UB's medical knowledge extends far beyond the boundaries of its three campuses. Two pharmacy professors are working to bring that knowledge to an area where it is badly needed: Africa.
According to Morse, in June 2002, Maponga became involved as a member of the National Emergency Task on Antiretrovirals in Zimbabwe. NETA is responsible for operationalizing the emergency HIV/AIDS situation that the government declared in order to promote access to generic antiretroviral drugs.
In October of 2002, Maponga became the technical advisor for the Meta-Operational Project on Comprehensive HIV Care in the Chitungwiza City Health Department sponsored by U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
'The project involves the development of [a] community-based adherence support program using lay community volunteers,' Morse said.
Between 2003 and 2006, UB was granted a supplement award allowing it to work with trainees and collaborate with the University of California-Berkley on the AIDS International Training and Research Program.
Morse is excited about the success of the Zimbabwe projects so far.
'[The program has been] very successful, ultimately leading up to the NIH recognition by funding the [AIDS International Training and Research Program] award,' Morse said.
In the past year, Morse visited the University of Zimbabwe for the AITRP start-up program to meet students and faculty and visit HIV treatment centers.
Morse looks forward to future improvements in HIV treatment in Zimbabwe.
'We hope to achieve a critical mass of clinical researchers at the University of Zimbabwe leading to a Center of Excellence in Harare,' Morse said. 'This center would then become a regional resource for other countries in the southern Africa region, as their need is great, also.'
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Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
