Epicentre Research Department - Epidemiology Information

The Research Department at Epicentre conducts research and supports MSF’s goal of proving medical aid in areas where people are affected by conflict, epidemics, disasters, or have poor or non-existent access to health care. The Research Department defines priorities for action, investigates epidemics, supports innovation, and advocates for access to efficient and quality medical care. Experienced staff at Epicentre work in various fields such as investigation, statistics, modelling, coordination, data management, pharmacology and laboratory sciences, administration, research, and medicine among others. Altogether, a team of 200 staff members conducts projects primarily in Africa, the Middle East and Asia. The Research Centre in Mbarara, Uganda, conducts health related research aimed at influencing policy globally and relevant to Africa and Uganda in particular. Close collaborations with the Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST), the Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital, the Ministry of Health and other partners further these goals and foster critical community engagement. The center is also actively engaged in teaching at the MUST Department of Medicine. Research Centre staff contribute to teaching research methods, supervising, and mentoring students. In addition, laboratory staff contribute to Bachelors and Master’s courses in microbiology, molecular biology, and medical laboratory sciences. The Research Centre in Maradi, Niger, was created in the aftermath of the 2005 nutritional crisis and conducts various work: medical care, laboratory, data management, and coordination. In addition to supporting the Ministry of Health, MSF, and other NGOs in response to outbreaks and nutritional crises, innovative research studies are also conducted in Maradi and throughout the country. The research center is equipped with a laboratory on the grounds of the hospital, where bacteriology, serology, and other routine analyses are performed to support research.