# Partnership to Develop an Inter-Disciplinary Schistosomiasis Research Training Program in Uganda

## TL;DR

This paper discusses efforts to build a training program for schistosomiasis research in Uganda through partnerships.

## Contribution

The paper identifies key challenges in schistosomiasis research training in Uganda and proposes collaborative partnerships to address them.

## Key findings

- Stakeholder meetings revealed four main challenges in schistosomiasis research training in Uganda.
- Limited infrastructure, low scientific capacity, narrow research scope, and poor community engagement were identified as barriers.
- Partnerships are recommended to strengthen research training in schistosomiasis in resource-limited settings.

## Abstract

The WHO 2021–2030 roadmap for neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) and the 2022 Kigali Declaration urge academic research institutions to unite in combating NTDs, including schistosomiasis, and emphasize the importance of strategic partnerships to free more than 1 billion people who require interventions against NTDs. We conducted stakeholder meetings to understand the landscape of schistosomiasis research training in Uganda and the existing collaborations with research institutions in sub-Saharan Africa, Europe, the United Kingdom, and the United States. In focus group discussions (involving 33 individuals from four institutions), key challenges were summarized into four emerging themes: 1) limited physical infrastructure for schistosomiasis research and training, 2) a low critical mass of scientists with competencies in schistosomiasis research, 3) a limited scope of current schistosomiasis research, and 4) limited advocacy and community engagement for schistosomiasis control. National and international partnerships, as well as partnerships between academics and implementers, should be harnessed to establish a vibrant network for schistosomiasis research training in resource-limited settings where the disease remains endemic.