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Thu, Nov 7, 2019

Dr Wayengera (CDF1545) meets His Excellency President Museveni, President of Uganda

                                    

President Museveni has congratulated Dr. Misaki Wayengera, a Researcher at Makerere University College of Health Sciences, for his efforts in developing a rapid test kit to diagnose the deadly Ebola and Marburg viruses. Dr Wayengera is an EDCTP Career Development Fellow (TMA2016CDF1545).

“I want to congratulate our scientists because they are really waking up and producing a lot of products. The Government will fund you. It is the issue of prioritization and putting the money in the right place,” he said. The President was on Tuesday speaking during a meeting at State House, Entebbe to recognize Dr. Misaki Wayengera who recently won the World Health Organization (WHO) high innovation challenge in Product Development Category that took place at the WHO Africa Regional Headquarters in Congo (Brazzaville).

Dr Wayengera’s invention also known as Pan-Filovirus Rapid Diagnostic Test, uses a paper-strip test, like the one used in testing for pregnancy. This, however, will be used in detecting Ebola, Marburg and other hemorrhagic fevers. Africa has had several hemorrhagic fever outbreaks especially Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) with the latest and ongoing outbreak currently in the Democratic Republic of Congo that borders Uganda to the West. Rapid diagnosis is important in informing key decisions especially interventions and measures to take in the event of a disease outbreak. If approved by health authorities including the World Health Organization (WHO) and partners, Dr Wayengera’s Pan-Filovirus Rapid Diagnostic Test will go a long way in improving rapid tests and turnaround time for results during disease outbreaks. President Museveni said that the Government of Uganda will support the efforts of the researchers by establishing a manufacturing facility that will enable them to put all the products together. He commended Dr. Wayengera and his team on the achievements realized adding that the research can bring in a host of benefits to society because the products form the core that addresses many human challenges such as hemorrhage fevers and HIV afflictions that immensely affect the world. The President observed that Uganda has, on several occasions, been attacked by epidemics, including Ebola and Marburg, resulting in the deaths of trained preventive workers and wananchi. State Minister for Health, Hon. Sarah Ochieng Opendi, saluted Dr. Wayengera and his team for the innovation saying their efforts will go a long way in easing the diagnosis of viral hemorrhage fevers such as Ebola and Marburg. Dr. Wayengera, on his part, thanked President Museveni for recognizing their efforts and his support.

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Wed, Jun 11, 2025

Save The Date! Communications Workshop At The Edctp 2025 Forum

Dear Colleague,


Are you attending the EDCTP 2025 forum in Kigali (Rwanda)?

Don't miss the Communications workshop on Thursday 19 June (15:30 - 17:30 Rwanda time) in room MH3.

The topic of the workshop will be: "From good to great: Mastering communication skills for impactful science


Best,

The EDCTP team.





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Wed, May 28, 2025

Call For Proposals: Panel Sessions At Science Forum South Africa 2025

Dear Stakeholder

Science Forum South Africa 2025 (SFSA 2025) will take place from 24 to 28 November 2025 at the CSIR International Convention Centre (CSIR ICC) in Pretoria, South Africa. This year marks the tenth edition of SFSA, celebrating a decade of igniting vibrant discussions on the role of science in society. The Forum brings together stakeholders from the scientific community, government, industry, and civil society.

We are pleased to invite proposals from individuals and institutions to convene panel sessions as part of the SFSA 2025 programme. These sessions should align with the Forum's theme and sub-themes, and provide an opportunity to engage diverse perspectives in critical conversations.

FORUM THEME

Igniting Conversations: Placing Science, Technology, and Innovation at the Centre of Government, Education, Society, and Industry

SUB-THEMES

  • Financing for Science, Technology and Innovation (STI)
  • Science and Society Nexus (Agriculture, Health, Climate Change, Just Energy Transition)
  • Building Research Capabilities for Africa (STISA 2024)
  • The Role of Science Diplomacy
  • Emerging Industry – The Role of Disruptive Technologies
  • Science Journalism and Science Communication
  • Entrepreneurship and Innovation

HOW TO SUBMIT

The deadline for proposal submissions is 21 July 2025.

SFSA 2025 is proudly co-hosted by the South African Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) and the Science Diplomacy Capital for Africa (SDCfA) initiative.

We look forward to your participation in shaping the dialogue at SFSA 2025.

Best regards
The SFSA 2025 Organising Committee

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Thu, Apr 3, 2025

Awards To Attend The 2025 Isv Congress In South Africa

📢Exciting news for early career researchers and PhD students planning to attend the ISV congress in South Africa from  28-30 October 2025!


Applications deadline for awards to attend the congress has been extended to 7 April 2025.


The award for LMIC members covers:

ISV congress registration fee

Accommodation for up to 4 nights

Economy class air travel

 

To apply, visit: https://www.isvcongress2025.co.za/

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