WALIMU, in collaboration with research partners, is advancing efforts to improve tuberculosis (TB) diagnosis in Uganda through the DOCK-TB Study, a research initiative designed to evaluate the use of Mini-Dock diagnostic technology in healthcare settings.
The study will be implemented across 40 health facilities in Uganda’s West Nile, Lango, and Central regions, contributing to ongoing efforts to strengthen TB detection and improve access to diagnostic services.
Advancing Tuberculosis Diagnosis Through Innovation
Tuberculosis remains a significant public health challenge in Uganda, highlighting the need for accessible, timely, and reliable diagnostic solutions.
The DOCK-TB Study seeks to generate evidence on the use of Mini-Dock technology for TB diagnosis in routine healthcare settings. By evaluating this diagnostic approach alongside conventional microscopy, the study will provide insights into its potential role in strengthening TB diagnostic services.
The research will involve 40 participating study sites, divided into two groups:
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Intervention sites: Health facilities where Mini-Dock technology will be used for tuberculosis diagnosis.
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Comparison sites: Health facilities where conventional microscopy will continue to be used for TB diagnosis.
This comparative approach will enable researchers to assess the performance and practical application of the diagnostic technologies in different healthcare environments.
Implementation Across Three Regions
The study will be conducted in West Nile, Lango, and Central Uganda, covering healthcare facilities serving diverse populations and operating under different service delivery conditions.
By involving facilities across these regions, the research aims to generate evidence that reflects the realities of TB diagnostic services in Uganda.
The findings are expected to inform discussions on how innovative diagnostic technologies could complement existing approaches and support improvements in TB detection and healthcare delivery.
Research Leadership and Collaboration
The DOCK-TB Study brings together experienced researchers and public health professionals with expertise in tuberculosis, clinical research, and health systems.
The study’s Principal Investigators include:
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Dr. Achilles Katamba
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Adithya Cattamanchi
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Henry Luzze
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Ass. Prof. Bruce Kirenga
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Prof. Noah Kiwanuka
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Jonathan Ithudi
The study is supported by the Gates Foundation, reflecting a shared commitment to advancing research and innovation in the fight against tuberculosis.
Generating Evidence for Better Healthcare
Beyond evaluating diagnostic technology, the DOCK-TB Study represents an opportunity to strengthen the evidence base for tuberculosis diagnostic strategies in Uganda.
Through collaboration with participating health facilities and research partners, the study aims to contribute knowledge that can support informed decisions on the adoption and implementation of diagnostic innovations.
The initiative aligns with broader national and global efforts to improve TB case detection, facilitate timely treatment, and reduce the burden of tuberculosis.
Looking Ahead
The launch of the DOCK-TB Study marks an important step in advancing tuberculosis diagnostic research in Uganda.
As implementation progresses across the 40 participating sites, the research team will work with healthcare providers and other stakeholders to generate evidence that can inform future improvements in TB diagnostic services.
Through research, innovation, and collaboration, WALIMU remains committed to supporting evidence-based solutions that strengthen healthcare delivery and improve health outcomes in Uganda.