An assessment of Makerere University College of Health Sciences: optimizing health research capacity to meet Uganda’s priorities
2011

Optimizing Health Research Capacity at Makerere University

Sample size: 58 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Nankinga Ziadah, Kutyabami Paul, Kibuule Dan, Kalyango Joan, Groves Sara, Bollinger Robert C, Obua Celestino

Primary Institution: Makerere University College of Health Sciences

Hypothesis

How can Makerere University College of Health Sciences optimize its health research capacity to meet Uganda’s health priorities?

Conclusion

The research grants and publications at MakCHS are generally well-aligned with the Ugandan Health Ministry priorities, but improvements in grants management and faculty leadership are needed.

Supporting Evidence

  • A total of 58 active grants were identified, with an average of about eight new grants per year.
  • 837 publications were identified, with 66% addressing the country’s priority health areas.
  • MakCHS faculty were identified as Principal Investigators in only 38% of active grants.

Takeaway

This study looked at how well Makerere University is doing in health research and found that they are doing a good job, but they need to improve how they manage their research projects.

Methodology

A survey of all new and ongoing grants and publications from January 2005 to December 2009 was conducted.

Potential Biases

The focus of research may be influenced by external funding priorities rather than local health needs.

Limitations

Key information on many grants, including principal investigators and budget details, was often unavailable.

Participant Demographics

Faculty and students from Makerere University College of Health Sciences.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1472-698X-11-S1-S12

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