Dr. John Nkengasong, the Director for CDC Africa today visited the Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI) and commended the Institute’s contribution to health research across the region and noted CDC Africa’s support to strengthen collaborations that will enhance regional and continental research outputs.

During a tour of the laboratories at the Uganda Virus Research Institute and its partners including the Medical Research Council/ Uganda Virus Research Institute and London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medical (MRC/UVRI and LSHTM) Uganda Research Unit and the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative (UVRI IAVI), Dr. Nkengasong noted the need to formalise the relations between the various scientific partner institutions in the region in order to benefit from the available expertise and infrastructure.

“CDC Africa through the African Union, is committed to supporting efforts in knowledge management, capacity building as well as preparedness and response to outbreaks in the region and across Africa”, Dr. Nkengasong said. He emphasized the importance of establishing networks and trust among stakeholders before crises break out. The Africa CDC is a specialised technical institution of the African Union that serves as a platform for Member States to Share Knowledge, exchange lessons learnt, build capacity.

Prof. Kaleebu, the Director UVRI and also Director of the MRC/UVRI and LSHTM welcomed the proposed CDC Africa support. He noted that the UVRI and its partners are open to strengthening current as well as forming new collaborations in the region and across the continent.