Researchers Discuss Vaccine Dev’t with Communities

The Medical Research Council/ Uganda Virus Research Institute & London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (MRC/ UVRI& LSHTM) as held a scientific community engagement seminar to help empower individuals and communities to prioritize their health through vaccination.

The initiative thought to emphasize the importance of research in vaccine development, safety, and efficacy to enhance public understanding, foster trust, and encourage community engagement in immunization efforts.

Stakeholders, including researchers and community members hailing from market areas, lakeshores, fishing ports, and town councils, discussed the dissemination of vaccine-related knowledge tailored to resonate with lay communities, underscoring the pivotal role of research in fortifying immunization strategies.

Speaking at a side interview, Prof. Pontiano Kaleebu (OBE), the Executive Director of the Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI), and the unit’s head of Viral Pathogens research, explained the multifaceted challenges hindering the development of an HIV vaccine. 

“The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) presents a formidable foe, unlike its counterparts such as the COVID virus. HIV exhibits unparalleled diversity, with variants exhibiting stark disparities, making the development of a universal vaccine a big task.”

He noted that part of the challenges in research is the shortfalls in funding.

He called for increased financial support, coupled with a resolute call to sustain hope in the face of adversity.