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http://hdl.handle.net/123456789/1242
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| Title: | A grander challenge: the case of how Makerere University College of Health Sciences (MakCHS) contributes to health outcomes in Africa |
| Authors: | Pariyo, George
Serwadda, David
Sewankambo, Nelson K
Groves, Sara
Bollinger, Robert C
Peters, David H |
| Keywords: | Health research
Health professionals - Study and teaching
College of Health Sciences - Makerere University
Health services
HIV/AIDS
Uganda |
| Issue Date: | 2011 |
| Abstract: | Background: “Grand challenges” in global health have focused on discovery and development of technologies to
save lives. The “grander challenge” involves building institutions, systems, capacity and demand to effectively
deliver strategies to improve health. In 2008, Makerere University began a radical institutional change to bring
together four schools under one College of Health Sciences. This paper’s objective is to demonstrate how its
leadership in training, research, and services can improve health in Uganda and internationally, which lies at the
core of the College’s vision.
Methods: A comprehensive needs assessment involved five task forces that identified MakCHS’s contribution to
the Ugandan government health priorities. Data were collected through analysis of key documents; systematic
review of MakCHS publications and grants; surveys of patients, students and faculty; and key informant interviews
of the College’s major stakeholders. Four pilot projects were conducted to demonstrate how the College can
translate research into policy and practice, extend integrated outreach community-based education and service,
and work with communities and key stakeholders to address their priority health problems.
Results: MakCHS inputs to the health sector include more than 600 health professionals graduating per year through
23 degree programs, many of whom assume leadership positions. MakCHS contributions to processes include
strengthened approaches to engaging communities, standardized clinical care procedures, and evidence-informed
policy development. Outputs include the largest number of outpatients and inpatient admissions in Uganda. From
2005-2009, MakCHS also produced 837 peer-reviewed research publications (67% in priority areas). Outcomes include
an expanded knowledge pool, and contributions to coverage of health services and healthy behaviors. Impacts include
discovery and applications of global significance, such as the use of nevirapine to prevent HIV transmission in childbirth
and male circumcision for HIV prevention. Pilot projects have applied innovative demand and supply incentives to
create a rapid increase in safe deliveries (3-fold increase after 3 months), and increased quality and use of HIV services
with positive collateral improvements on non-HIV health services at community clinics.
Conclusion: MakCHS has made substantial contributions to improving health in Uganda, and shows great
potential to enhance this in its new transformational role – a model for other Universities. |
| Description: | Pariyo, G., Serwadda, D., Sewankambo, N.K., Groves, S., Bollinger, R.C., Peters, D.H. (2011). A grander challenge: the case of how Makerere University College of Health Sciences (MakCHS) contributes to health outcomes in Africa. BMC International Health and Human Rights, 11(Suppl 1):S2 |
| URI: | http://hdl.handle.net/123456789/1242 |
| Appears in Collections: | Research Articles (Health-Sciences)
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Files in This Item:
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Description |
Size | Format |
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| pariyo-g-chs-res.pdf | | 356Kb | Adobe PDF | View/Open |
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