AMPATH Research Network

Under the direction of Kara Wools-Kaloustian, MD, and Winstone Nyandiko, MBChB, the AMPATH Research Network seeks to improve the health of the Kenyan population through the identification, development and dissemination of relevant and timely information on health and health care systems for use by decision-makers in medical care, public health and public policy in Kenya and other resource-constrained areas of the world.

The program’s vision is to foster a vibrant, world-class community of international researchers in health care while upholding the values of service with humility; a spirit of collaboration and partnership; integrity in relationships, mutual respect and mutual benefit in organizational partnerships with a focus on efforts to eliminate health disparities within vulnerable populations.

Robust Research Infrastructure

The AMPATH Research Network includes more than 100 active studies and a network of collaborators from 20 institutions in North America, Europe and East Africa. There is a robust infrastructure for research including a system of peer research development groups to assist in mentoring new investigators and developing new research, an ISO-accredited laboratory, an IRB, a research and sponsored-projects office, and cores in biostatistics, data management, informatics and bioethics.

112

million dollars in cumulative awards

140

funded projects

550

peer-reviewed journal articles

Since 1998, the AMPATH program has attracted more than $112 million in sponsor support and produced more than 550 peer-reviewed journal articles in high-caliber peer-reviewed journals, including the Lancet, the New England Journal of Medicine, JAIDS, and JGIM. While AMPATH research is supported by a diverse community of sponsors (including the CDC, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and USAID), more than 70 percent of total financial support comes from National Institutes of Health (NIH) research and training grants awarded to IU School of Medicine. The network continues to lead the quest for insight to persistent public health issues globally.

Strategic Priorities

Among the AMPATH research program’s strategic priorities is addressing the shifting burden of disease and disability. While the AMPATH Research Network started with a focus on HIV/AIDS research, the program has expanded its focus to include population health, preventative care and non-communicable disease, mental health, alcohol abuse and cancer – all of which are growing challenges in sub-Saharan Africa. Other strategic priorities include bridging the training gap in implementation research, developing human capital to meet global health challenges, fostering a sustainable research environment, and building strategic alliances and partnerships in global health research and training.

Publications and Reports

AMPATH researchers have published hundreds of articles in peer-reviewed journals to inform health policy in Kenya, strengthen AMPATH’s clinical care programs and contribute to other global health research initiatives.

Contacts

For medical students and residents interested in participating in research supported by the AMPATH Research Network as well as health care professionals looking for more information about the AMPATH program, contacts are available in both Kenya and the United States.

Policies

Members of the AMPATH Research Network adhere to a set of standard operating policies and procedures for conducting research in Kenya through the AMPATH program, including grant and project development and project implementation.

Program Structure

Under the leadership of the co-directors for research, the program structure of AMPATH consists of four field co-directors of research and the Research Program Office to provide technical and administrative support to research partners. In addition, ten research working groups in specialized areas of medicine and six cores focused on critical research infrastructure to oversee the development of research studies in the AMPATH catchment area.