Our mission is to create a robust physical, technical, and administrative infrastructure to optimize the efficiency and effectiveness of the core components of the GHC Research Collaboration.
Core Infrastructure and support
GHC offers core infrastructure and support, represents the many components and people necessary to create and support our collaboration in research and innovation, and, professional development, education and clinical care. The scope of this work includes, but is not limited to office space, safety and security, the financial oversight of grants and contracts, human resource management of local and expatriate staff, leasing and operating a guesthouse, visitor logistics, and long-term relationship management. The overall partnership, core activities began with research in 2003. As the program activities have increased so has the need for more formal systems, standardized policies, increased space, and collaborative problem solving. Summarized below are three examples of core activities that have grown significantly in the past few years; the MUST Grants Office (MGO), Institutional Review Board (IRB) expertise, and the security and logistics program.
Research Support
The GHC Research Collaboration Ltd provides comprehensive support to local staff and collaborators to ensure ethical, efficient, and impactful research. GHC trains investigators, project coordinators, and fellows on local research clearance processes to maintain compliance with Uganda’s national guidelines. The team tracks all GHC-affiliated research protocols to support timely submissions for approvals, renewals, and closures. GHC also conducts internal study regulatory checks, to prepare research teams for external reviews. Additionally, GHC facilitates community engagement through its Community Advisory Board (CAB) to ensure research represents the interests, perspectives, and lived experiences of the communities where research is conducted.
Security and Logistics
A vital core infrastructure activity is the development of a robust security and logistics program to serve our international visitors and full-time MGH employees based in Mbarara. The new integrated TravelSafe Program collects emergency contact and insurance information that can be quickly retrieved by authorized MGH personnel in cases of medical emergency. In addition the traveler automatically receives security warnings in via phone and/or email. Our security and logistics team have developed pre-departure seminars, packets containing an emergency contact sheet, tips on safe travel, a general risk overview, and protocols addressing accidents, travel, and medical evacuation.
Visitors Guest House Management
Visitors staff at the MGH Guesthouse which employees a 24-hour guard service, and conforms to other security measures standard to the community. In addition, MGH Expat staff resides in a safe, guarded compound, have regular meetings to address safety and security concerns, develop best practices, and participate in trainings in first aid, self-defense, and roadside assistance.
