The Makerere University Infectious Diseases Institute will soon celebrate 20 years of existence and the management says their focus in the coming decades is to invest more in research and training in fulfilment of the IDI mandate.

In an interview with C.O.U Family TV, Tom Kakaire, the Head of Strategy and Development at the IDI, noted that the institute has had partnerships with various organizations but funding has been a major challenge.

The Infectious Diseases Institute of Makerere University focuses on strengthening health systems in Africa, with a strong emphasis on infectious diseases, through research and capacity development.

The Institute which was founded in 2003 has launched preparations to celebrate 20 years of existence under the theme “Celebrate 20 years, Inspire 20 years.”

The Preparations include blood donation drives in different centres, including Mulago National Referral Hospital where IDI is based, its parent institution Makerere University and Kansanga Health Centre Four.

Sam Davis Wante, the blood collection team leader at the Uganda Blood Transfusion Services (UBFS), noted that many people have died yet they could have been saved if there was ready blood to treat them. Wanted therefore encouraged the public to donate more blood to save lives.

Dr Timothy Muwonge, the head of Programmes at the Department of HIV Prevention and Research at the Infectious Diseases Institute, said that the institute will also participate in activities to combat the negative effects of climate change, as part of the celebrations to mark 20 years of the IDI.

Tom Kakaire, the Head of Strategy and Development at IDI, highlighted that the export of Ugandan scientific models and the training of more scientists will be key activities for the IDI in the next 20 years.

PTC; “Blood Donation is one of the activities that the Infectious Disease Institute has put in place to prepare for celebrations of the 20 years slated for July this year.

Gloria Irankunda