The year was 2001, and Uganda was in the throes of the global HIV/AIDS epidemic. A team of passionate scientists from North America and Uganda under the Academic Alliance for AIDS Care and Prevention in Africa came together to confront this pressing health crisis. They envisioned a future where their research, training, and care could make a real impact. And so, IDI was born.

In 2002, their vision became a reality as IDI was officially incorporated as a non-profit organisation with initial support from Pfizer. This marked a significant transition as they separated from the Pangaea Global AIDS Foundation to become fully owned by Makerere University. This strategic partnership with one of Africa’s leading academic institutions allowed IDI to bridge the gap between research and healthcare outcomes.

Since then, IDI has grown into a major player in African health. While its original focus was on HIV/AIDS, the organisation has expanded its efforts to strengthen public health systems across the continent. Through data-driven interventions and partnerships with local communities, IDI works to detect and respond quickly and effectively to disease threats and outbreaks.

With six core programmes focused on prevention, care and treatment, training and capacity development, research, laboratory services, health systems strengthening, and global health security, IDI’s impact has grown significantly. Today, IDI operates in 92% of Uganda’s districts and has established collaborations with 23 African countries and nine other nations worldwide. Despite this growth and expertise, our commitment to excellence remains steadfast. We continue searching for new ways to limit the impact of infectious diseases and enhance health systems across Africa.

Until no community is left vulnerable to infectious diseases, we are IDI—here until infectious diseases are not.