Established in 1989 in Kyamulibwa sub-county, Kalungu district, the GPC aims to study the epidemiology of infectious and non-communicable diseases (NCDs), as well as to study the social aspects of science among the general population.
- 25,000 people in 25 neighboring villages of Kyamulibwa, Kalungu district
- Population of mixed descent and ancestry both locally and in the East African region.
- Established in 1989 to study HIV epidemiology
- Research platform for various health conditions, including non-communicable diseases
- 27 survey rounds and 31 census rounds conducted
- Sekitoleko I, Nakanga WP, Webb E, Mugamba V, Balungi P, Mpairwe B, Terry O, Makanga R, Nabanoba E, Mugisha JO, Kimbugwe G. Identification and characterisation of diabetes in Uganda: protocol for the nested, population-based ‘Diabetes in low-resource Populations’(DOP) Study. BMJ open. 2023 Sep 1;13(9):e071747.
See the latest news from the GPC
Our Background
Through a collaboration between the MRC and UVRI in 1989, the GPC was established in Kyamulibwa sub county, Kalungu district. It was originally established to study the epidemiology of HIV in a general population. Today, it has evolved into a comprehensive research platform encompassing various health conditions, including non-communicable diseases (NCDs). The study population of 25,000 within 25 adjacent study villages is predominantly from central Uganda, with representation from parts of western Uganda, Rwanda, and Burundi.
The GPC provides a robust foundation for population-based research, significantly enhancing our understanding of HIV, other infectious diseases and NCDs. More recently, this versatile platform has been instrumental in studies on community transmission and the impact of SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19).
As a rich source of longitudinal data, the GPC offers a unique resource for training efforts at the Unit, and supports a wide range of research projects, including short-term externally funded studies.
Longitudinal Studies
Census and Survey Activities: Field research constitutes a major part of our work at GPC. Until 2012 we conducted house-to-house surveys, but since then we have shifted to a centralized survey approach, gathering data from participants at a central hub following a comprehensive census across the 25 GPC study villages and 1 pilot village.
Since 1989, we have carried out HIV sero-surveys to assess HIV prevalence and incidence. More recently, our research has expanded to include data collection on hepatitis B and C, SARS-CoV-2, non-communicable diseases, and population genetics.
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Research Hubs: Survey is currently conducted through 'Field Research Hubs' periodically set up at central locations within the research villages. Their proximity to the communities has enhanced participation and continues to be a cost-effective way to meet research targets.
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Clinical Care and Research
Adult Study Clinic: The GPC clinic provides modest care to patients from study villages, as a free service to the community. In addition to general care, the clinic serves as a resource for research activities, following up patients with diabetes and hypertension to study disease progression and treatment responses.
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HIV Care: The clinic hosts a specialized service for antiretroviral therapy (ART) for patients living with HIV, with resources provided by the Uganda government.
Community Engagement
Community Advisory Board (CAB): Community engagement is integral to the GPC's long-term success. We have strong ties with local authorities and an active CAB that facilitates engagement through sensitization and mobilization meetings.
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Field Staff: Many of our field staff are recruited from within the community, enhancing local understanding and participation in our research.
Current Focus Areas: Our current research priorities include the natural history of chronic conditions, factors associated with violence and adverse childhood events, long COVID, and preparedness for future pandemics; the prevention, progression, and response to treatment for chronic conditions like diabetes, as well as research into the impact of violence and adverse childhood events on later-life health.
Crucial Studies
Cancer-Causing Infections: An overview of findings
SARS-CoV2 Surveillance: Insights from recent research
Chronic Conditions: Details on diabetes research, prevention, progression, and treatment response.
Violence & Adverse Childhood Events: Research focus on long-term health and well-being impacts.
Long COVID: Upcoming studies and objectives.
Pandemic Preparedness: GPC's strategy for future pandemic research.
The GPC provides a rich source of data since 1989, extensively linked with demographic, epidemiological, and genomic data. This makes the GPC a valuable resource for future studies.
Historical Serum Samples: We have long-term blood samples for every survey round since 1989, available for research by both Unit and external scientists. Over 40 papers have been published based on these historical samples.
Survey Questionnaires
Survey rounds
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Innovations at the GPC
Sustainability and efficiency: Animated icons of solar panels, motor bikes and Electronic Data Capture
Expanding Reach: Interactive Map highlights Lukaya town and its target populations, including fisherfolk and sex workers.
Case Studies: Hyperlinked case studies on HIV in adolescents, and other studies conducted at the GPC
Training
The GPC offers an excellent training environment, providing a platform for field activities and the utilization of rich data and samples. We have supported numerous MSc and PhD students and offer on-the-job training in fieldwork and community engagement.
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How to request for data
To access the GPC’s data dictionary and lab forms that were used in round 19 click here. To request for data, access the Data sharing policy and fill the relevant data sharing agreement for completed studies or ongoing studies/collaboration
Meta data for the GPC data can be accessed using the Persistent identifier https://doi.org/10.17037/DATA.00003702
GPC resources are used by both Unit and external researchers to advance research. They have also provided a comprehensive research training platform to PhD medical students specialising in the epidemiology of infectious and non-communicable diseases.
Capacity building at the GPC is an immersive experience that gives both PhD students and research fellows the opportunity to participate in ongoing research studies. These experiences further enable PhD students to gain in-depth understanding of clinical issues and delve deeper into their previous study findings.