Project at a Glance
Senior Fellow
Prof. Peter Olupot-Olupot
MB.ChB, MPH, PhD, SRF, FUNAS, FRCP
2023
FRCP(London)
2022
Clinical Adjunct Professor – University of Wisconsin – Madison USA
2021
Visiting Professor – The Open University, UK
2019
Professor Busitema University – Uganda
2019
Clinical Adjunct Associate Professor – University of Wisconsin – USA
2018
Fellow of the Uganda National Academy of sciences (FUNAS)
2011
Associate Professor, Busitema University – Uganda
2011
Senior Lecturer, Busitema University – Uganda
2011
Honorary Research Associate, University of Liverpool – UK
2015
Honorary Clinical Senior Lecturer Imperial College – London, UK
2013
Lecturer , Busitema University – Uganda
Grant Acronym
MEPIE Study
Duration
72 months
Participants
Mbale Regional Referral Hospital (MRRH), Uganda
Action Title
Strengthening Malaria Epidemiological, Pathophysiological and Intervention Studies in High Endemic Eastern Uganda - MEPIE Study
Grant number
TMA2016SF-1514
REC Approval No.
MRRHREC-OUT003/2019
UNCST Approval No.
HS2555
Reigstered as
ISRCTN84974248
CTA No.
CTA0166
About the Senior Fellow
Bio sketch: Professor Peter Olupot-Olupot
Professor Peter Olupot-Olupot is a qualified Medical Doctor, holder of an MB.ChB, Master of Public Health (MPH) and PhD. He is a Fellow of the Uganda National Academy of Sciences (FUNAS) and a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians, London (FRCP). In addition, he is a Research Associate with Liverpool University in the UK, and an EDCTP Senior Research Fellow. He is a Visiting Professor at The Open University, Walton Hall, Kents Hill, Milton Keynes MK7 6AA, UK and a Clinical Adjunct Professor at University of Wisconsin, Madison, USA. His work experience includes 25 years of clinical work with nested clinical academic career spaning16 years. He is a Professor of Clinical and Infectious Disease Epidemiology at Busitema University. He was Head of Department of Public Health and Associate Dean at this University from 2013 - 2018. He has supervised over 30 Pre-masters interns, 22 completed masters and 6 PhDs. He is also the founding Executive Director of a Wellcome Trust supported Mbale Clinical Research Institute in Eastern Uganda. Through this institute, he advances multi-and-interdisciplinary epidemiological and applied research in infectious diseases and critical care medicine. Integrated in his research are community engagement and networking activities that have made outputs of his research relevant through Public–Patient Involvement.
His research impact on clinical epidemiology and infectious disease is recognised locally and internationally. He has published over 160 research works, of which 108 are indexed in PUBMED including 5 in the New England Journal of Medicine [ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=Olupot-Olupot]. He is involved in dynamic infectious disease networks in Africa, Southeast Asia and Europe.
In the last decade, his work on infectious diseases has advanced understanding in malaria, blackwater Fever (BWF), pneumonia, meningitis, tuberculosis, HIV and COVID-19, among others. These have covered epidemiology and treatment in resource limited settings. Moreover, he has participated in critical care research including fluid management and blood transfusion. Among the genetic conditions he is researching on are sickle cell disease, thalassemia and G6PD deficiency.
Professionally, Olupot-Olupot is registered with the Uganda Medical and Dental Practitioners Council (UMDPC) and is a member of professional medical associations/societies including the Uganda Medical Association (UMA).
Summary
The World Health Organization’s (WHO) 2020 World Malaria Report highlighted an increase in malaria cases from 227 million in 2019 to 241 million in 2020 across 85 endemic countries
In Sub-Saharan Africa, Plasmodium falciparum malaria is the deadliest form, spread by mosquito bites. It causes common flu like symptoms such as fevers, headache, and chills. In about one in ten patients with malaria it causes severe symptoms that can quickly lead to body organ failure and death, especially in children and pregnant women. This form of malaria also causes epidemics.
