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Baylor Foundation Uganda Scores High on DAIDS Laboratory Quality Standards for Conducting HIV/AIDS Research

Baylor Foundation Uganda has scored highly on the Division of AIDS (DAIDS) laboratory quality standards for HIV/AIDS research following a successful laboratory general audit by the Pharmaceutical Product Development (PPD) under the international Thermo Fisher Scientific company. This achievement makes Baylor one of the few trusted laboratories worldwide to be approved by the DAIDS Clinical Laboratory Oversight Team (DCLOT) to conduct high quality inferential research on HIV/AIDS under the HIV Prevention Trials Network (HTPN) and the International Maternal Paediatric Adolescent AIDS Clinical Trials (IMPAACT) network.
This is the second time the DCLOT has contracted PPD under Thermo Fisher Scientific to audit the laboratory following an assessment that approved the laboratory to conduct DAIDS research studies—a major breakthrough for the laboratory. This audit aimed to evaluate its adherence to the DAIDS guidelines for Good Clinical Laboratory Practice (GCLP) standards and identify any opportunity for improvement. The report also stated that the laboratory’s documentation, practices, and record-keeping were exceptional, further demonstrating their commitment to quality. Overall, the audit results reflect positively on Baylor Foundation Uganda’s reputation as a reliable and efficient research facility.
According to Mr. Peter Oballah, the Laboratory Manager, Baylor Foundation Uganda’s commitment to quality assurance has enabled the laboratory to continue contributing valuable data to inferential research studies under IMPAACT and HPTN to advance scientific knowledge and improve patient outcomes. Mr. Oballah also highlighted the importance of ongoing training and collaboration with other research institutions to ensure the laboratory remains at the forefront of scientific advancements. ‘This dedication to excellence has solidified Baylor Foundation Uganda’s reputation as a trusted partner in global health research efforts,’ he said.
“These successful PPD audit results are evidence that our laboratory is consistently meeting and exceeding internationally acceptable health standards for quality and safety, including accuracy and reliability,” Mr. Oballah stated confidently. This recognition further validates our commitment to quality and precision in all aspects of our work. “We are proud to be recognized for our reliability and this achievement should enable Baylor Foundation Uganda to positively influence health policies in Uganda and beyond, ultimately enhancing the lives of children and their families through evidence-based research,” said Dr. Dithan Kiragga, the Executive Director of Baylor Foundation Uganda.