Global Programs founding member retires from UCSF | |
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Georgina Lopez, Director of Finance and Administration for IGHS and the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, is retiring after over 32 years with UCSF!
Global Programs reflections from Georgina:
"I have fond memories of creating Global Programs. Working with Greta Schnetzler, our campus legal counsel, I convinced UCOP to allow UCSF and IGHS to establish foreign affiliate offices in PEPFAR countries.
We were committed to opening these offices for all UC campuses, and it was an exciting and inspiring experience to collaborate with many individuals to accomplish this. I had the privilege of working with Jane Drake, a fantastic partner who made everything possible on the ground. Additionally, MC Gaisbauer played a vital role in the Kenya office expansion, and Njeri Wahome, the director of operations in GP Kenya, was an exceptional leader who ensured our progress. It takes a dedicated and innovative team to bring about meaningful change, and UCSF is home to many committed individuals who positively impact people's lives. I will miss working here."
In 2005, Lopez received the School of Medicine’s Holly Smith Award for her dedication to the School of Medicine, diversity in her roles, commitment to sustaining UCSF’s position as a world-class institution, and accomplishing all the above with humor and grace. In 2018, she received the Chancellor’s Award for Exceptional University Management for her professional performance and managerial service to UCSF.
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Georgina is looking forward to doing whatever she wants, spending time with family and friends, and trip planning! | |
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Global Programs Namibia Office to close
Due to funding reductions for Namibia research and training activities, we are sorry to report that Global Programs Namibia will be closing at the end of December 2024. The Namibia office was registered in 2016 and has provided excellent programmatic and operational support for both Namibia and South Africa projects for many years.
We send our deep appreciation to the entire staff for their professionalism, dedication, and contributions to advancing healthcare in Namibia.
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Global Programs Tanzania helps faculty investigators get project back on track | |
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On the morning of September 21, 2023, a fire in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania destroyed the study laboratory of Dr. Teresa Kortz, UCSF associate professor of Clinical Pediatrics. The laboratory, which is a crucial part of her NIH research project, is operated in collaboration with Dr. Joel Manyahi, a clinical microbiologist at Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences. Fortunately, no one was injured, but the fire resulted in the complete loss of all laboratory equipment and consumables, bringing the project to a halt having enrolled only half of the target sample size.
Kortz immediately reached out to Global Programs Tanzania for assistance. The staff, particularly Project Support Officer Mariastella Njau, quickly mobilized to contact vendors, arrange rapid payments, and coordinate deliveries. With their support, the necessary equipment and consumables were replaced, allowing the study to resume subject enrollment in less than three months. What initially seemed like a major setback turned into a testament to the efficiency of Global Programs, highlighting their unwavering commitment to supporting UCSF research.
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Thank you, Mariastella Njau! | |
PROJECT & RESEARCH UPDATES
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User-centered TEPI dashboard launched for improved pediatric HIV identification
The Global Programs Tanzania team successfully launched the TEPI (Targeted Enhanced Pediatric Identification) dashboard in early May, aiming to enhance HIV case identification among pediatric populations in Tanzania. The dashboard's development focused on user needs, with continuous feedback from implementing partners and field staff in Dodoma, Mbeya, and Mwanza regions. Designed to provide near-real-time data analysis, the dashboard integrates data from systems like CTC-Analytics and UCS, offering visualizations on crucial indicators such as pediatric contacts tested for HIV and early infant diagnosis rates. This approach allows stakeholders to monitor, evaluate, and improve pediatric identification initiatives effectively.
The team's user-centered development process, championed by HIS Director Peter Lubambi and supported by Data Analyst Beatrice Octavian, ensured the dashboard met user expectations while staying on schedule. With the first phase completed, the dashboard is set to address user feedback in its second phase, further enhancing its utility and impact on pediatric HIV identification efforts.
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Lab Visual application updates
Over the past few months, Global Programs Tanzania launched a new version of the Lab Visual application and conducted orientation sessions at seven PCR laboratories across Tanzania. Attendees included representatives from the Ministry of Health, local government authorities, lab managers, ICT officers, the Global Programs team, and implementing partners. During these sessions, the team trained participants on data analysis and interpretation using the Lab Visual Application, while also gathering suggestions for improvements.
Moving forward, the team will hold bi-weekly Zoom meetings with end users to discuss system progress, share experiences, provide feedback on indicators, and offer technical assistance. These efforts aim to enhance laboratory operations and data utilization across all conventional laboratories.
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PHR Guide pilot phase
The Recency Public Health Response (PHR) Guide, developed in Uganda, underwent a pilot phase in three districts—Kasanda, Jinja, and Kyotera—to assess its feasibility and effectiveness. The guide aims to pinpoint HIV acquisition hotspots and enhance targeted public health responses. Teams comprising Ministry of Health officers, technical support members, Global Programs Uganda, implementing partners, and district health teams conducted the pilot. During this phase, the teams analyzed recency infection data, identified high-incidence areas, and engaged with community members to understand HIV transmission drivers, including commercial sex work and substance abuse. Identified gaps, such as insufficient condom distribution and lacking prevention interventions, particularly among key populations like palm tree plantation workers and barmaids, were addressed through community discussions, leading to the development of an action plan.
Overall, the pilot illustrated the PHR guide's effectiveness in hotspot identification and action planning, albeit requiring minor adjustments to some tools.
