Ongoing Research Projects – MESC

Makerere Epidemiology & Statistical Centre

Ongoing Research Projects

Ongoing studies, innovation, and funded research programs driving impact in global health

Active Research Portfolio

Projects currently being implemented or under development

Project 01

VITAL-HMB: High-Performance Tools for Early Identification of Heavy Menstrual Bleeding and Iron Deficiency

Wellcome Leap – Missed Vital Sign ProgramOngoing

A large-scale, multi-country prospective cohort study developing machine learning-driven tools for early detection of heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) and iron deficiency. The project integrates proteomics (Olink), vaginal microbiome sequencing, ultrasound imaging, wearable physiological data, and clinical variables to build high-performance predictive models and deploy accessible mobile/web-based diagnostic tools. View Project

Project 02

Peer-Led HIV Self-Testing and TB Education among Adolescents Using Agent-Based Modeling

HIV Research TrustOngoing

This study evaluates the feasibility, acceptability, and impact of peer-led HIV self-testing and tuberculosis education among adolescents and young adults in Uganda. It incorporates social network analysis and agent-based modeling to simulate how knowledge and health behaviors spread through peer networks, informing scalable, community-driven interventions.

Project 03

Community-Driven Interventions for Schistosomiasis Control among School Children in Uganda

NTD Research Program (Application Stage)Ongoing

A participatory implementation science study aimed at developing and piloting community-driven interventions to improve knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to schistosomiasis among school-going children. The project uses the EPIS framework and Behavior Change Wheel to design culturally appropriate interventions and evaluate their effectiveness.

Project 04

Networked Approaches for Community Health Intervention Delivery

Implementation Science / Collaborative ResearchOngoing

This research explores network-based and community-engaged strategies for improving uptake of health interventions in low-resource settings. It focuses on leveraging social structures, peer influence, and decentralised health delivery systems to improve outcomes across HIV, TB, and other public health priorities.

© Makerere Epidemiology & Statistical Centre (MESC) — makepistat.org