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Ongoing Projects

Rift Valley Fever

One important research activity of CHRDCUC is determining the immunogenicity and effectiveness of vaccines in real world situations. Rift Valley Fever virus causes a severe hemorrhagic disease in cattle and is transmitted through the bite of infected mosquitoes. Humans may also be infected by RVFv if they come in contact with bodily fluids from infected cows or infected tissue of infected animals causing mild to severe symptoms and even death. Current vaccines on the market for RVFv rarely determine real world effectiveness. CHRDCUC in partnership with WHO and the Rwandan Agricultural Board are in the process of determining vaccine effectiveness Rift Valle Fever vaccines in rural cattle farms in Rwanda. The studies are in the second year of a multi-year program. The results currently suggest commercial vaccines are less effective than previously thought, leaving room for innovative approaches to building a new more effective vaccine.

Monkeypox

Monkey pox is  spreading in at an alarming rate in central Africa. Hard hit countries like the Democratic Republic of the Congo have seen the emergence of novel strains of Monkey pox virus over the past three years. Two of these strains have now become global problems. CHRDCUC’s has been active in partnering with Africa agencies including the iNRB in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Rwanda Agricultural Board in Rwanda, the Rwanda Development Board in Rwanda, the Center for Natural Sciences in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and many hospitals in Rwanda and the DRC to provide contract research to on the ground organizations as well as logistical support and consulting in developing strategies for conducting focussed research to develop vaccines and antiviral therapeutics.

Education

Education is an important public health tool for bringing knowledge of emerging infectious diseases such as Monkey pox and Marburg fever. Patricia Kelvin, a research assistant with CHRDCUC, is working with primary schools, community leaders, and patients in hospitals in Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo to teach awareness and hygienic practices to limit the spread of Monkey pox virus, Marburg virus, COVID-19, and HIV. As food insecurity is a risk factor for developing infectious diseases in developing countries and underserved communities CHRDCUC also provides food programs in communities and hospitals located in epidemic zones of emerging infectious diseases.

CHR

UCDC

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