One health, One future: MUST partners with global giants to stop pandemics at the source - Mbarara University of Science and Technology
In a move toward safeguarding regional public health and ecosystems, Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST) has joined forces with a powerful coalition of global and regional conservation and health partners. Together with UNICEF, the World-Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), Gorilla Doctors, the International Gorilla Conservation […]
In a move toward safeguarding regional public health and ecosystems, Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST) has joined forces with a powerful coalition of global and regional conservation and health partners. Together with UNICEF, the World-Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), Gorilla Doctors, the International Gorilla Conservation Programme (IGCP), and the Greater Virunga Transboundary Collaboration (GVTC), MUST is spearheading efforts towards establishment of a One Health Center of Excellence under theStrengthening One Health-Based Prevention, Preparedness and Response in the Greater Virunga Landscape (SOH-PPR-GVL)project. Funded by the Pandemic Fund through UNICEF, the project seeks to strengthen One Health capacity, research, training, and pandemic preparedness across the Greater Virunga Landscape. As the lead institution for the project’s capacity-building and training component, MUST is advancing interdisciplinary education, research, innovation, community engagement, and regional collaboration in One Health. Through curriculum integration, competitive research seed grants, workforce development, and strategic partnerships, the University is building a sustainable platform that will generate evidence-based solutions to emerging health challenges and strengthen preparedness and response at the human-animal-environment interface. The high-level monitoring meeting was chaired byProf. Joseph Ngonzi, the Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Academic Affairs (DVC-AA), who delivered remarks on behalf of the MUST Management. “MUST is built on the philosophy of community engagement and service. Your partnership in this area is contributing directly to our core mandate,” Prof. Ngonzi noted. He strongly urged stakeholders to look beyond isolated, short-term project cycles and instead focus on building sustainable local systems, fostering institutional leadership, and nurturing native talent that will outlive the project’s timeline. Dr. Gabriel Ayeni-UNICEFDr. Martin Ngolobe -UNICEFDr. Gabriel Ayenicommended Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST) and its partners for the progress made under the Strengthening One Health-Based Prevention, Preparedness and Response in the Greater Virunga Landscape (SOH-PPR-GVL) Project. He noted that the recent Ebola outbreak in the region serves as a timely reminder of the continued threat posed by emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases and the need for strong One Health systems. He emphasized the importance of investing in workforce capacity, research, surveillance, and community engagement to strengthen pandemic preparedness and response. Dr. Ayeni further highlighted the value of partnerships among academic institutions, government, development partners, and communities in advancing regional health security. He reaffirmed UNICEF’s commitment to supporting sustainable One Health initiatives and collaborative efforts that contribute to resilient health systems across the Greater Virunga Landscape. Ms. Jenifer Alaba, the Project Officer of Community Health for WWF, took the floor to outline the broader, transboundary vision of the SOH-PPR-GVL project. She contextualized the initiative within the Greater Virunga Landscape a highly sensitive and ecologically diverse geographical area bridging Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The project, she explained, directly addresses critical gaps highlighted globally by the COVID-19 pandemic. Powered by the World Bank’s Pandemic Fund, WWF and UNICEF are serving as core delivery partners alongside institutions like MUST. Together, they are implementing grassroots community surveillance, preventing zoonotic disease spillover (diseases jumping from animals to humans), and building capacity to contain small-scale, localized outbreaks before they expand into wider regional crises. From Classroom to Communities: Showcasing Academic FieldworkThe sessions shifted focus toward internal project execution and academic integration at MUST, featuring presentations from a multidisciplinary academic team includingProf. Edgar Mugema Mulogo(Team lead), Dr. Raphael Wangalwa(Project Coordinator), Dr. Moses Ntaro(Project Manager), andAssoc. Prof. Julius Lejju(One Health Education Lead), alongside Master of Public Health (MPH) students. Prof. Edgar Mugeme Mulogo , department of Community HealthProf. Julius Lejju from the department of BiologyDr. Moses Ntaro from the department of Community HealthThe MUST project team proudly demonstrated how the university has integrated the One Health aspects directly into its academic frameworks. The university currently partners with over51 resident field siteswhere multidisciplinary student teams engage directly with communities. Supported by this project fund, five specific student groups have been designated to run extended field interventions focusing on localized zoonotic threats. MPH students presented compelling evidence and key findings from their recent community field placements:Brucellosis in Katunguru Sub-county: Students identified active brucellosis cases linked to human–wildlife interactions. In communities bordering Queen Elizabeth National Park, frequent contact between wildlife and shared water and food sources increases the risk of zoonotic disease transmission, with symptoms often mistaken for malaria. MPH students pitching the one health implementation in the communityTuberculosis andMycobacterium bovisSurveillance: Students identified low community awareness of tuberculosis transmission and detected two suspected cases of Mycobacterium bovis, a zoonotic form of tuberculosis transmitted from infected cattle to humans, often through consumption of contaminated animal products. These findings highlight the importance of integrated human and animal health surveillance for early detection and control of zoonotic diseases. Community Perceptions and Cultural Practices:Students observed that community beliefs, perceptions, and cultural practices significantly influence health-seeking behavior and disease transmission. Misconceptions about disease causes, reliance on traditional practices, and limited awareness of zoonotic risks can delay diagnosis and treatment, underscoring the importance of culturally sensitive health education and community engagement in One Health interventions. Ms. Eleanor Turyakira HoD: Community HealthDr. Gad Ruzaaza- Master of COBERSThis academic evidence was strongly reinforced by institutional perspectives from Faculty deans, includingDr. Jonans Tusiimire(Deputy Dean, Faculty of Health Sciences),Dr. Eunice Olet(Faculty of Science),Dr. Denis Babasafrom the institute of tropical forest and conservation,Bwindi,and Dr. Casim Umba Tolofrom the PHARMBIOTRAC, sparking a rich discussion on project sustainability and student mentorship. Dr. Gabriel Ayeni of UNICEF applauded MUST for its leadership and progress in implementing the SOH-PPR-GVL Project. He noted that the integration of academic excellence, research, and strategic partnerships with global development partners provides a strong foundation for sustainable One Health solutions and long-term resilience against emerging health threats. Dr. Eunice Olet Dean Faculty of ScienceDr. Denis Babasa Deputy chief ITFCTo cement this partnership, Dr. Ayeni made a substantial commitment to the university’s postgraduate community, officially volunteering to act as a mentor for selected MUST Master’s and PhD students whose One Health research topics align directly with global and regional public health priorities. Through coordination with WWF, this mentorship will directly link MUST research to active international health frameworks. Angella Nakato Muyingo leading the side chat session and moderator of the dayBehind the scenes: L-R: Mr. Ali Senior Communications Officer WWF and Ms. Angella Nakato Muyingo Senior Communications officer MUSTLooking AheadThe monitoring visit concluded with an initial round of closing remarks from the project implementation leaders, final remarks from the UNICEF delegation, and a closing address by the DVC-AA, Prof. Joseph Ngonzi. With institutional ties strengthened, a clear roadmap for community health surveillance established, and a shared vision for the Center of Excellence in One health, MUST and its global partners are ready to lead the region in pandemic prevention, preparedness and response. For the health of our communities, the wellbeing of our animals, the protection of our environment, and the resilience of future generations, Succeed We MUST!Author