A distinguishing characteristic and highlight of the CWRU CFAR is the strong emphasis it places on international biomedical research, with a particular focus on developing countries. The longstanding 25+ year research relationship between CWRU, primarily represented by the CWRU CFAR and the CWRU TBRU, the government of Uganda and Makerere University has led to the development of an extensive research infrastructure in Uganda.
CWRU was one of the first US academic institutions to integrate a research approach involving teaching, training, and employment. Currently over 200 Ugandan scientists and health care professionals are actively involved in our collaborative programs.
A major limitation to new initiatives in the developing world is the lack of state-of-the-art laboratory facilities on site. The Case CFAR has fostered seminal studies on TB and HIV/AIDS by providing a state-of-the-art laboratories and facilities for clinical virology and molecular biology in Uganda. All the research laboratories Virology/Molecular Biology, Immunology, Mycobacterial, and STD laboratories are directed on site by Ugandans, all of whom have received advanced degrees from CWRU through the Fogarty AIDS Training Program.
The specific objectives of the Uganda Laboratory Core
To provide comprehensive laboratory services to facilitate HIV/AIDS-related research projects of CFAR investigators
To advertise these services, process requests, and coordinate research-based assays through the Uganda Laboratory Core
To provide a mechanism for training of Ugandan scientists in collaboration with CWRU and Fogarty AIDS Training Grant