Institute of Global Health Equity Research

Transform data into global impact

At the forefront of global health, the Institute of Global Health Equity Research (IGHER) conducts innovative research to tackle the root causes of health disparities. By bridging research and practice, it ensures health interventions are effective, equitable, and accessible—especially for underserved populations.

IGHER is dedicated to advancing global health equity by harnessing the power of rigorous, multidisciplinary research and fostering an environment of academic excellence. The Iinstitute's mission is to bridge the gap between research and practice, ensuring that health interventions are not only effective but also equitable and accessible to all populations, particularly those who are underrepresented and underserved.

What We Do

Training and capacity building

IGHER will cultivate a robust ecosystem of research training and consulting across UGHE and the region. Through tiered programs—ranging from foundational research certificates to advanced fellowships and mentorship— IGHER will equip students, junior faculty, and regional scholars with the skills to generate and apply transformative knowledge. IGHER will provide a full range of statistical consulting and training services to individuals and groups in need of dedicated short- and long-term support.

Advancing clinical and translational research

IGHER will expand Rwanda’s clinical research capacity by launching national research projects, establishing a fully operational Clinical Trials Unit, and developing one of Africa’s most forward-looking biobanks and advanced laboratory. These platforms will address critical areas such as cancer, mental health, trauma, and infectious and non-communicable diseases.

Leading population health and community-based research

Through Rwanda’s first Human Development and Demographic Surveillance Site (HD2SS), IGHER will conduct longitudinal, community-driven research on the social determinants of health. The HD2SS will also serve as a living lab for students, enabling research and policy rooted in community realities.

Advancing palliative and supportive care research

Recognizing the unmet need for dignified, holistic care, IGHER will lead efforts to design, test, and scale community-based and hospital-based palliative care models. Research will focus on stigma reduction, training health workers, and informing national policy frameworks that integrate palliative care as a right—not a luxury.

Research Projects

RADIC: Rehabilitation for all through Digital Innovation and Competencies (2023-2026)

Strengthening Modelling and Analytics Capacity and Ecosystem for Womens’ Health Project: (2023-2026)

Gestational diabetes and dyslipidemia in the Rwandan birth cohort – collaboration with Leipzig university department of epidemiology 2023 – 2024

Effects of maternal nutrition during pregnancy on perinatal and child nutritional outcomes in Rwanda; a birth cohort study 2022-26.

Healthy Aging, 2024-2026

Dietary Changes for Hyperglycemia in Type 2 Diabetes, 2024-2025

Clinical trials: UGHE is collaborating with the Center for Family Health Research (CFHR) to implement the HOPE II (HPV One and two dose Population Effectiveness) Study

Research Training

Intermediate operational research training (IORT) (Annually)
Mathematical modeling
Precision medicine
Implementation sciences
Research methods and Proposal writing
Clinical trial
Study design and advanced data analysis
Scientific writing

Research Events

Journal Club (Monthly)

Research Day Event (Annually)

FAQs

1. Why is research important in addressing Global health indicators?

Research is critical for addressing Global Health Indicators. Research can help identify what the most appropriate and suitable indicators are in different contexts. Research is also essential for both systematically improving global health performance according to established indicators as well as being able to demonstrate through sound documented evidence what that improvement is.

2. What benefit is research to busy clinicians who are already under-resourced?

Research can provide essential information for working both more effectively and also more efficiently. Recipients of healthcare services have a right to expect the highest quality, most appropriate healthcare for the condition and the goals, preferences, and priorities they have.

3. Why isn't research having a greater impact?

Unfortunately, it appears to be the case that research impact is often not a high priority. Much greater emphasis needs to be given to research impact from the very earliest stages of research planning. Clinicians and other intended beneficiaries of the results of the research can provide invaluable insights and information into how research impact can be maximized.

Contact Us

Send an email to Prof. Daniel Seifu, the Director of the Institute, at dseifu@ughe.org for any research related inquiries.

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Institute of Global Health Equity Research