Health
Mak and Karolinska to Continue Prioritising Sustainable Health
Makerere University and Karolinska Institutet Sweden have embarked on undertaking strategies aimed at ensuring that sustainable health becomes a priority on the global agenda. This was revealed during a high level meeting involving Makerere University Management and a delegation from the Karolinska Institutet Sweden, held on Tuesday 6th February 2024 at the Rotary Peace Centre Board Room, Frank Kalimuzo Central Teaching Facility.
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe welcomed the Vice President of Karolinska Institutet Prof. Martin Bergö and his delegation to Makerere University. Reflecting on Makerere University’s 100 year journey (1922-2022), the Vice Chancellor pointed out that the institution has been at the forefront of training human resources who have been key in the identification and finding solutions to various development challenges.
“Makerere is a very collaborative university. We have collaborations within Africa of course, most of our external collaborations are in Europe and the United States. Times Higher Education (THE) considers Makerere the most collaborative university on their database,” said Professor Barnabas Nawangwe.
Adding that; “We publish jointly with a professor at another university, more than any other university in the world, 167 MOUs signed in one year and quite a number of them are very active and particularly in the College of Health Sciences.”
Professor Nawangwe also expressed the government of Uganda’s support to the Makerere University’s research agenda through its funding commitments under the Research and Innovation Fund.“When the SIDA support was due to end, I accompanied the Swedish Ambassador to go and see our Minister of Education and Sports, who is our First Lady as well, and he told her, ‘Swedish support is going to end in two years. Is the government going to take over?’ And she said, ‘yes we shall.’ For the first time, the government committed an equivalent of about $8 million dollars every year for research at Makerere University. A lot of projects have been funded. There are more than 1,250 since the project started four years that have been funded. 39% of all the grants are going to health,” shared Prof. Nawangwe.
As Makerere University embraces the next century, Prof. Nawangwe said that partnerships with Karolinska Institutet will be leveraged to ensure that research in sustainable health takes centre stage. “Global Health is a major issue. The Centre for Excellence for Sustainable Health, which is a collaboration between Makerere University in Uganda and Karolinska Institutet in Sweden will be central in addressing global issues.”
In this regard, the Vice Chancellor implored the researchers at Makerere and Karolinska to explore bringing more academic disciplines on board including those in agriculture, food security, gender, architecture, to mention but a few, for a holistic approach. In the same vein, the Director of Research and Graduate Training, Prof. Edward Bbaale proposed the need to include smart energy options, climate change, nutrition as well as the environment into sustainable health. For instance, how do nutritionists contribute to sustainable health?
Prof. Tobias Alfvén, a Pediatrician and Researcher at Karolinska Institutet, and Co-Chair of the CESH Working Group, underscored the fundamental role of the longstanding 20-year relationship between the two institutions and the dedicated teams involved in facilitating this work. Reflecting on the genesis of their collaboration, he explains, “We met just a month before the pandemic hit Sweden and Uganda, and we started collaboration; everything went online, and we started developing what became the Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Health (CESH). Without that long-term thinking and the good team already there, we would not have achieved that.”
Prof. Rhoda Wanyenze, the Dean, Makerere University School of Public Health (MakSPH) and Co-Chair of the Centre’s Working Group informed the University Management and the visiting delegation that sustainable health involves humans, animals, and the environment. In this regard, the CESH has embraced a multi-disciplinary approach towards research by involving students from different disciplines. She pointed out that CESH has identified students from the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (studying climate change) and those from MakSPH (Environmental Health Sciences) to form research teams that will provide solutions to global health issues.
The CESH Working Group’s three-year commitment to promoting sustainable health practices was emphasized by Prof. Wanyenze who also reported a notable shift in focus toward sustainable health during sessions of the World Health Summit held last year.
“We can work together and learn from each other and we can bridge those gaps and the challenges that are leaving some of these vulnerable groups behind. It might be refugees’ issues in Uganda, it might be other disadvantaged groups within Sweden, but we can learn from one another and be able to reach out to them,” Professor Rhoda Wanyenze.
She added that; “When we are thinking about our health and wellbeing today, we should not have the health and well-being of future populations because there are many things we do today to keep ourselves happy and healthy that will affect those that are coming after us.”
