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{{short description|Research institute in Uganda}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2023}}


The '''Uganda Virus Research Institute''' ('''UVRI''') is a leading research institution in [[Uganda]] focused on the study of viral infections and other communicable diseases. It is located in [[Entebbe]], on the shores of [[Lake Victoria]].


The '''Uganda Virus Research Institute''' ('''UVRI''') is a leading research institution in [[Uganda]] that focuses on the study of viral infections and other infectious diseases. It is located in [[Entebbe]], a town on the shores of [[Lake Victoria]].
==History==
The UVRI was established in 1936 by the [[British Colonial Government]] as the Yellow Fever Research Institute. Its primary aim was to investigate the [[yellow fever]] outbreaks in the region. Over the years, the institute expanded its research scope to include other viral infections such as [[HIV/AIDS]], [[Ebola virus disease|Ebola]], [[Marburg virus disease|Marburg]], and [[Zika virus]].


=== History ===
==Research and Achievements==
The UVRI was established in 1936 as the [[Yellow Fever Research Institute]] by the [[British Colonial Government]] to investigate the [[yellow fever]] outbreaks in the region. Over the years, the institute expanded its research scope to include other viral infections and was renamed the Uganda Virus Research Institute in 1977.
The UVRI conducts extensive research in virology, immunology, and epidemiology. It collaborates with international organizations such as the [[World Health Organization]] (WHO) and the [[Centers for Disease Control and Prevention]] (CDC). The institute has made significant contributions to the understanding of viral diseases and the development of vaccines and diagnostic tools.


=== Research and Activities ===
===HIV/AIDS Research===
The UVRI conducts extensive research on various viral diseases, including [[HIV/AIDS]], [[Ebola virus disease]], [[Marburg virus disease]], [[influenza]], and [[arboviruses]] such as [[dengue fever]] and [[chikungunya]]. The institute collaborates with several international organizations, including the [[World Health Organization]] (WHO) and the [[Centers for Disease Control and Prevention]] (CDC).
The UVRI has been at the forefront of HIV/AIDS research in Africa. It has conducted numerous studies on the transmission, prevention, and treatment of the virus. The institute's work has been instrumental in shaping public health policies and strategies to combat the epidemic.


The institute is also involved in [[public health]] initiatives, providing diagnostic services, conducting surveillance, and offering training programs for health professionals. The UVRI plays a crucial role in the monitoring and control of infectious diseases in Uganda and the surrounding regions.
===Ebola and Marburg Research===
The institute has played a crucial role in the study of [[Ebola]] and [[Marburg]] viruses, both of which have caused outbreaks in Uganda. The UVRI has been involved in outbreak response, vaccine trials, and the development of diagnostic tests.


=== Departments and Facilities ===
==Facilities==
The UVRI is organized into several departments, each focusing on different aspects of viral research and public health:
The UVRI is equipped with state-of-the-art laboratories and research facilities. It houses several specialized units, including the [[Arbovirology]] and [[Emerging Infections]] Unit, the [[HIV]] Reference Laboratory, and the [[Immunology]] Laboratory.


* **Department of Arbovirology, Emerging and Re-emerging Infections**: Focuses on the study of arboviruses and other emerging infectious diseases.
==Collaborations==
* **Department of HIV Research**: Conducts research on HIV/AIDS, including epidemiology, prevention, and treatment.
The UVRI collaborates with various national and international partners. It is a member of the [[African Network for Drugs and Diagnostics Innovation]] (ANDI) and works closely with the [[Uganda Ministry of Health]].
* **Department of Immunology**: Studies the immune response to viral infections and develops vaccines.
* **Department of Entomology**: Investigates the role of insects in the transmission of viral diseases.
* **Department of Epidemiology and Surveillance**: Monitors the spread of infectious diseases and conducts outbreak investigations.


