implementing partners
The AIDS Support Organisation (TASO): TASO is the oldest indigenous and largest HIV service organization in Uganda. TASO REC was accredited in August 2011 by the Uganda National Council of Science Technology-UNCST as an independent IRB of record (UG-REC-009) maddened toprotect the rights and wellbeing of research participants though review and approval of research protocol for compliance TASO in collaboration with lead applicant was privileged to have implemented an EDTCP 1 Grant Strengthening TASO IRB to review clinical trials in Uganda key achievements to this grant were the accreditation of the TASO IRB into an established IRB of record form this experience TASO has grown to over 600 study protocols community based trails inclusive. From the perspective of monitoring clinical trials a role the TASO REC has performed effective, some of the key recommendations to the scientific community has been establishment of CABs for the studies that are found without, from this grant we line up a series of regulatory and capacity building activities to mention: training of the CABS, Development of SOPS and the liaising with the NRA (UNCST)
UGANDA NATIONAL COUNCIL FOR SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY: Uganda National Council for Science and Technology (UNCST) is a semi-autonomous government agency established in 1990. UNCST has specific functions for research and development (R&D) coordination and oversight. Sections 4 and 5 of the UNCST ACT (CAP 209) mandates UNCST to act as a clearing house for information on research and experimental development taking place in scientific institutions, Centers and other enterprises and on the potential applications of their results; and to work in close co-operation with and co-ordinate a scientific and technological activities of persons institutions, sectors and organizations. In order to fulfil the Research & Development coordination and oversight function, UNCST registers and approves for implementation all research activities in all sectors intended to be carried out in Uganda. Seventy percent (70%) of these approved research projects are in the field of health sciences and social sciences most of which involve humans as research participants.
MAKERERE UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF HEALTH SCIENCES: Makerere University School of Biomedical Sciences Research Ethics Committee (SBSREC): The Makerere School of Biomedical Sciences Higher Degrees and Research Ethics Committee (SBSHDREC) is one of 24 accredited RECs in Uganda. It was accredited by the UNCST accreditation committee in 2011 and reviews all types of research including clinical trials. The functioning of SBSHDREC is guided by a set of standard operating procedures and the Uganda National Guidelines for conducting of Research involving Humans as Participants. SBSHDREC is mandated by UNCST to conduct initial and continuing review of research, including on-site monitoring of approval of research projects; protect research participants and researchers from harm or exploitation; maintain ethical standards of practice in research; provide assurance to society of the protection of rights and welfare of research participants; and ensure adherence to ethical conduct of research protocols approved by the REC. SBSDHREC is also delegated the responsibility for the management of all aspects relating to higher degrees at school level.