Rakai Health Sciences Program (RHSP)

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Nestled in the heart of southern Uganda, near the Tanzanian border and Lake Victoria, theRakai Health Sciences Program (RHSP) stands as a global health leader in research, service, and community-centered care. Established in 1988 in a region once considered the epicenter of HIV in Uganda, RHSP has played a pivotal role in understanding and combating the epidemic through landmark studies like the Rakai Community Cohort Study—one of the longest-running and most influential health research projects in Africa. Today, RHSP's influence spans 12 districts in the greater Masaka region, having served over 100,000 individuals with comprehensive health services.

RHSP’s dedication to improving health through research is supported by robust infrastructure, skilled professionals with decades of experience, and strong local and international partnerships. Their work includes community-based studies, mobile clinics, and training programs that have helped cultivate a new generation of health professionals. With an unwavering focus on public health equity and evidence-based interventions, RHSP is an ideal site for students seeking meaningful engagement in applied global health.

Student Opportunities at RHSP:

  1. Assist with data collection and analysis in long-term cohort studies

  2. Support administrative tasks in health program planning and logistics

  3. Join mobile clinics providing general healthcare in rural communities

  4. Observe HIV counseling, screening, and treatment initiatives

  5. Contribute to gender-based violence prevention and counseling efforts

  6. Learn from mentorship under seasoned Ugandan and international researchers

  7. Participate in community engagement and mobilization strategies

  8. Explore opportunities for collaborative research with Western faculty and beyond