Rakai Health Sciences Program (RHSP)

a clinical research site. We extend our sincere appreciation to Dr. Achilles and the Gates Foundation for the visit, and we look forward to strengthening this partnership through deeper engagement and future collaborations.

Last week, RHSP had the privilege of hosting Dr. Sharon Achilles, Deputy Director of Reproductive Health Technologies at the Gates Foundation. Her visit offered an opportunity to highlight our longstanding contributions to HIV research, as well as our strength and capacity as

reflecting the impact of sustained HIV prevention, expanded access to antiretroviral therapy, and strengthened community support systems. Grab yourself a copy to read the full article.

As reported by New Vision (National News, April 15, 2025), encouraging progress from the Rakai Health Sciences Program (RHSP): recent findings highlight a significant decline in the number of AIDS orphans in Rakai,

Warm Easter wishes from Rakai Health Sciences Program. May this season of renewal inspire hope, strength, and new beginnings for all. #HappyEaster #RHSP #Hope

historical data and liquid levels, as well as practical guidance on instrument operation, rack installation, liquid nitrogen filling, routine maintenance, and troubleshooting. We extend our appreciation to the NIH team, especially Drs. Steven Reynolds and Andrew Redd.

. The system was installed by Engineer Doc Delport (Lasec), who subsequently conducted hands-on training for laboratory staff. The training covered key operational and maintenance procedures, including use of the Cryosmart display, monitoring real-time alarms, reviewing

The RHSP Laboratory received the Haier Biobank Series Large-Scale Liquid Nitrogen Storage System from the NIH. This system has expanded storage capacity and enhanced the safe management of biological samples that require temperatures below −196°C for ongoing and future research

The assessment recorded outstanding performance, with no non-conformances registered, resulting in an unconditional recommendation to maintain accreditation. Well done to the entire laboratory team for this outstanding achievement.

The Rakai Health Sciences Program Laboratory has successfully completed its annual surveillance by the South African National Accreditation System (SANAS), reaffirming compliance with the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 15189:2022.

As we celebrate Eid al-Fitr following the blessed month of Ramadan, may its blessings fill your hearts with peace, your homes with joy, and inspire us all to continue doing good.

make a lasting difference every day. Your work is at the heart of RHSP’s mission. Thank you for the difference you make—today and every day.

We celebrate the incredible women whose dedication continues to improve health and transform lives across our communities. From supporting families and communities to advancing research and delivering essential healthcare, your compassion, strength, and leadership

affirming that African science has much to offer the global community. Here’s to growing partnerships that strengthen research and improve health for everyday people.

systems to learning more about the impact of the Rakai Community Cohort Study, the visit highlighted how strong science, grounded in community trust, can transform lives. “We hope to build bigger, equitable collaborations,” the visiting team shared,

The Rakai Health Sciences Program was honored to host a delegation of researchers from the University of Michigan, including Professors Joe Kolars, Bilal Butt, Akbar K. Waljee, Joe Eisenberg, and Candace Kolars, on 13th–14th February 2026. From exploring our laboratory and data

The visit also included a review of study milestones, data collection progress, published findings, manuscripts under review. To better understand ICARE’s implementation approaches, the team visited the field to observe research assistants conducting data collection.

young people in Uganda, engaging university students, and advancing meaningful Community Advisory Board (CAB) participation. This included exploring pathways to establish a more inclusive and functional CAB that meaningfully engages youth and adolescents to support study outcomes

RHSP was pleased to host partners and collaborators from Columbia University, the City University of New York, and Mount Sinai University— Prof. John Santelli, Dr. Phil K, Dr. Holly Isenberg, and Prof. Mary Ott — for a week-long site visit to discuss the Rakai Orphans