Uganda Virus Research Institute Designated EAC Centre of Excellence in Virology

The East African Community (EAC) has solidified regional health security by officially designating the Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI) in Entebbe as its Regional Centre of Excellence in Virology. This move is poised to bolster the region’s capacity to manage and combat infectious disease outbreaks.

The newly established Centre will function as a pivotal hub for advanced virology research, specialized laboratory training, and comprehensive disease surveillance. It will also facilitate knowledge sharing among EAC Partner States, enhancing their collective ability to prevent, detect, and respond to public health threats, including notorious viruses like Ebola and Marburg, as well as other emerging viral diseases.

The ceremonial launch was led by Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, who represented President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. She underscored the launch as a crucial stride towards regional health security and fostering scientific self-reliance, pledging increased government funding for research.

Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga, Chairperson of the EAC Council of Ministers, highlighted the Centre’s timely arrival, noting the persistent challenges posed by infectious diseases across the region. She referenced the COVID-19 pandemic as a stark reminder that disease outbreaks disregard national borders, emphasizing the critical need for robust regional cooperation.

According to EAC Deputy Secretary General Ariik Aguer Malueth, these Regional Centres of Excellence are designed to offer advanced expertise and support in vital areas. UVRI is one of seven such centres established under the EAC Health Investment Priority Framework for 2018–2028. Malueth praised Uganda’s leadership in virology, acknowledging UVRI’s established international reputation and its long-standing contributions to virus research and outbreak response.

This development coincides with UVRI’s 90th-anniversary celebrations. Director Prof. Pontiano Kaleebu reaffirmed the institute’s commitment to supporting advanced research, specialized training, and disease surveillance. The Centre builds upon existing EAC initiatives, such as the Regional Network of Reference Laboratories, which has already significantly reduced laboratory test turnaround times.

The initiative also promotes the EAC’s One Health approach, fostering collaboration between human, animal, and environmental health sectors. Support for the Centre’s operationalization has come from the German government through KfW, with technical assistance from the Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine. Germany is also providing container-based laboratories to further enhance diagnostic capabilities and antimicrobial resistance surveillance.

Source: Nile Post