675 Building capacity for injury research: a case study from Uganda. (1st September 2016) - Hyder, Adnan A
Abstract : Background: Despite the high burden of injuries, they have largely been overlooked in global health research. One of the reasons for this is that in many developing countries there is limited supply of trained human resources for addressing injury research. Uganda is one such country where two critical gaps in addressing the lifelong consequences of trauma, injuries and disability are the lack of trained human resources and the lack of data. Objectives: Through innovative model of sustainable development, the Johns Hopkins University-Makerere University Chronic Consequences of Trauma, Injuries and Disability in Uganda (JHU-MU Chronic TRIAD) program aims to strengthen research capacity on the long-term health and economic consequences of trauma, injuries and disability across the lifespan in Uganda. Results: Since 2012, the program has been working to 1) develop a core group of researchers focused on Chronic TRIAD at MU; 2) promote research around key national priorities for Chronic TRIAD; 3) establish a national forum on Chronic TRIAD; and 4) create a program for research on the lifelong impact of trauma, injuries and disability at MU School of Public Health (MakSPH). The program has had early success and for the first time there is new MPH track at the MakSPH that focuses on trauma, injuries and disability. Three cohorts have been enrolled in the 2-year TRIAD fellowship and the program is recruiting its fourth cohort of fellows. The program has offered training opportunities to students, faculty and staff at MU through short-term workshops, has established Uganda Injury Forum and has hosted two symposia to rise awareness and stimulate dialogue about the impact of TRIAD in Uganda. Conclusions: Through this program we hope to build local capacity that will be critical in bridging the gap and be a step toward addressing the burden of trauma, injuries, and disability in Uganda.