Emory Project

This work which funded by the General electric (GE) foundation. It involved water supply improvements through: installation of water purification systems, monitoring performance and sustainability of the systems, and education of the health workers and support staff on use and sustainability of quality water supplies in HCF. The water purification system was a three-stage system that included, 1.A pre-filter screen to eliminate large particles, 2.An ultra-membrane filter unit to remove organic matter, bacteria and, 3. Other microorganisms, followed by chlorination using a chlorine dozer.  These systems were manufactured by the General Electric Water Division and the ultrafiltration technology is approved by the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) and United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and they used globally in commercial applications. The work was done in collaboration with: Emory University in…., Centre for Global safe water, Ministry of Health, Care Uganda, and Assist International.

Currently, with funding from the GE foundation and in collaboration with Emory University, Richard is working on a study titled: "Water, sanitation and hygiene related factors associated with Sepsis in neonates reporting at Naguru and Komamboga health facilities in Kampala". Sick neonates reporting in the two HCF during the study period will be screened for signs and symptoms of sepsis. Sick neonates with sepsis signs and symptoms will undergo the routine medical procedure to confirm sepsis and appropriate treatment will be provided. The prevalence and aetiology of sepsis will be determined. Mothers will be interviewed, environmental samples in the HCF and homes will be collected and analysed for E. Coli, Psuedomonas spp, Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella using the IDEXX testing method. Water samples will be analysed for: Total coliforms (TC), Escherichia coli (E. Coli), Psuedomonas spp, Chlorine residual and Turbidity. Observations of WASH practices in HCF will be done as well as interviews with mothers and key informants.

About Dr Richard Mugambe: He holds a PhD in Global Health.  His main area of research is water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) especially in emergencies and institutions such as schools and health care facilities (HCF). His other research interests include food safety and air pollution.

Part of his previous work on WASH in HCF was done in 6 hospitals including: Bundibungyo hospital, Ruharo Mission Hospital, Kisiizi Hospital, Bwindi Community Hospital, Kagando Mission Hospital as well as Kilembe mines hospital.