Dr. Roy Mayega, an alumnus of Karolinska Institutet and a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics at MakSPH acknowledged Makerere University for valuing the partnership through funding research in sustainable health. He also pointed out that the research teams were discovering new issues such as gender and climate change in the realization of sustainable health.
On behalf of Karolinska Institutet, Prof. Martin Bergö thanked the Makerere University Management for the warm reception and the commitment to sustainable health. He mentioned that this was his first visit to Uganda and Makerere University. Acknowledging the partnership between both institutions for the last 22 years, Prof. Bergö who is the current Chairman of the Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Health expressed delight at being part of this collaboration.
He noted that all crises, whether caused by pandemics, poverty, conflicts, or climate change, have an impact on both physical and mental health. He further noted that the link between human, animal, and plant health, known as “One health” increases the importance of collaborating and working together across borders and between different sectors of society.
Prof. Bergö nevertheless acknowledged that people are at the heart of collaborations. “However, partnerships are foremost between people”, he noted, before adding “Building equitable personal relationships and learning from one another. This is perhaps the most important objective of this visit!”
He commended CESH, whose evaluation of the first three years of operation 2021-2023 revealed that the Centre was well on its way to achieving the set objectives. CESH has to date developed four out of planned five tools for working with sustainable health, while the last one is being finalized. “The tools are being used in education and research and I am happy to learn that we are making an impact.”
Prof. Bergö equally commended Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe and the former President of Karolinska Institutet, Prof. Ole Petter Ottersen on co-authoring a publication defining sustainable health. Other co-authors included Rhoda Wanyenze, Tobias Alfvén, Rawlance Njejjo, Nina Viberg, Roy William Mayega, and Stefan Swartling Peterson.
“I have read it with much interest and see myself as an ambassador for spreading the concept in different contexts. I am pleased to understand that this definition is the point of departure for all activities devised and carried out by the Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Health” he said, adding that the Karolinska Institutet President, Annika Östman Wernerson is looking forward to visiting Makerere University this November.
During this interactive meeting, both institutions underscored the role of the library in advancing research and preservation of knowledge. The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe pointed that the Makerere University Library serves as a national reference library as well as a legal and United Nations repository. He therefore acknowledged the support received from NORAD and Sida in the professionalization of library services and making it a model library in Africa. Prof. Bergö mentioned that libraries are the guardians of knowledge and thanked the Vice Chancellor for inviting the University Librarian to the discussion.
Makerere University Management Members who attended the meeting included: Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs)-Assoc. Prof. Umar Kakumba, Director Research and Graduate Training-Prof. Edward Bbaale, Director of Quality Assurance-Dr. Cyprian Misinde, Academic Registrar-Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi, University Librarian-Assoc. Prof. Ruth Nalumaga, Deputy University Secretary-Mr. Simon Kizito, Head of Advancement Office- Mr. Awel Uwihanganye, and Principal Public Relations Officer-Ms Ritah Namisango
The Karolinska Institutet delegation included; Head of the International Office-Erika Dabhilkar, Co-chair of CESH-Tobias Alfvén, International Coordinator-Monika Berge-Thelander, Project Coordinator-Nina Viberg, Member of CESH Steering Committee-Stefan Peterson Swartling, and Communications Officer-Kseniya Hartvigsson.
Teams Visit the Swedish Ambassador’s residence
While hosting the two institutions, H.E. Maria Håkansson, the Ambassador of Sweden to Uganda, emphasized the significant ties between the two nations and their respective peoples as key drivers for this 22 year-old partnership.
“Collaboration between Karolinska and Makerere is still one of the most important international flagships. Which I think says a lot of what has been built and what the relations that have been creating between institutions but of course also between people. Also, we all know individually what role the university researchers play in the country’s policy development,” said Amb. Håkansson
Adam Kahsai-Rudebeck, First Secretary – Deputy Head of Cooperation Health and Social Protection at the Swedish Embassy added “We look forward to just building upon the already established relationships and initiatives that are ongoing.”
