Erasmus+ mobility: MTM-student Natalia Maure attending an insightful training in Uganda!
MTM student Natalia Maure recently travelled to Uganda to participate in a 1-month field research traineeship with the support of an Erasmus+ mobility grant.
This fieldwork directly feeds into her master thesis, which focuses on the burden of cardiovascular disease risk factors among patients with tuberculosis (TB) in the Karamoja sub-region of Uganda. It will provide experience in applying tropical medicine principles in a public health research project in a high-burden setting.
This field-based research traineeship, conducted in partnership with the NGO CUAMM (Doctors with Africa) and two local hospitals in Uganda, represents a unique opportunity to strengthen and apply the knowledge and interdisciplinary skills Natalia Maure acquired during her academic training at ITM. The traineeship aligns perfectly with the learning objectives of the MSc in Tropical Medicine program and allowed her to carry out research in a real-world, resource-limited setting where tuberculosis remains a major public health challenge.
The first part of the field visit was conducted from 7 August 2025 to 4 September 2025 in the Karamoja region of Uganda, specifically at Moroto Regional Referral Hospital and St. Kizito Hospital Matany. These institutions were strategically selected due to their important role in TB care and their ongoing collaboration with CUAMM.
Beyond its academic value, this research project responds to a pressing global health need—the growing intersection between communicable and non-communicable diseases in low-resource settings.
Through the first set of planned activities, Natalia strengthened her research skills, learned how to operate in contexts different from her own, and better understand how to apply scientific knowledge in practical, real-life situations, in collaboration with local teams. This traineeship experience enriches her master thesis, supports her professional development, and significantly shapes the way she will approach future work in global health—both ethically and effectively.
“My traineeship in Uganda was a transformative experience that allowed me to connect theory with real-life challenges in global health. One of the most challenging and rewarding aspects was setting up my research protocol from scratch, from its design to implementation and the recruitment of the first patients. Working out of my comfort zone and with other cultural habits was also a nice and enriching experience”, Naty says.
Are you also planning to attend a traineeship or course abroad before 31 July 2026 and interested in Erasmus+ student and staff mobility opportunities? Then check the information here on the criteria and application process.
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