We aim to establish controlled human infection studies for Schistosoma mansoni in Uganda, to accelerate schistosomiasis vaccine development for endemic settings

@MRC_Uganda
Joined February 2021
Controlled Human Schistosoma mansoni Study retweeted
What if what we know about some diseases does not fully reflect African populations?This September, @MRC_Uganda and @MakSPH are bringing scientists together at #ScienceCafe2026 to explore that question. From diabetes and immunity to child health and the next epidemic, we are exploring what African evidence is teaching us and what needs rethinking. 📅 25 Sept | 9AM–1PM 📍 MakSPH Auditorium + Online Book your physical or online spot: us06web.zoom.us/meeting/regi…
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Great knowledge exchange with @IDIMakerere on CHIM studies! This supports @SChiug work to establish a safe, ethical CHI-S model in Uganda to accelerate schistosomiasis vaccine development. Strengthening local capacity is key! About CHI-S @MRC_Uganda lshtm.ac.uk/research/centres…
Over the course of the week, we had an institutional visit from @IDIMakerere for an exchange of knowledge and experience on the conduct & oversight of Controlled Human Infection Model (CHIM) studies in Uganda. Drawing on the Unit’s experience in CHIM research @SChiug , discussions explored the operational, ethical and regulatory considerations, infrastructure, best practices, facilitators and challenges that shape the successful conduct of these studies. For us, knowledge exchange is an opportunity to learn from experience, strengthen institutional capacity and contribute to the responsible advancement of CHIM research in Uganda.
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Recently, @SChiug led by Dr @Egesa_Moses facilitated the "Emerging & Complex Study Designs" training @MbararaUST under @IDIMakerere SCALE-IT project. He delivered CHI-focused lectures to REC reps from Southwestern Uganda, advancing ethical review capacity for innovative trials.
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A warm welcome to Mr. Zacharia Kafuko @DeZacliff Director @1DaySooner Zambia! His visit to our @SChiug study team included a tour of our snail lab & clinical facilities sparking exciting possibilities for regional collaboration in ethical vaccine research. #Collaboration
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At #ANREC2025, in the session on Ethics of Novel Designs, our own Dr @Egesa_Moses gave an update on establishing a single-sex S.mansoni CHI model for Uganda sharing progress, lessons & insights on ethics, regulation & community work to support vaccine research in endemic areas.
We are excited to participate in the 12th Annual National Research Ethics Conference #ANREC2025 held @HotelAfricana . This two-day gathering brings together REC (Research Ethics Committee) and IACUC (Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee), investigators, regulators, policymakers, students, opinion leaders, and CAB (Community Advisory Board) members to explore the theme: “Communities as Partners: Strengthening Community Engagement in Research.” Given our extensive work with diverse communities, we’re here to share experiences, reflect on lessons learned, and showcase best practices in ethical, inclusive, and community-driven research. We look forward to meaningful dialogue, new collaborations, and advancing a shared vision for research that respects, empowers, and partners with communities. #ANREC2025
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Controlled Human Schistosoma mansoni Study retweeted
Check out some of the contributions made at the Hydra Helminth Conference and the keynote lecture given by Prof Alison Elliott. Details: The wonder of worms and plants: WORMVACS2.0 at the Hydra Helminth Conference WORMVACS2.0 wormvacs.org/news/blog/hydra… #Wormvacs
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As we near participant infection date in September, our team conducted a full-day dry run at the @MRC_Uganda Clinical Research Facility to rehearse infection day procedures and ensure readiness. The day covered all activities from shedding to final observation after exposure.
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Controlled Human Schistosoma mansoni Study retweeted
Earlier this month, Prof Alison Elliott, Head of Vaccine Research at @MRC_Uganda, was formally presented with an honorary OBE by Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal Princess Anne. This follows the January 2025 announcement recognising her exceptional and sustained contributions to building medical research capacity in Uganda and Zambia. The award honours her role in strengthening research collaboration with UK institutions and mentoring the next generation of African health researchers. Congratulations, Prof Alison Elliott! Read more: lshtm.ac.uk/newsevents/news
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Controlled Human Schistosoma mansoni Study retweeted
Six months down the line, @Egesa_Moses has been working with @rjogwang in the lab @KEMRI_Wellcome to transfer antibody function assays to @MRC_Uganda with funding from @merckgroup #South2SouthCollaboration #ChallengeStudies #VaccineResearch
We look forward to working and hosting @Egesa_Moses @KEMRI_Wellcome working alongside @rjogwang #South2SouthCollaboration I'm excited to see this happen.