A Video Highlighting the Visit
Photography and Video by Davidson Ndyabahika
Health
Makerere University College of Health Sciences marks Centenary with expansion of Super-Specialized healthcare Training
On 30th July 2025, Makerere University hit a milestone in specialized healthcare training as it proudly graduated 16 fellows from their Paediatric Hematology and Oncology (PHO) Fellowship Programme. These dedicated physicians who successfully completed a two-year rigorous fellowship program will serve as elite experts in treating life-threatening blood disorders and cancers in children.
The pioneering fellowship program of Makerere University College of Health Sciences (MakCHS) commenced in 2016. This cohort included fellows from Uganda, Kenya, South Sudan, Tanzania, Malawi, Nigeria, and Congo which enhances Africa’s capacity to deliver highly specialized care, promising improved survival rates and quality of life for countless young patients.
In his address to the congregation, Professor Barnabas Nawangwe, Vice Chancellor – Makerere University emphasized the university’s guiding vision of research-led, noting that the institution remains committed to producing highly skilled professionals who address Uganda’s and Africa’s evolving health challenges while acknowledging the resilient hard work of fellows during training and the vital sacrifice as well as support from family and friends.
Prof. Nawangwe recounted Makerere’s significant historical contributions to public health and medical research recalling the College of Health Sciences’ past achievements, including it’s 1964 recognition for lymphoma research leading to nomination for a Nobel Prize for the discovery of the cells that cause the cancer of the lymphoma. He cited the university’s instrumental efforts and contribution in combatting disease on the continent like the Ebola, Marburg, Nodding Disease and the recent COVID-19 pandemic.
He outlined Uganda’s demographic realities and the resultant increase in health challenges with exponential growth of a young population alongside the alarming statistics of childhood cancer and sickle cell disease. With an estimated “7,000 children and adolescents cancer with less than 50% access in treatment,” and over “20,000 babies are born with sickle cell every year,” the need for specialized care is critical, he said. Professor Nawangwe also stressed the urgency of the situation, “It is reported that many of the deaths from cancer and blood disorders are preventable,” stating, “We must produce enough doctors to manage the disease burden we have.”
Prof. Nawangwe recognized the instrumental role of partners such as Texas Children’s Global and Baylor College of Medicine, among others, who supported MakCHS in setting up the PHO fellowship that began in 2016. He underlined the success of the program, which has since trained 24 paediatricians serving as healthcare leaders across Africa.
In his remarks, Professor Bruce Kirenga, Principal – MakCHS highlighted the institution’s century of medical training excellence and its forward-looking vision as the College holds its third graduation ceremony of the PHO Fellowship Program. He emphasized MakCHS’ commitment to advancing healthcare in the region, adding that this future is geared towards more scientific research, innovation and cutting-edge medical care.
Professor Kirenga proudly announced that the fellowship program is the first of their sub-specialized training programs. He revealed the expansion of these crucial programs, noting that the college currently offers three additional sub-specialized training pathways: Neonatology, Interventional Radiology, and Fetal and Maternal Medicine, with two more programs under review; in this regard, Professor Kirenga extended gratitude to partners and collaborators, affirming the college’s unwavering dedication to its mission.
Representing the Director General Health of Services and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Dr. Richard Mugahi – Commissioner for Child and New-born Health highlighted the vital role of the new specialists in transforming Uganda’s healthcare landscape. Dr. Mugahi emphasized the graduation as not only fellows’ dedication, but also an important step forward for Uganda’s healthcare system citing the critical need for their expertise.
He detailed the alarming burden of childhood cancer in Uganda, with 1,500 to 3,000 new cases reported annually, yet only 30% access specialized treatment, resulting in tragically low survival rates of 20-30% beyond three years. In response, the Ministry of Health is strengthening its partnership with Makerere University, recognizing that “the role of research, the role of academia is well highlighted and emphasized,” and crucial for producing skilled professionals.
Dr. Mugahi announced the government’s strategic plans to absorb these new specialists, actively developing human resource structures and mobilizing resources to utilize their skills nationwide. He also revealed ongoing efforts to decentralize cancer care through regional centres, citing the operational facility in Gulu and planned sites in Arua, Mbarara, and Mbale, all of which will strongly need the fellows’ expertise to serve our population. He concluded by reiterating the core mission: “Our mission is clear. We now have the inputs, you’re one of the inputs of providing Uganda with the best possible quality of care.” He stated.
