Gulu University Lecturer in Ground Breaking Research For New Drug Discovery

So dedicated and passionate about teaching, Dr Amos Nyathirombo, an ophthalmologist, an academician, a researcher and dedicated lecturer of Ophthalmology at Gulu University faculty of medicine, has contributed to world’s biggest dream of better health. He is a graduate of Makerere University School of Medicine and also holds a Masters Degree in Ophthalmology.

His contribution to eye care is so tremendous and unmatchable. He has (and is) trained thousands of students including undergraduates and masters students in ophthalmology.  The recent groundbreaking research in the discovery of new drug-Moxidectin, tells you that for him, the sky is no longer the limit. The new drug is for treatment of river blindness. River blindness (Onchocerciasis) is a parasitic disease caused by a filarial worm, Onchocerca volvulus, transmitted by biting black fly (especially species Simulium damnosun) which breed in the fast flowing rivers, hence the name River Blindness. It’s common in sub-Sahara, including Uganda.

Over the years, treatments for this illness, have been evolving. Traditional treatments like suramin and Diethylcarbamazine(DEC), were used although these treatments are no longer used due to their unpleasant effects. The market has only had Ivermectin, as the available option before this new discovery.

The approval of the new Drug-Moxidectin, by United States (US) Food and drug authority (FDA), gives a sigh of relief to health workers and patients with wide range of drug choices to use and better patient care.

Dr Nyathirombo supervises research projects of different students and also, has conducted and published a number of researches including a research on; Traditional eye health practices in Atyak Subcounty, Nebbi district-Uganda. His contribution in the discovery of this new drug is a big message to the world that Ugandans are on the rise and barely a month when another Ugandan, Brian Gitta, won the African Prize for Engineering innovation in testing for malaria without drawing blood.