chair George Rutherford and Global Programs Kenya Country Director Koki Kinagwi to discuss critical areas of disease surveillance, pandemic preparedness, and data management. They explored opportunities to expand collaboration in key areas, supporting Kenya's strategic shift from curative to promotive and preventive healthcare. 

Existing partnerships with UCSF include initiatives in surveillance and epidemiology for HIV Epidemic Control, improvement of interoperable Health Information Systems for HIV/AIDS and TB control, and collaborative research with KEMRI.