Makerere University Lung Institute, Rutgers University USA, SPH-Makerere, and EASE Uganda Collaborate to Construct State-of-the-Art Sputum Collection Booth at Kisugu H/C III

[27^th  MAY 2024] – Makerere University Lung Institute (MLI), in collaboration with Rutgers School of Public Health (Rutgers SPH), School of Public Health, Makerere (SPH-Makerere), and EASE Uganda, an NGO based in the Namuwongo informal settlement, announces the construction of a cutting-edge sputum collection booth at Kisugu Health Center III (Kisugu H/C III).

This initiative marks the beginning of a significant research project titled “AIR POLLUTION EFFECTS ON TRANSMISSION OF MYCOBACTERIUM TUBERCULOSIS IN INFORMAL SETTLEMENT COMMUNITIES IN UGANDA – KTBAir,” aiming to address critical questions surrounding tuberculosis (TB) transmission in vulnerable communities.

The research aims to determine:

1. Whether air pollution exposure among TB patients increases the likelihood of disease transmission to healthy contacts in these vulnerable communities.
2. Whether air pollution exposure among healthy contacts of TB patients elevates the risk of TB infection.

The project has established a state-of-the-art negative pressure sputum collection booth at Kisugu H/C III. This facility employs advanced technology to extract contaminated air, safeguarding health workers from TB exposure during sputum collection procedures for diagnosis among suspected TB patients.

The booth’s significance extends beyond research as it will support diagnostic procedures for the general population seeking care at Kisugu H/C III. Particularly, it will aid patients who struggle to produce sputum independently, including young children and adults with dry cough.

“We are excited about the collaboration between Makerere University Lung Institute, Rutgers University USA, SPH-Makerere, and EASE Uganda in addressing the pressing issue of TB transmission in informal settlement communities,” said Dr. Sharon M. Namiiro, Project Coordinator at MLI.

“The sputum collection booth represents a crucial step towards enhancing research capabilities and improving diagnostic services for TB in Uganda.”

This collaborative effort underscores the commitment of all partners to advance public health research and improve healthcare delivery in Uganda’s underserved communities.