Our Kyamulibwa Research Station, located in the rural district of Kalungu in south-central Uganda, is the long-standing home of the General Population Cohort (GPC), one of Africa’s most enduring population health studies. Established in 1989, the site has evolved into a critical field station for longitudinal research in HIV, non-communicable diseases, and population health trends across generations.
- What happens here?
Spanning over 25 villages, the GPC platform enables real-time data collection and community-based studies, offering unparalleled insight into the dynamics of health and disease in rural Uganda. The station includes dedicated clinic facilities, sample processing laboratories, and community engagement spaces, all designed to support high-quality field research.
A Longitudinal Population Cohort: Spanning over two decades, Kyamulibwa provides one of the most comprehensive sets of long-term health data in Uganda, giving unique insights into the effects of infectious diseases and non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in rural populations.
Ideal Setting for Studying Health Transitions: Kyamulibwa offers a dynamic environment to examine the changing epidemiology of infectious diseases (e.g., HIV, malaria) and chronic conditions (e.g., hypertension, diabetes), as well as One Health approaches in rural settings.
Strong Community Trust & Integration: Rooted in longstanding relationships with local communities, the site continues to build trust with residents through regular community engagement.
Supports Interdisciplinary Research: With its community-based model and integration of local health systems, Kyamulibwa serves as a platform for real-life, applied health research.
Ongoing Work
Cardiometabolic Risk & Lifestyle Studies: Focused on the growing burden of NCDs in rural Uganda, these studies investigate the prevalence of risk factors like obesity, hypertension, and diabetes, and aim to improve prevention strategies.
HPV Vaccine Uptake & Cervical Cancer Screening: Building on its role in maternal health, Kyamulibwa is a key site for trials investigating HPV vaccination and its role in reducing cervical cancer in rural communities.
Long-term HIV Survivorship Research: With a legacy of HIV research, Kyamulibwa continues to study long-term outcomes for individuals living with HIV, particularly the challenges faced by older populations and those with co-infections.
- Facilities and Resources
Adult Study Clinic & Biobank: The Kyamulibwa facility includes a well-equipped adult study clinic for conducting clinical trials, along with a mini biobank for short-term storage of research specimens, before they are transported to Entebbe for processing.
Household Survey & Demographic Surveillance Teams: These teams provide essential population-level data that feed into the site’s longitudinal studies and contribute to broader health surveillance efforts.
Community-based Research Hubs: These hubs provide a cost effective and sustainable approach to research that utilises existing community infrastructure to bring research studies within the proximity of affected communities.
Engagement with Research Communities: The site works closely with representatives of faith based groups, local government, health, cultural, youth, education to ensure that research is inclusive of all community groups affected.