This week, MU-JHU had the honor of hosting Dr. Sharon Achilles, Deputy Director of Reproductive Health Technologies at the Gates Foundation, for a two-day site visit ( 8th- 9th April 2026) .

The visit brought together key partners, including Infectious Diseases Institute Core Lab, Mulago Specialized Women and Neonatal Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine Children’s Foundation Uganda, and Makerere University Joint AIDS Program.

MU-JHU showcased its clinical research expertise in HIV prevention, with discussions covering research study capacity, visibility, enrolment and retention strategies, quality assurance processes, data management systems, ethical and regulatory frameworks, and financial planning. Particular focus was placed on community engagement, participant retention approaches, and behavioral and psychosocial assessment capabilities.

As part of the visit, Dr. Achilles toured MU-JHU, Baylor College of Medicine Children’s Foundation Uganda, and the Infectious Diseases Institute Core Lab, gaining first-hand insight into the partners’ clinical and laboratory capacity.

Dr. Achilles also shared insights into ongoing work in drug discovery and innovative approaches to advancing women’s reproductive and sexual health.

The visit concluded with a joint planning session to identify areas of synergy and define next steps for potential collaboration.

MU-JHU appreciates the continued engagement with the Gates Foundation and its partners and looks forward to strengthening this collaboration.