Regions
Regions
SEARCH SAPPHIRE is currently active in two regions through East Africa. The region straddles the equator and has a tropical climate. Although there are a few large cities in the region, most of the people live in rural areas. Eastern Africa is the second most HIV/AIDS effected region of the world after Southern Africa, with HIV prevalence amongst adults is estimated to be 5.9% in Uganda, 4.5% in Kenya, and 4.8 % in Tanzania (UNAIDS). Although prevalence has been going down over time in the region, new areas of concern with regards to infection among the most-at-risk populations are emerging (UNICEF). Additionally, the effects of the epidemic have the left region with an estimate of over 3.2 million children orphaned due to HIV/AIDS.
Due to the multi-faceted and evolutionary approach to treatment that SEARCH takes and the focus on community outcomes such as education and wealth, the SEARCH model has great promise to become a new healthcare model for the region, African continent and entire developing world.
SAPPHIRE
WESTERN UGANDA
SEARCH SAPPHIRE launched Phase A in Western Uganda on April 15th, 2021 and Phase B on May 15, 2023 . The six Phase A communities in the Western region enrolled were served by the following government Health Centers: Bwizibwera, Kitagata, Itojo, Kabwohe, Bushenyi, and Ndeija. The seven Phase B communities in the Western Region are served by the following government health centers: Kigarama, Kinoni, Kebisoni, Kyazanga, Ishongororo, Mpumudde, and Kikyenkye
Local Leadership: Jane Kabami, Investigator and Project Manager, Dr. Elijah Kakande, Investigator, Dr. Florence Mwangwa; Investigator; Dr. Bridget Nzarubara Regulatory Manager; Geoff Lavoy, Data Manager; Dr. Asiphas Owaraganise, Treatment Coordinator; Dr.Helen Sunday, Prevention Coordinator; Helen Nakato, Laboratory Coordinator
SAPPHIRE
WESTERN KENYA
SEARCH SAPPHIRE launched Phase A in Western Kenya on May 12, 2021 and Phase B on March 28, 2023. The six Phase A communities in the Western region enrolled were served by the following Government Health Centers: Sena, Yokia, Sibuoche, Magunga, Oyani, Ogongo. The eight Phase B communities in the Western Region are served by the following health centers: Kitare, Kisegi, Ponge/Obalwanda, Uriri, Tom Mboya, Nyandiwa, Lambwe, and Othoro.
Local Leadership: Dr. James Ayieko, Investigator and Project Manager; Dr. Colette Aoko, Project Coordinator; George Ageng'o; Community Lead; Fred Opel, Treatment Coordinator; Roseline Omollo, Regulatory Coordinator; Fred Bosire, IT Coordinator; Moses Akuno, Laboratory Coordinator; Erick Wafula, Programmer
SEARCH 1.0
WESTERN UGANDA
SEARCH held its first Community Health Campaign (CHC) in southwest Uganda on June 5th, 2013 and culminated in 2020. The ten communities in the Western region enrolled in SEARCH were served by the following government Health Centers: Nsiika, Bugamba, Rugazi, Mitooma, Kitwe, Rubaare, Rwashamaire, Ruhoko, Kazo and Nyamuyania.
Local Leadership: Dalsone Kwarisiima, Project Manager; Jane Kabami, Project Coordinator; Dr. Asiphas Owaraganise, Clinical Operations Coordinator; Hellen Nakato, Laboratory Coordinator
SEARCH 1.0
EASTERN UGANDA
The first CHC in the Eastern region of Uganda took place on October 14, 2013 and ended in 2020. The ten communities in the Eastern region enrolled in SEARCH were served by the following government Health Centers: Nsinze, Nankoma, Kiyunga, Kamuge, Buguno, Muyembe, Merikit, Kiyeyi, Kameke and Kadama.
Local Leadership: Dalsone Kwarisiima, Project Manager; Dr. Mucunguzi Atukunda, Project Coordinator; Irene Odongo, Field Coordinator; Sam Okiror, Laboratory Coordinator
SEARCH 1.0
KENYA
The first CHC in Kenya took place on September 9th, 2013 and culminated in 2020. There were twelve communities in two regions in Kenya, Suba and Rongo, enrolled in SEARCH that were served by the following Health Centers: Nyatoto, Nyamrisra, Ogongo, Kitare, Magunga, Kisegi, Tom Mboya, Sena, Ongo, Othoro, Sibouche, Bware.
Local Leadership: Norton Sang, Study Manager; Dr. James Ayieko, Clinical Operations Director; Kevin Kadede, Project Coordinator; Bernard Awuonda, Laboratory Manager
PILOTS
KAKYERERE PARISH
From 2011-2014, Kakyerere Parish served as a community in which initiatives crucial to the SEARCH study were developed and pilot tested, including a community health campaign (CHC) in May 2011 (CHC-1), followed by a CHC-2 in May 2012, and the EARLI study (initiated in 2011). During the first week of April 2014, the Kakyerere community had a third CHC (CHC-3), which included many new initiatives, distinct from the ongoing SEARCH cluster-randomized control trial, such as dermatological and ocular testing, acute HIV testing and Afropad distribution.
