Wilber’s work has global reach
This week, Research Spotlight talks to a leader in ongoing work around infectious diseases, how to prepare for them, track them and stop them.
What is your name and what do you research?
Wilber Sabiiti and I develop molecular diagnostics for infectious diseases.
Tell us about the global aspects of your work?
My work spans all continents with main focus on low- and middle- income countries (LMICs) that are disproportionately affected by infectious diseases. We work with partners in LMICs to develop diagnostic and therapeutic solutions that are appropriate for their settings.
How important are partnerships to your research?
Very important and we emphasise equitable partnerships. Global health research can only be successful and impactful if the partnerships are equitable and mutually respectful. Unequal partnerships will exacerbate inequality and lead to poverty.
What is VERPI?
This is Global Viral Ecosystem Research and Preparedness Initiative (VERPI). Funded by the European Commission, VERPI will foster global staff and doctoral student exchanges in Europe/UK, USA, Asia (Japan) and Africa (Uganda & Democratic Republic of Congo). It aimed at peer learning and acquiring skills that one needs to apply in their own research at their home institution. University of St Andrews will host fellows interested in learning molecular diagnostic skills and viral characterisation assays.
How does your research fit in to a wider global context?
My research addresses UN Goal Number 3 on Health and Wellbeing. We offer solutions to global health challenges such as tuberculosis and more recently to epidemics including COVID-19, Ebolavurus disease and mpox.
If you would like to feature in research spotlight, have had a paper accepted or want to talk more broadly about how to engage the wider media with your research, please contact Senior Communications Manager Ruth Sanderson [email protected]
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