Encouragingly, Dr. Rosemary Byanyima Mulago National Referral Hospital (MNRH) revealed that the Hospital is charting a new course towards offering highly specialized medical services, emphasizing that they can only offer that when they have people who have trained as super-specialists.
“This strategic move is predicated to building a robust local human resource, specifically super-specialists, whose rigorous training pathway extends beyond a first degree and master’s to include a specialized fellowship. The traditional approach of training abroad is very expensive” Dr. Byanyima noted. To overcome this, Mulago is actively working with collaborators to build the capacity to train locally. This innovative model involves sponsoring a select few for training abroad, who then return to establish and lead local programs, significantly enhancing the hospital’s self-sufficiency.
“Mulago is uniquely positioned as an ideal training ground due to its infrastructure. We have the equipment. And of course, there are many patients who require the service.” Dr. Byanyima said. She noted that while Mulago provides the environment, it collaborates with accredited training institutions like Makerere University for academic awards.
The benefits of local training are multifaceted; it not only builds internal capacity but also allows the hospital to continuously identify and address service delivery gaps in infrastructure, equipment, medicines, and sundries, Dr. Byanyima added. Local training is also cheaper and eases the very strenuous emotional burden on advanced-age trainees with families, who would otherwise have to relocate abroad for years. Crucially, as these experts train, they simultaneously offer services, with patients directly benefiting from their evolving skills. In addition, she noted, Mulago leverages collaborations to acquire essential resources, while simultaneously lobbying the government for sustained funding to ensure the long-term continuity of the services.
Addressing the escalating challenge of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like cancer and diabetes, Dr. Byanyima acknowledged the continuously increasing number of patients, necessitating a proportional increase in human resource infrastructure, medicines and surgeries to be able to meet the demand. She also stated Mulago’s role in health education at the tertiary level, empowering patients to disseminate crucial health information within their families and communities, complementing primary healthcare prevention efforts by the Ministry.
In his speech, Dr. Joseph Lubega, a Children’s Cancer and Blood disease Specialist and Assistant Professor at Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children’s Hospital, USA, recognized the significant advancements in child healthcare across Africa with specialists trained in children’s cancer and sickle cell disease.
Dr. Lubega emphasized the profound impact of PHO Fellowship Program on patient outcomes stating that ‘whereas when we started this work, most children with cancer anywhere in Africa would die within a month of a diagnosis, now most of them are cured.’ Despite this progress, he stressed the imperative to expand reach beyond major cities like Nairobi, Kampala, and Dar es Salaam, aiming for comprehensive coverage across all countries, especially given the much bigger challenge posed by sickle cell disease. The ultimate goal, he explained, is for the specialists to train lower health workers in their countries, ensuring every child is reached.
Challenging the conventional focus on infectious diseases in Africa, Dr. Lubega advocated for greater attention to non-communicable diseases (NCDs), saying, “Sickle cell disease is one of the most common non-communicable diseases. It is part of African DNA, 2% of new-borns get this diseases.” He noted that unlike acute infections, NCDs demand lifelong follow-up and community-based care, necessitating a re-evaluation of health system training.
One of the fellows, Dr. Ankunda Siyadora who works with Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital, noted that the fellowship will revolutionize the landscape of childhood cancer and blood disorder care in Western Uganda. In her words, “my passion was ignited during internship at St. Mary’s Hospital in Gulu, Uganda. I witnessed numerous children suffering from advanced Burkitt’s lymphoma, often receiving only palliative comfort. That made me a bit sad, but also built the passion I have for paediatric haematology.” she recounted.
Motivated by the stark contrast between 80% survival rates in Western countries and the grim reality she encountered, Dr. Ankunda’s desire is to change the narrative that every child with cancer or blood disorder should die or be in pain. Her fellowship, she believes, will lessen the burden by ensuring every child who has a cancer or a blood disorder, gets an early diagnosis and then get the right treatment for their disease.
Addressing the common misconception that childhood cancers stem from environmental or lifestyle factors, she clarified that “in children, it’s more about the genetics, it’s just a mistake, something went wrong in the genetics, it’s nothing to do with the family or the environment, majority, close to 99% of childhood cancers, are a result of spontaneous mutation.” While a small percentage (1-3%) can be inherited, like retinoblastoma, most cases are simply “bad luck, nothing to do with the environment, nothing to do with your parents.” This understanding is crucial for families, alleviating guilt and redirecting focus to early intervention.