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Controlled Human Schistosoma mansoni Study retweeted
We were pleased to host Dr. @HuyseTine, senior researcher at the Royal Museum for Central Africa & key @schisto_center collaborator. She shared insights on schistosome hybridization & toured our advanced snail labs. Her expertise in molecular epidemiology of NTDs is invaluable!
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A few hours until #WorldImmunisationWeek2025! Join @MRC_Uganda @UVRI live webinar today from 2:30–4:30 PM. Register your attendance and participation using the new link below: lshtm.zoom.us/meeting/regist… @The_VAnguard22 @schisto_center @UKRI_News @LSHTM
Due to some unexpected technical hiccups, we’ve had to update the registration link for today’s World Immunization Webinar (April 30, 2025 | 2:30–4:30 PM EAT). Please take a moment to re-register using the new link: lshtm.zoom.us/meeting/regist… We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience and appreciate your patience!# Don’t miss out on an exciting lineup of expert talks — see the full programme below and join us for this important conversation on immunization. #ImmunizationForAll #immunizationweek
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Controlled Human Schistosoma mansoni Study retweeted
Join us as we commemorate the #WorldImmunizationWeek2025 under the theme "Immunization for All is Humanly Possible." We will be hosting an informative webinar on 30th April 2025 at 2:30–4:30 pm EAT featuring speakers from @MinofHealthUG, @WHOUganda, @MRC_Uganda, and @UVRIug. This webinar will spotlight ongoing efforts to expand vaccine access, enhance local acceptance, ensure safety, and share insights from dose-finding studies conducted at the Unit. You don't want to miss out! #ImmunuzationForAll
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Controlled Human Schistosoma mansoni Study retweeted
USMRC is enhancing schistosomiasis diagnosis in Uganda with faster, more accurate tools, surpassing the traditional Kato-Katz method. Discover how these innovations improve detection and treatment:👇 muii.org.ug/usmrc/u-smrcs-ad… @UVRIug @MRC_Uganda @SChiug #schistosomiasis #NTDs
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Controlled Human Schistosoma mansoni Study retweeted
“Science locked in journals is like a secret no one gets to learn from.” @trust_debbie, a Communications Assistant on the @SChiug Study, shares her reflections from the Science Communication Beyond Journal Publications workshop by @EACCR2 & @KEMRI_Kenya . From strategic messaging to creative storytelling, see how researchers and communicators are learning to make science not just heard — but felt. Read her blog: lshtm.ac.uk/research/units/m…
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#womeninscience Every Research study follows ethical and regulatory guidelines designed to protect participants. We celebrate Mirriam Akello , our dedicated Internal-Monitor, for her impact on science and research! #WomensHistoryMonth #WomensDay2025
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This Women’s History Month, we celebrate amazing contributions of women in our @SChiug study-pioneering breakthroughs, innovations, and advancing scientific progress that protect global health in their different capacities #WomensDay2025 #WomenInScience @MRC_Uganda @wellcometrust
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You sure don't want to miss out! We shall be represented by our Principal Investigator, Prof @AlisonEUganda - Head Vaccine Research Theme @MRC_Uganda and Project Lead, Dr @Egesa_Moses presenting "Progress of the CHI-Model in Uganda," on March 12, 2025! #MRCUVRIConference2025
The next big thing in health research is here! The first-ever joint @MRC_Uganda and @UVRIug Research Dissemination Conference 2025 is set to take place at Speke Resort Munyonyo March 11–13, 2025! Themed "Building on our Past Discoveries, Paving the Way for a Healthier Future," the conference will bring together global health experts, showcase transformative research, and cutting edge innovations that are shaping the future of global health. You don’t want to miss this! Join us from anywhere in the world—register here for online attendance: lshtm.zoom.us/meeting/regist… #MRCUVRIConference2025 #GlobalHealthResearch
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Congratulations to Dr @Egesa_Moses on winning the @merckgroup Schistosomiasis Research Grant 2024! We are Collaborating with @KEMRI_Kenya to develop cutting-edge antibody assays for a schistosomiasis vaccine. One giant leap closer to defeating Bilharzia!
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Controlled Human Schistosoma mansoni Study retweeted
Heartfelt congratulations to Professor @AlisonEUganda, Head of the Unit's Vaccine research theme, on being awarded an OBE (Officer of the Order of the British Empire) for her outstanding contributions to medicine and global health! Well deserved Prof!
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