The institute is equipped with state-of-the-art laboratories and facilities, including a [[biosafety level 3]] (BSL-3) laboratory for handling highly infectious pathogens.
==Related pages==
 
=== Collaborations and Partnerships ===
The UVRI collaborates with various national and international organizations to enhance its research capabilities and public health impact. Some of its key partners include:
 
* [[World Health Organization]] (WHO)
* [[Centers for Disease Control and Prevention]] (CDC)
* [[National Institutes of Health]] (NIH)
* [[London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine]]
* [[Makerere University]]
 
These collaborations facilitate the exchange of knowledge, resources, and expertise, contributing to the global effort to combat infectious diseases.
 
=== Achievements ===
The UVRI has made significant contributions to the understanding and control of viral diseases. Some of its notable achievements include:
 
* Identification of new viral pathogens, including the [[Zika virus]].
* Development of diagnostic tests for various viral infections.
* Conducting groundbreaking research on HIV/AIDS, leading to improved prevention and treatment strategies.
* Playing a key role in the response to Ebola and Marburg virus outbreaks in Uganda and neighboring countries.
 
=== Future Directions ===
The UVRI continues to expand its research portfolio and enhance its capacity to address emerging infectious diseases. Future directions for the institute include:
 
* Strengthening its research on [[antimicrobial resistance]].
* Expanding its surveillance network to detect and respond to new viral threats.
* Enhancing its training programs to build local and regional capacity in viral research and public health.
 
== See Also ==
* [[Entebbe]]
* [[Entebbe]]
* [[Yellow fever]]
* [[Yellow fever]]
* [[Ebola virus disease]]
* [[HIV/AIDS]]
* [[HIV/AIDS]]
* [[Ebola virus disease]]
* [[Centers for Disease Control and Prevention]]
* [[World Health Organization]]


== References ==
==References==
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}


== External Links ==
==External links==
{{Commons category|Uganda Virus Research Institute}}
* [https://www.uvri.go.ug/ Official website of the Uganda Virus Research Institute]


[[Category:Research institutes in Uganda]]
[[Category:Research institutes in Uganda]]
[[Category:Medical research institutes]]
[[Category:Virology]]
[[Category:Virology]]
[[Category:Infectious diseases]]
[[Category:1936 establishments in Uganda]]
[[Category:1936 establishments in Uganda]]


{{medicine-stub}}
[[File:Video_of_the_Uganda_Virus_Research_Institute_on_2_March_2018.webm|thumb|Video of the Uganda Virus Research Institute]]

Latest revision as of 16:14, 9 February 2025

Research institute in Uganda



The Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI) is a leading research institution in Uganda focused on the study of viral infections and other communicable diseases. It is located in Entebbe, on the shores of Lake Victoria.

History[edit]

The UVRI was established in 1936 by the British Colonial Government as the Yellow Fever Research Institute. Its primary aim was to investigate the yellow fever outbreaks in the region. Over the years, the institute expanded its research scope to include other viral infections such as HIV/AIDS, Ebola, Marburg, and Zika virus.

Research and Achievements[edit]

The UVRI conducts extensive research in virology, immunology, and epidemiology. It collaborates with international organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The institute has made significant contributions to the understanding of viral diseases and the development of vaccines and diagnostic tools.

HIV/AIDS Research[edit]

The UVRI has been at the forefront of HIV/AIDS research in Africa. It has conducted numerous studies on the transmission, prevention, and treatment of the virus. The institute's work has been instrumental in shaping public health policies and strategies to combat the epidemic.

Ebola and Marburg Research[edit]

The institute has played a crucial role in the study of Ebola and Marburg viruses, both of which have caused outbreaks in Uganda. The UVRI has been involved in outbreak response, vaccine trials, and the development of diagnostic tests.

Facilities[edit]

The UVRI is equipped with state-of-the-art laboratories and research facilities. It houses several specialized units, including the Arbovirology and Emerging Infections Unit, the HIV Reference Laboratory, and the Immunology Laboratory.

Collaborations[edit]

The UVRI collaborates with various national and international partners. It is a member of the African Network for Drugs and Diagnostics Innovation (ANDI) and works closely with the Uganda Ministry of Health.

Related pages[edit]

References[edit]

<references group="" responsive="1"></references>


External links[edit]

File:Video of the Uganda Virus Research Institute on 2 March 2018.webm

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