The experts will be pivotal in improving care for children with blood disorders and cancers, addressing the country’s high childhood cancer burden and with the Ministry of Health planning will integrate these specialists into the healthcare system and establish regional cancer centres. This in turn will increase access to specialized care, improve treatment outcomes, and enhance the quality of life for children with cancer and blood disorders in Uganda and beyond.
Makerere University College of Health Sciences (MakCHS) has welcomed 2025/2026 freshers admitted to the College at an orientation meeting held today, 5th August 2024. At the meeting, the College leadership led by Prof. Bruce J. Kirenga, Principal – MakCHS was joined by Dr. Rose Byanyima, Executive Director of Mulago National Referral Hospital (MNRH) which is the largest clinical teaching site for MakCHS.
In his communication to the students, he welcomed them to MakCHS and congratulated them on joining the oldest medical school in Uganda and a leader in the region. ‘Celebrate your being here because many weren’t lucky even though they wanted to’, he said. Professor Kirenga also congratulated the students for joining the noble profession of health care and advised the students to work hard. Sharing the history of the College, he explained that while only medical assistants were trained when the Medical School was established in the 1920s, the College has grown to include various medical specialties. ‘We are currently working on creation of a borderless healthcare profession so that our products are accredited to work anywhere in the world’, the Principal added.
Prof. Kirenga further advised students to know the various staff: academic, administrative and support who are all available to support them during their stay at Makerere University. ‘Avoid retakes, make studying a lifestyle so that you enjoy it and excel, don’t waste time with side hustles, concentrate on your studies and trust in God’, he added.
In his address to the freshers, Prof. Richard Idro, Deputy Principal – MakCHS welcomed them to the College. ‘We are celebrating 100 years of existence, you are therefore our centenary class. We are one of the best medical schools on the continent and you should be proud to join us’, Prof. Idro said.
He advised the students that they can be anything they dream to be, however it is not enough to dream but one must set goals and be willing to work hard to achieve them. Prof. Idro further encouraged students to upgrade their dreams to ground-breaking level which will lead to innovations to solve health challenges. The Deputy Principal highlighted the following issues as they prepare to join their chosen professions: soft skills like speaking and writing are important; create networks and friendships which you will find useful in the future; engage beyond medicine and academics; seek out mentors; present the best of yourself and don’t procrastinate. He also underlined the following as dream killers: laziness, cheating, drugs, and betting.
Dr. Rose Byanyima, Executive Director – MNRH welcomed the students to the global profession of healthcare and advised them to find a balance between life and work balance. ‘Work hard, be smart and rise through the ladders and in years to come, you will serve in the offices we are today’, she added. She noted that when Mulago Hospital opened in the 1920s, the major problem was sexually transmitted infections but the hospital has grown into a big institution handling various specialities including organ transplant that started with kidneys.
In his remarks to the students, Prof. Josaphat Byamugisha, faculty at MakCHS and Director – Makerere University Hospital (MakHosp) explained that the hospital is available to serve students and staff as well as the public. He highlighted the various services available including medical examination, vaccination, surgery, emergency services, radiology and radiology and many more. He encouraged the students to have identification to be able to access services. ‘Avoid alcohol, drugs, STIs and HIV which are bound to derail your academic journey and future’, he advised.
Deans of Schools present, Dr. Annet Kutesa (School of Dentistry), Prof. Elisa Mwaka (representing Dean, School of Biomedical Sciences) and Dr. Richard Muhindo (School of Health Sciences) also addressed the students. They welcomed them to the College with encouragement to work hard, approach staff when help is required, remain steadfast in their studies and be kind in healthcare when you eventually get to serve. The Deans also advised them to avoid drugs, seek help when you have mental health challenges, and work with colleagues for best results. ‘Further details about teaching and course content will be discussed at School and departmental levels’ the Deans said.
Orientation will continue till Friday, 8th August 2025 with students expected to meet department heads, course coordinators, librarians and registrars for further guidance and tours around the college.
