UCL-Uganda-Kenya collaboration to understand and prepare for climate-sensitive disease epidemics

This project builds a regional research network to study climate-driven zoonotic diseases in East Africa using biobank data, genomics, and cross-border collaboration to inform epidemic preparedness.

This project strengthens regional research capacity to understand how climate change influences zoonotic disease dynamics in East Africa. Building on a long-standing UCL-UVRI collaboration and a biobank of over 60,000 samples from humans, animals, and vectors, the team will partner with Kenyan institutions to co-develop research priorities and integrate genomic expertise. Activities include identifying climate-sensitive pathogens, mapping biobank holdings, and designing a multi-year funding proposal.

The project aims to inform epidemic preparedness and health resilience by linking ecological, epidemiological, and genomic data. Outputs include a shared metadata database and a report outlining priority research questions. With direct links to policymakers and community stakeholders, the project will support evidence-based responses to climate-driven health threats and lay the foundation for a major transboundary research initiative.