Master's Degree Fellows in Sickle Cell Disease and Related NCDs

Makerere University College of Health Sciences, through the School of Medicine (Department of Paediatrics & Child Health), and Busitema University Faculty of Health Sciences are recipients of a five-year Training Research Grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The objective of the grant is to enhance national capacity for high quality research and health systems development in Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) and related Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) across the lifespan.

About the programme The project is now soliciting applications for four (4) Master's degree support opportunities in SCD and related NCDs. The support is intended to enable Master's students to complete research embedded within the programme's ongoing work at Makerere University, thereby strengthening the next generation of researchers and clinicians working on sickle cell disease and related non-communicable conditions.

Eligibility and selection criteria 1. Applicants should be on a Master's programme for at least one (1) year and should be on normal progress. 2. Eligible study areas include Clinical Medicine (Paediatrics, Internal Medicine, Psychiatry, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Surgery), Education, Social Sciences and Public Health. 3. Students who can nest their study within an ongoing prospective study that follows up patients with SCD are encouraged to apply.

What the fellowship offers Successful candidates receive support to carry out their Master's research within the NIH-funded programme, gaining mentorship, structured research training and access to ongoing patient cohorts and datasets related to SCD and related NCDs. The programme is part of a broader effort to build sustainable research capacity across the lifespan, from screening and early diagnosis through to long-term care and health systems development. Fellows contribute directly to locally generated evidence that can improve the care and outcomes of people living with sickle cell disease in Uganda.

Why apply Sickle cell disease is one of the most common inherited blood disorders in sub-Saharan Africa, yet research capacity and health systems support for affected people remain limited. Through this Master's support, successful candidates have the chance to contribute to the evidence base on SCD and related NCDs while completing their degree requirements. The programme provides a structured pathway into research careers, with mentorship from experienced investigators and the opportunity to work within an active NIH-funded research environment.

How to apply Interested students should review the attached advert (the EnRICH Masters Poster) for details on required application documents and submission procedures. Applicants are encouraged to share the call with their networks so that suitably qualified students can apply.

Deadline Applications must be received by 20th April 2025.

About the institutions Makerere University College of Health Sciences (MakCHS), based on Mulago Hill in Kampala, is Uganda's premier institution for health professions education and research. Busitema University Faculty of Health Sciences is a partner in this initiative. Together they are working to expand the national workforce of researchers capable of addressing the burden of SCD and related NCDs across the country and beyond.