Our Work Together
EMBLEM — the Epidemiology of Burkitt Lymphoma in East African Children and Minors — was one of the most ambitious programs in SHED's history. The study investigated risk factors for Burkitt lymphoma across East Africa and required coordinated work in Uganda, Tanzania and Kenya. SHED was a core institutional participant in the Tanzanian program. Dr. Esther Kawira served as Principal Investigator for Tanzania, Captain Josiah Magatti served as Study Coordinator, and additional SHED personnel supported administration, data management, field operations and logistics.
Key Projects or Contributions
Executing EMBLEM required far more than recruiting patients. The Tanzanian program had to work through research ethics and national approvals, identify potential Burkitt lymphoma cases across a large region, coordinate with hospitals and clinicians, train personnel, collect standardized information, handle biological samples, maintain laboratory and data systems, organize transportation and communicate continuously with international investigators. SHED's local institutional network made those activities possible.
Why the Partnership Mattered
EMBLEM remains one of the clearest examples of SHED's ability to execute complex partner objectives — taking an international scientific protocol and building the staffing, relationships, logistics and administrative systems required to make that protocol function in the real world. That same implementation capacity is relevant to future research, health and development partners seeking a reliable field institution in northern Tanzania.
