The Interdisciplinary Consortium for Epidemics Research (ICER) convened a high-level breakfast stakeholder meeting at Protea Hotel, Kampala, bringing together leading researchers, policymakers, clinicians, public health experts, development partners and leaders of institutions to strengthen interdisciplinary collaboration in epidemic preparedness and response across Uganda and the wider region.

The meeting, held on Monday, 23rd March 2026, was presided over by Uganda’s Minister of Health Hon Dr Jane Ruth Aceng Ocero, and focused on advancing coordinated epidemic research systems capable of supporting rapid outbreak detection, containment, clinical management and evidence-based policy formulation.

The ICER leadership team presented the consortium’s strategic vision, institutional partnerships, ongoing research portfolio and long-term goals aimed at strengthening epidemic research infrastructure in low- and middle-income countries.

ICER reiterated its vision of positioning research as an integral component of epidemic preparedness and response, emphasizing the need for rapid generation and dissemination of scientific evidence before, during and after infectious disease outbreaks.

Several strategic themes emerged during the discussions, including the urgent need to strengthen national and regional surveillance systems capable of detecting outbreaks at an early stage before widespread transmission occurs. Participants emphasized the value of integrating real-time clinical and epidemiological data into research systems to improve evidence-based decision-making and patient care outcomes.

A major focus was also placed on community engagement and trust-building, with participants acknowledging that effective epidemic response requires meaningful involvement of local communities in research implementation, risk communication, and public health interventions.

As emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases continue to pose significant threats globally, ICER reaffirmed its commitment to fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, strengthening outbreak research systems and supporting evidence-driven epidemic response mechanisms across Uganda and Africa. The Protea Hotel stakeholder breakfast meeting marked another important step toward building stronger partnerships, enhancing research coordination, and advancing a collective vision of a world better prepared to prevent and respond to epidemic threats.