Physician-Scientist & Research Associate , Rakai Health Sciences Program
Exploring barriers and facilitators of participation in HIV Cure trials by pregnant and childbearing age females in Uganda
I am a Ugandan physician-scientist and Research Associate at the Rakai Health Sciences Program (RHSP), where I direct the SANAS-accredited RHSP laboratory. With over 20 years of translational HIV and STI research experience, I lead clinical and research testing, manage a team of 20, and coordinate lab-based studies within the Rakai Community Cohort Study (RCCS).
My research focuses on HIV cure science, genital health, mucosal immunity, and the role of the microbiome in HIV acquisition. I serve as a co-investigator on multiple NIH-funded projects, including studies on HIV reservoirs, the penile microbiome, and partner-linked STI transmission. I also recently led a CDC-funded COVID-19 study in south-central Uganda.
My Africure proposal is titled ‘Exploring and addressing barriers to participation in HIV Cure research among African females living with HIV in South Central Uganda.’ This work will explore barriers to HIV cure trial participation among African women living with HIV, incorporating input from male partners and community stakeholders. This research builds on my role in the Rakai Viral Reservoir cohort (a Martin Delaney Collaboratory project) and aims to inform future HIV cure trials by addressing female-specific factors, including hormonal influences on the viral reservoir.
My work bridges laboratory science, epidemiology, and implementation through inclusive, community-informed research, with the goal of reducing the HIV burden across Africa.
