Jinja

Researchers are evaluating a family-centred approach to prevent cardiovascular diseases CVD among adolescents and their families in Uganda. This 5-year study focuses on reducing risk factors like unhealthy diet and physical inactivity that contribute to CVD and other non-communicable diseases NCDs. The study adapts a proven intervention from Asia to the Ugandan context, aiming to support healthier lifestyle behaviors during the critical adolescence period when habits form that affect adult health. The study includes two groups one receiving the FaCe-D intervention, which involves home visits by Village Health Teams delivering diet, physical activity, and health messaging and a control group receiving standard care with usual health promotion activities. The study is divided into three phases adapting the intervention, implementing it, and evaluating its effectiveness and feasibility in 32 villages. Participants will be involved for at least 12 months, during which researchers will assess changes in cardiovascular health and sleep quality. Evaluations include monitoring behavior changes, health outcomes, and implementation costs. The study also considers adoption and feasibility to understand how well the intervention works in real community settings.

Researchers are evaluating the effects of etavopivat in adolescents and adults with sickle cell disease. This study aims to confirm whether etavopivat reduces the number of painful vaso-occlusive crises caused by blood vessel blockages. It also examines if the medicine helps reduce organ damage, improve exercise tolerance, and decrease fatigue. The study is a phase 3, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial lasting about two years. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either oral etavopivat or a placebo. The treatment is given by mouth, and neither the participants nor the researchers know which treatment is given during the study to ensure impartial results. The primary treatment period is 52 weeks, during which the number of vaso-occlusive crises with medical contact will be measured. Secondary assessments include changes in hemoglobin levels, fatigue scores, walking distance, and other blood markers related to sickle cell disease. During the trial, participants will undergo regular evaluations including blood tests, walking tests, and fatigue assessments from baseline to week 52. Researchers will monitor the safety and effectiveness of etavopivat throughout the study. The total participation time is about two years, with ongoing follow-ups to observe the treatment effects and any side effects. All procedures aim to provide detailed information on how etavopivat affects sickle cell disease symptoms and patient well-being.

Researchers are evaluating a novel mobile health information management and communication system called SCD SIMCS for newborn screening of sickle cell disease SCD in Uganda. This cluster randomized trial compares the new system to the routine newborn screening strategy at health care centers. The goal is to measure the impact on screening access, coordination of care, and clinical outcomes for infants with SCD. Health facilities are randomized rather than individuals to avoid contamination and better assess system-level effects. The intervention involves the SCD SIMCS app, which uses artificial intelligence to capture, interpret, and transmit point-of-care test results for sickle cell disease to healthcare providers and a centralized data center at the Uganda Ministry of Health. The app includes modules for capturing infant demographic data, interpreting test images, providing educational videos for counseling, and maintaining a digital health passport with longitudinal clinical information. The comparison group receives the routine newborn screening strategy currently used in Ugandan health centers. Participants include infants born or attending child health and maternity services at selected hospitals, with providers at these centers also involved. Baseline assessments of resources and workflows are conducted before implementing the app. Researchers will monitor outcomes including the number and timeliness of referrals for infants with SCD over 12 months, and adjusted mortality rates over 18 months. The study includes follow-up to evaluate these outcomes and the overall effectiveness of the SCD SIMCS system in improving care coordination and clinical results.