Viral Pathogens

Infections caused by viruses remain a major public health challenge especially HIV with no vaccine or a cure and emerging and re-emerging infections like SARS-CoV-2 and Ebola. Our close affiliation to Uganda Virus Research Institute which is one of the few institutes in Africa dedicated to virus research, and the strong links to the Uganda Ministry of Health (MOH) enable the Unit to have impact in addressing these infections. The Viral Pathogen Theme has three focus areas: viral pathogen epidemiology and interventions (VPEI); viral pathogen discovery, diversity and impact on epidemic and disease outcome (VPDD); and oncogenic virus immunovirology (OVI). Our aims and key objectives for each of the above focus areas will include: 1) VPEI: We will undertake research on the epidemiology & prevention of HIV, oncogenic and emerging/re-emerging viral infections, associated co-infections, and studies to improve long-term health conditions. 2) VPDD: We will contribute to the discovery of emerging viruses of public health importance and understand how viral diversity affects epidemics and disease outcome 3) OVI: We will also study oncogenic viruses and their host interactions in order to contribute to cancer prevention and control In the areas of VPEI and OVI, our work will include rigorous social science research to understand the social determinants of disease, to design appropriate interventions, and to study factors that influence uptake of interventions.