Training in Malaria Epidemiology, Translational Research, and Implementation Science to Strengthen Malaria Policy and Control in Uganda

项目摘要 这是一个更新应用程序，用于支持疟疾流行病学、转化研究和 执行科学以加强乌干达疟疾政策和控制。我们的计划得到了高度评价 然而，要想取得成功，对疟疾研究培训的需求仍然很大。疟疾的高负担 乌干达仍然存在，自2015年以来，控制进展停滞不前， 过去几年。此外，还出现了新的挑战，包括杀虫剂抗药性的蔓延， 青蒿素耐药性的出现和COVID-19大流行。与疟疾的严重程度相比， 尽管乌干达的疟疾负担很重，但疟疾研究人员的数量仍然有限。这些意见突出表明， 继续研究，为最佳疟疾干预措施提供信息，因此有必要培训 乌干达人领导这项研究。我们建议继续我们的训练计划，但要做一些调整 根据全面的需求评估和确定的新挑战，我们的长期目标是 加强马凯雷雷大学开展独立和可持续疟疾研究的能力， 应对乌干达疟疾控制的挑战。本申请的目的是：1）扩大 目前的计划，包括翻译研究，基因组学和生物信息学，以解决复杂的 2）加强Makerere U在疟疾研究方面的机构能力， 为初级教师和研究生提供硕士和博士指导的研究培训; 3） 大幅度增加乌干达独立疟疾研究所需科学领导和专门知识 通过博士后培训;以及4）通过以下方式在Makerere U创造疟疾研究的持续增长 加强疟疾中心。我们已经组建了一个强大的团队，来自乌干达的项目教师， 美国和欧洲已经在乌干达的几个研究项目上进行了合作， 在研究和高级培训方面，确保对受训人员进行高质量的监督和指导。程度 非学位培训将在乌干达和合作机构进行。未来五年，我们将培养 候选人如下：1）5个2年博士后课程; 2）5个4年博士课程; 3）8个2- 4）四个在1-2年的实施科学奖学金。学员将 必须参加教学课程，进行指导研究项目，并获得专业知识， 通过参与疟疾中心的活动发展技能。预期结果是：1） 在疟疾研究方面培训足够数量的乌干达科学家; 2）疟疾增加 Makerere U的研究产出，包括科学出版物和新的研究赠款;以及3）增加 传播生成的证据，为方案和政策的设计和实施提供信息， 在乌干达控制疟疾。改进疟疾研究方面的专门知识对于协助卫生部的工作至关重要。 在乌干达，卫生部在制定有效政策以更好地控制和最终消除疟疾方面发挥了重要作用。

Project summary This is a renewal application to support training in malaria epidemiology, translational research, and implementation science to strengthen malaria policy and control in Uganda. Our program has been highly successful, however, the need for training in malaria research remains great. The high burden of malaria in Uganda persists, and progress in control has stalled since 2015, with increases in incidence observed the last few years. Moreover, new challenges have arisen, including the spread of insecticide resistance, the emergence of artemisinin resistance and the COVID-19 pandemic. In contrast to the magnitude of the malaria burden in Uganda, the number of malaria researchers remains limited. These observations highlight the need for continued research that informs optimal malaria interventions, and thus a necessity for the training of Ugandans to lead this research. We propose to continue our training program, with some adjustments informed by a comprehensive needs assessment and the new challenges identified. Our long-term goal is to strengthen capacity to conduct independent and sustainable malaria research at Makerere University to address challenges of malaria control in Uganda. The objectives of this application are: 1) to expand the current program to include translational research, genomics and bioinformatics to address the complex challenges of malaria control; 2) to strengthen institutional capacity of Makerere U in malaria research by providing Master’s and PhD mentored research training for junior faculty and graduate students; 3) to substantially increase scientific leadership and expertise needed for independent malaria research in Uganda through postdoctoral training; and 4) to create sustained growth of malaria research at Makerere U by strengthening the Malaria Center. We have assembled a strong team of program faculty from Uganda, the US and Europe already collaborating on several research projects in Uganda, and with extensive experience in research and higher-level training, to ensure high-quality supervision and mentoring of trainees. Degree and non-degree training will occur in Uganda and collaborating institutions. In the next five years, we will train candidates as follows: 1) five in 2-year post-doctoral programs; 2) five in 4-year PhD programs; 3) eight in 2- year master’s degree programs; and 4) four in a 1–2-year Implementation Science fellowship. Trainees will be required to take didactic courses, conduct mentored research projects, and acquire professional development skills through participation in Malaria Center activities. The intended outcomes are: 1) establishment of a critical mass of Ugandan scientists trained in malaria research; 2) increased malaria research outputs at Makerere U including scientific publications and new research grants; and 3) increased dissemination of generated evidence to inform the design and implementation of programs and policies to control malaria in Uganda. Improved expertise in malaria research will be critical to assist the Ministry of Health in establishing effective policies for better control and eventual elimination of malaria in Uganda.