Investigating health risks from environmental contaminants in Mbarara City, Uganda.
Official title: Exposure to Mixtures of Emerging Contaminants in the Environment - Are Communities in Uganda at Health Risk?- A Case Study of Mbarara City.
Funded at Mbarara University/science/ Technology · NIH-11084552 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how pollution in River Rwizi, which provides drinking water for Mbarara City, affects people's health by checking for harmful substances like pesticides and heavy metals, so we can find ways to keep the community safe and healthy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Mbarara University/science/ Technology NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Mbarara, Uganda) |
| Project start | July 27, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $93,940 |
| NIH project number | 5K43TW012594-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11084552 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research include residents of Mbarara City who are exposed to the River Rwizi water source.
✕Less likely to help
Patients living outside of Mbarara City or those not exposed to the River Rwizi water source may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on the impact of pollution in River Rwizi, which serves as the main water source for Mbarara City. It aims to identify and characterize emerging pollutants, such as pesticides and heavy metals, that exceed safe drinking water standards set by the WHO. By analyzing the health risks associated with these contaminants, the study seeks to understand their link to non-communicable diseases (NCDs) affecting the local population. The findings will help develop strategies to mitigate health risks and improve community health outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved public health interventions that reduce the incidence of diseases linked to environmental contaminants.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in identifying health risks associated with environmental pollutants in other regions, indicating that this approach is both relevant and necessary.
Where this research is happening
-
Mbarara University/science/ Technology
Mbarara, Uganda Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Birungi, Grace — Mbarara University/science/ Technology
- Study coordinator: Birungi, Grace
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.