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During a group discussion in the Kyotera District are (left to right) Aggrey Byaruhanga (MOH), Karija Sylvia (village member), Akampulira Sadress (village member), Aligawesa Paul (VHT), Ronald Kiranda (GP Uganda), Mugerwa Abdu (VHT), Emmy Muramuzi (GP Uganda), Nakalema Florence (Kakuto HC IV), and Alex Mirugwe (METS). | |
HUMAN RESOURCES SPOTLIGHT
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Maria Mesi joins Global Programs Kenya as Director of Human Resources
Mesi brings 12 years of experience in talent management, policy development, and performance management. Before joining Global Programs Kenya, she was the people and development manager at Marie Stopes Kenya and an organization development consultant with the Federation of Kenya Employers.
Mesi holds a BA in Economics and a Higher Diploma in HR Management and is an active member of the Institute of Human Resource Management.
Contact: Maria.Mesi@ucglobalprograms.org
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Global Programs Kenya hosts accomplished FELTP resident
Since 2004, the CDC-funded Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Program (FELTP) has been enhancing epidemiology and surveillance capacity in Kenya. Global Programs Kenya, a designated FELTP field placement site, is currently hosting Dr. Fred Mutisya, a distinguished medical doctor and AI developer.
Mutisya has spearheaded projects that include an AI-powered platform for antimicrobial resistance prediction which won the 2023 Vivli/Wellcome AMR Surveillance Open Data Re-Use Data Challenge. His experience includes managing a 150-bed hospital, supervising numerous health centers, and contributing to HIV technical support, achievements that earned him the 2020 PEPFAR Heroes award.
During his two-year placement, Mutisya aims to further refine his skills in epidemiology and research.
Contact: Fred.Mutisya@ucglobalprograms.org
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ZIHHTLP website launched
Global Programs Tanzania, in collaboration with the Zanzibar Integrated HIV, Hepatitis, TB, and Leprosy Programme (ZIHHTLP) of the Ministry of Health of Zanzibar, launched the ZIHHTLP website on May 23, 2024. Serving as a central hub for HIV & AIDS, Hepatitis, and TB information in Zanzibar, the platform aims to reach both national and international audiences with valuable resources and insights. Developed by the GP Tanzania HIS team and ZIHHTLP's Information System (IS) team, the site offers program details, reports, research articles, and publications addressing health challenges in the region.
Following implementation, HIS conducted workshops to empower the IS team to independently manage and update the website, ensuring sustainability. This launch represents a significant advancement in public health communication, highlighting the collective commitment to addressing critical health issues and the importance of digital platforms in modern healthcare communication.
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NCURA conference in Hawaii
In March, UCSF representatives from the Office of Sponsored Research, IRSO, and Global Programs Kenya participated in a panel session at the National Council of University Research Administrators (NCURA) Finance and Research Administration conference in Honolulu.
Collectively, Koki Kinagwi, Mae Moredo, Olive Giovannetti, Gladys Villacorta, and Winona Ward presented “Everything, Everywhere All at Once: Partnerships That Matter in Supporting Global Research." Topics presented included UCSF research support, international research portfolio, strengthening global health research capacity, mitigating risks through partnership development, and equity in global health partnerships.
The presentation was well received and emphasized the importance of effective communication and collaborations.
| Thanks to Koki Kinagwi, Mae Moredo, Olive Giovannetti, Gladys Villacorta, and Winona Ward for representing UCSF at NCURA! | |
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Dr. Rutherford and Dr. Kinagwi meet Kenya's Minister of Health
Kenya Ministry of Health Cabinet Secretary (and former Global Programs Kenya Procurement Manager) Susan Nakhumicha Wafula hosted a meeting with Global Programs Board Chair George Rutherford and Global Programs Kenya Country Director Koki Kinagwi to discuss critical areas of disease surveillance, pandemic preparedness, and data management. They explored opportunities to expand collaboration in key areas, supporting Kenya's strategic shift from curative to promotive and preventive healthcare.
Existing partnerships with UCSF include initiatives in surveillance and epidemiology for HIV Epidemic Control, improvement of interoperable Health Information Systems for HIV/AIDS and TB control, and collaborative research with KEMRI.
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Koki Kinagwi, Susan Nakhumicha Wafula, and George Rutherford | |
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Global Programs Board Chair George Rutherford, MD, is retiring from UCSF this month
Rutherford, professor of Epidemiology and Biostatistics and director of the Prevention and Public Health Group, has been with UCSF since 1987 and has extensively researched the epidemiology and prevention of infectious and tropical diseases, focusing primarily on HIV and AIDS. His work has been funded mainly by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention through the Presidential Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief.
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In 2021, Chancellor Hawgood appointed Rutherford as acting executive director of IGHS during Jaime Sepúlveda's sabbatical. During this time, Rutherford became UCSF’s key spokesperson on the COVID-19 pandemic, providing updates at weekly town halls with the Chancellor. In 2023, he served again as interim executive director when Sepúlveda stepped down from the role.
Rutherford will continue his research with some UCSF projects and maintain several of his consultancies. He will also remain as Chair of the Global Programs Board.
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Created by the IRSO Office at UCSF, the Global Programs e-newsletter is a quarterly publication sent to all GP staff and selected UCSF audiences. Submit feedback or content suggestions to irso@ucsf.edu. | |
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