Despite being a frequent cause illness, hospital admissions and deaths, there were few data on severe Plasmodium falciparum malaria in Eastern Uganda before this study. The MEPIE Study aimed to improve malaria research by focusing on the disease determinants and distribution, disease mechanisms, and intervention strategies, while also training junior researchers. Over six years, the project advanced understanding of malaria patterns, disease mechanisms, and tested paracetamol as a treatment for acute kidney injury (AKI) in malaria patients.
The study was conducted in phases. Initially, we did a surveillance of severe malaria cases, leading to the largest series of such cases ever studied in the region, with 1378 participants. This included pioneering research on AKI in children with severe malaria in the region. Further, the study explored the abnormalities in the body function due to malaria presenting with dark urine scientifically called haemoglobinuric malaria. This aspect built on previous research gaps that the senior fellow identified during his PhD Study. The study also tested the safety and effectiveness of paracetamol in treating AKI in children with severe malaria, that has now shown promising early results.
In addition to research, the project focused on training, initially aiming to train two junior researchers but successfully training a total of nine. These fellows are now engaged in research in Eastern Uganda, showcasing the project’s success in capacity building and retention of trained personnel. The study also fostered significant networking with local and international institutions, enhancing collaboration and support for ongoing malaria research.
Overview of exploitation of results and outputs:
The Malaria Epidemiological studies in Eastern Uganda, notably the MEPIE study, offer key exploitation avenues to enhance public health, policy, academia, and clinical practice. Opportunities include informing malaria control policies, targeted health education campaigns, and improved hospital diagnostic protocols. Updated treatment guidelines for children, further research, and academic collaborations are crucial.
Community outreach, stakeholder workshops, and technological advancements like telemedicine and mHealth can boost early diagnosis and treatment. Training programs and fellowships will build capacity, while strategic grants and efficient resource distribution will enhance healthcare infrastructure. Disseminating findings through publications and conferences will share knowledge globally and foster collaborations.
Mentorship of PHD Fellows by the Senior Fellow.
Research Training of Staff.
Further Malaria Research Training in Eastern and Northern Uganda.
Training of Malaria Research Team.
A description of the work performed during the action:
This Senior Fellowship was implemented using several approaches systematically delivered to address each project specific objective.
Overview of work done during the action:
- The project employed a “Target-Indicator-Activity” framework with clear milestones focused on malaria epidemiology, pathophysiology, and trialling paracetamol for AKI. In addition, the fellowship sought to build research capacity by providing hands-on training and mentorship to nine master’s students in malaria research. This has resulted in a vibrant research team in Eastern Uganda.
- The research project was conducted in three arms: malaria epidemiology, pathophysiology of AKI in childhood severe malaria, and a nested clinical trial (PARIST) on the feasibility of using paracetamol to alleviate AKI in children with severe malaria. Each of these study areas served as practicum training for the master’s students (Junior Fellows) involved. By training master’s students and conducting hands-on research, the project has achieved a skilled research team that is advancing valuable insights for enhancing malaria control and management strategies in the region and country at large.
- Part of the data have been published and disseminated as follows: five key papers covering various aspects of malaria research, including epidemiology, pathophysiology, and outcomes of severe malaria. In addition, a protocol paper on a clinical trial of paracetamol has been published
Study Metrics
1378
Participants were studed
250
Pathophysiology of Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) in childhood severe malaria study participants.
40
Phase I/II clinical trial (PARIST) study participants.
Meet the The Fellows
Two Junior Fellows were fully sponsored and trained under this grant
Dr. Cate Namayanja
Dr. George Paasi
In addition, this Fellowship also supported 7 other junior fellows through their master’s studies. These include:
- Dr. Emma Egiru Isaiah Eregu
- Dr. William Okiror
- Dr. Okalebo Benard Charles
- Dr. Ronald Oker
- Dr. Ketty Naizuli
- Mr. Ocen Emmanuel
- Mr. Kabaka Mumali Richard
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