The 2024 MicroResearch Forum, held from October 16-17 at Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST), Uganda, and Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC), brought together researchers, healthcare professionals, and academics to share insights on local solutions to healthcare challenges. This hybrid event, with the theme Integrating MicroResearch into Health Systems for Better Community Outcomes, emphasized the importance of community-driven research in improving health.
The in-person forum at MUST site opened with a ceremony led by two MicroResearch founders, Prof. Jerome Kabakyenga and Dr. Bob Bortolussi and DR. Kelly Oluoch at KMTC site. Participants at the MUST site included representatives from several institutions, including Kabale University, Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital, Ankole Western University, and Aga Khan University. The event drew attendance from organizations such as Maternal and Child Health Uganda, Mbarara Prisons, and Mildmay Uganda, reflecting a broad spectrum of stakeholders.
Day one began with small group discussions, where participants tackled key issues related to primary healthcare, disease prevention, and community engagement. The focus was on identifying gaps in healthcare and strategies for translating research into actionable solutions. The discussions explored ways to engage communities in shaping research priorities, ensuring that outcomes directly benefit those most affected. Dr. Scholastic Ashaba from MUST and Dr. Leah Bii from KMTC later summarized the group discussions, emphasizing the need for accessible dissemination of research findings. They also highlighted the critical role that community involvement plays in making research more impactful.
The morning’s discussions were followed by the virtual forum moderated by Kelly Hunter and Prof. Noni Macdonald a keynote address from Dr. Elizabeth Wangia (Kenya), who focused on Research in Primary Healthcare and Disease Prevention. She stressed the importance of collaboration and continuous knowledge sharing to enhance community well-being. Her address underscored the forum’s goal of using community-based research to improve healthcare outcomes.
The first day ended with a virtual panel discussion moderated by Dr. Jonans Tusiime from MUST, where experts including Dr. Albino Kalolo from Tanzania, Dr. Rawlance Ndejjo from Uganda, and Ms. Towela Maleta from Malawi shared their perspectives on multidisciplinary research. Dr. Kalolo emphasized that research must empower communities by addressing their needs, while Ms. Maleta called for adaptable approaches to healthcare challenges. Dr. Bortolussi concluded with a call for stronger engagement between researchers and policymakers, ensuring that research informs healthcare policies.
A review of the previous day’s discussions by Ms. Mary Odiit, Mildmay Uganda started off the second day. This was followed by a thought-provoking address from Prof. Nixon Kamukama the MUST Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Academic Affairs. He challenged attendees to consider the broader impact of their research, asking, “Where are the results, and what is the impact of the research we are doing?”. Participants engaged in another round of small group discussions, this time focused on Incorporating Research into Local Health Education. They explored how research could be integrated into local health systems and education to drive sustainable outcomes. Summaries presented by Ms. Odiit and Dr. Leah Bii reiterated the importance of collaboration and mentorship in fostering a strong research culture.
The Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Finance and Administration at MUST Assoc. Prof. Charles Tushabomwe-Kazooba gave a keynote address highlighting the importance of research-driven action in community health. Echoing Kurt Lewin’s quote, “No research without action, no action without research.” He emphasized that research must lead to practical changes in healthcare education and patient care. He cited local success stories, such as the Ambigel project, which emerged from MicroResearch initiatives, as examples of research impacting real-world outcomes.
The forum also featured a presentation by Ms. Beth Mutumba from the Uganda National Council for Science and Technology (UNCST), who highlighted UNCST’s efforts to promote national research growth. She discussed UNCST’s key initiatives, underscoring the need for national collaboration in research.
The panel discussion on day two moderated by Dr. John Aswani, focused on integrating research into local health systems and education. Panelists, including Assoc. Prof. Tushabomwe-Kazooba, Ms.Towela Maleta from Malawi, and Dr. Beth Cummings from Canada, discussed how institutions can work together to strengthen research capacity. Assoc. Prof. Kazooba emphasized the role of local institutions in fostering a research-driven culture, while Ms. Maleta stressed the importance of innovative training for health professionals. Dr. Cummings shared her experiences in mentoring and building research capacity across African healthcare systems.
The forum also featured several MicroResearch alumni from Malawi, Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda and Tanzania, who presented their community-focused research projects on various topics like depression, childbirth, telemedicine and psychological distress among others, demonstrating the impact of localized studies in addressing specific healthcare issues.
The forum concluded with a symbolic gesture of mentorship, as Dr. Bortolussi presented a gift to Ms. Teddy Kyomuhangi of Maternal and Child Health Uganda, which will be accompanied by a future institutional award to recognize the importance of mentorship in healthcare research.
Overall, the MicroResearch Forum 2024 successfully brought together a diverse group of stakeholders committed to finding local solutions for local health challenges. Through collaboration, open dialogue, and knowledge sharing, the event reinforced the need for research that directly impacts communities. Looking ahead, the discussions and partnerships formed during the forum will inspire future research and collaborations, ensuring that healthcare outcomes are shaped by evidence-based solutions tailored to the needs of local communities.
