Role: Editorial Board Member of BMC Infectious Diseases Journal.
My work focuses on utilizing DNA sequencing technologies and computational tools for pathogen detection, characterization, and antimicrobial resistance surveillance, aligning with the WHO's Sustainable Development Goal 3.
Blog Link: Read Here
This study, funded under the EDCTP Career Development Fellow, enrolled 144 HIV-infected children presenting with NMFI at the Baylor Children’s Clinic in Uganda.
Newsletter Link: Read Here
Focus: Enhancing Antiretroviral Treatment Monitoring and Public Health Outcomes This blog discusses the integration of Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) into HIV drug resistance testing, highlighting its superior sensitivity in detecting resistance mutations enabling timely adjustments to antiretroviral therapy.
Blog Link: Read Here
Date: December 12, 2024
The WHO hosted a webinar on pathogen genomics for managing cholera outbreaks. Key topics included:
Webinar Presentation: Pathogen Genomics in Health Emergencies: Spotlight Cholera
Details: WHO EPI-WIN Webinar
Event: PHA4GE Conference 2023
Date: October 30 - November 1, 2023
Location: Cavalli Estate, Cape Town, South Africa
The conference explored topics related to public health and genomics.
Conference Presentation: Africa Pathogen Data Management & Exchange Platform
AFROSCREEN’s Webinar Presentation: Watch Here
The interview emphasizes the critical role of genomics in understanding and combating the COVID-19 pandemic. It highlights how genomic sequencing has enabled rapid identification of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, facilitating the development of diagnostic tests and vaccines. The piece also discusses the importance of global collaboration in genomic surveillance to monitor viral mutations and prepare for future pandemics.
Q & A Link: Watch Here
The presentation showcases the power of genomics in the fight against COVID-19 and discusses how genomic sequencing has been pivotal in identifying SARS-CoV-2 variants, understanding transmission patterns, and informing public health interventions. Experts highlight the importance of global collaboration and data sharing to monitor viral mutations and develop effective vaccines. The presentation underscores the need for continued investment in genomic surveillance to manage the current pandemic and prepare for future outbreaks.
Presentation Link: Watch Here
A study conducted at Mulago National Referral Hospital in Uganda from 2014 to 2018 revealed a significant increase in antimicrobial resistance (AMR) among patients in surgical wards. Resistance levels to commonly used antibiotics, including penicillins, cephalosporins, and carbapenems, escalated dramatically during this period. The findings underscore the urgent need to enhance infection prevention and control practices, implement robust antibiotic stewardship programs, and strengthen laboratory capacities to provide timely culture and sensitivity testing.
Dissemination of AMR Policy brief: Watch Here
Summary of AMR Policy brief: Read Here
The MĂ©rieux Foundation and the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) co-hosted a two-hour webinar on September 15, 2021, at 3 PM (CET), focusing on strengthening laboratory capacity for genomic sequencing in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).
Q & A Link: Watch Here
My science journey has been driven by curiosity, persistence, and a willingness to learn from both successes and failures. I have built a strong foundation by seeking mentorship, collaborating on research, and embracing new opportunities. By staying adaptable and continuously refining my skills, I strive to make meaningful contributions and establish myself in the scientific community.
Webinar Presentation: Watch Here
Research Topic:
Identifying host-genetic factors influencing the progression of HIV disease in Ugandan and Botswana pediatric populations. Funding: Collaborative African Genomics Network (CAfGEN) of Human Heredity & Health in Africa (H3Africa) and THRiVE consortium.
PhD Defense: Watch Here
The progression from HIV infection to AIDS varies among individuals and is influenced by several factors, including genetics. The research I conducted while at Makerere University categorized HIV-infected children into two distinct groups based on disease progression rates:
🔹 Rapid Progressors (RP): Individuals who develop AIDS symptoms within three years or less after HIV infection without treatment. 🔹 Long-Term Non-Progressors (LTNP): Individuals who remain asymptomatic and do not develop AIDS for more than ten years post-infection without treatment.
My study involved analyzing blood samples from 314 participants, comprising 173 rapid progressors and 141 non-progressors. By examining their genetic profiles, I aimed to identify genetic markers associated with the rate of disease progression. The findings suggested that certain genetic factors influenced an individual's susceptibility to rapid HIV-disease progression.
Understanding these genetic factors can assist healthcare providers in prioritizing treatment for those most at risk of rapid progression, especially in settings where access to antiretroviral therapy (ART) is limited. While current guidelines recommend initiating ART for all individuals diagnosed with HIV, insights from such research could inform strategies to optimize treatment allocation and management.
Continued research in this area is crucial for developing personalized treatment approaches and improving outcomes for individuals living with HIV.
The Independent | News Paper: Read Here
Genes can determine the years a person living with HIV will take to develop AIDS if not on treatment : Watch Here
The presentation looks at successes and failures of grant writing, providing an in-depth analysis of the common pitfalls and effective strategies in the grant application process. It emphasizes the importance of aligning proposals with funding agency priorities, clearly articulating objectives, and demonstrating the potential impact of the proposed work. The guide also highlights the value of thorough preparation, understanding reviewer expectations, and the necessity of resilience in the face of rejection, encouraging applicants to view unsuccessful attempts as learning opportunities for future submissions.
Topic: H3Africa: Successes and failures of grants writing 15 Sept 2020.
Presentation: Watch Here
Member of DS-I Africa Partnership & Outreach Working Group: The working group aims to support the consortium’s goal of enhancing the impact of data science on health in Africa.
Member of PHA4GE Bioinformatics Pipelines & Visualization: Read Here The group is focused on the establishment of standards and best practices for bioinformatic pipeline development, workflow templating and management.
Editorial Board Member, BMC Genomics Journal: Read Here
Associate editor at BMC Infectious Diseases Journal: Read Here
Editorial Board Member, Global Health, Epidemiology & Genomics Journal: Read Here
The African Population Cohort Consortium (APCC) Omics workstream: Read Here
The Collaboration for the Establishment of an African Population Cohorts Consortium (CE-APCC) is a project designed to build a transformative platform for population-based cohort studies in Africa. It fosters interdisciplinary engagement by uniting scientists, policymakers, community contributors, and stakeholders to advance collaborative research and inform evidence-based decision-making.
Section Editor Journal of Public Health in Africa (JPHiA): Read Here