MakCHS offers study programmes including Medicine and Surgery, Dental Surgery, Nursing, Pharmacy, Biomedical Engineering, Optometry, Biomedical Sciences, Laboratory Technology, Speech and Language Therapy among others.
Health
3rd Award Ceremony of the Paediatric Heamatology and Oncology Fellowship: Profiles of the Fellows
Makerere University College of Health Sciences (MakCHS) in collaboration with Texas Children’s Global Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine Children’s Foundation–Uganda, the Ministry of Health (MOH) of Uganda, and Mulago National Referral Hospital (MNRH), established the Paediatric Haematology and Oncology Fellowship (PHO) Program to build capacity and strengthen care for children with cancer and blood disorders across the country and the region.
Since its inception in 2016, 24 pediatricians have been trained by the program and now serve as leaders in Paediatric Haematology and Oncology clinical services across ten hospitals in seven countries in Africa. This marks a remarkable transformation from just two trained paediatric oncologists in Uganda in 2016 and has contributed to significantly improved survival rates for children with cancer and blood disorders.
On the 30th July 2025, 16 Fellows of the PHO Fellowship received their awards after a two-year stint on the fellowship. Below are their profiles
2018/2020 Cohort
Dr. Nana Nakiddu is a Paediatric Haematologist and Oncologist and lecturer at Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences/Muhimbili National Hospital in Tanzania. Her career focus is on developing innovative models for the delivery of childhood cancer survivorship care in low- and middle-income countries, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, where cancer survivorship care is still in its early stages despite major advancements in access to diagnosis and treatment. Her ultimate career goal is to lead research and care initiatives for the growing population of childhood cancer survivors across Africa. She is passionate about sports and has represented Uganda internationally in swimming. As a qualified sports medicine physician, she contributes to the field both nationally and globally. She currently serves as the Secretary General of the Uganda Society for Sports Medicine and is the immediate past chairperson of the Uganda Olympic Committee’s Medical and Anti-Doping Commission.
Dr. Heronima Joas Kashaigili is a Pediatric Hematologist and Oncologist at Bugando Medical Centre and a lecturer Catholic University of Health and Allied Sciences in Mwanza Tanzania. She is the Assistant Head of Oncology Services and leads the Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Unit at Bugando Medical Centre. She is recognized nationally as a mentor and leader in advancing pediatric cancer care to improve survival outcomes through capacity-building initiatives.
Dr. Kashaigili earned her medical degree from the Catholic University of Allied and Health Sciences in 2009. She specialized in Pediatrics and Child Health at Kilimanjaro Christian Medical College in 2017 and completed a fellowship in Pediatric Hematology and Oncology at Makerere University College of Health Sciences in 2020 with support from the Texas Children’s Global HOPE program. She also has training and experience in clinical research and is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Global Child Health (MSGCH).
Dr. Deborah Omeddo is a Paediatric haematologist and oncologist at Kisii teaching and Referral hospital and an adjunct lecturer at both the Kenya Medical Training college and Kisii University in Kenya. She has practiced as a paediatrician for the last 15 years during which she has keenly participated in research and clinical care of children. She has a passion for childhood haematological care and especially in Sickle cell disease. She has been a keen advocate for access of affordable care for sickle cell disease patients and is a patron of a number of the Sickle cell disease foundations. She has served in the Kenya paediatric association board where she advocated for childhood malnutrition and access to nutritional supplements. She is a member of the Kenyan ministry of health technical working group on childhood cancer where she has participated in development of management policy and guidelines. Her career goal has been to improve the research and clinical management of Sickle cell and other haematological disorders among children in sub-Saharan Africa.
Dr. Anne Akullo is a Pediatric Hematologist and oncologist and the current President of the Uganda Pediatric Association. She is the Associate Director of Clinical Operations for the Texas Children’s Hospital Global HOPE (TCH-GH) supported programs in Africa, where she leads the Dissemination and Implementation Science program. She is passionate about advocacy for child health and uses the UPA platform to promote high-impact policies for child health initiatives, such as the scale-up of sickle cell disease care on a national scale. Dr. Akullo completed her medical degree from Makerere University College of Health Sciences in 2005, followed by a specialization in Paediatrics and Child Health at Makerere University College of Health Sciences in 2014. She completed a Fellowship in Pediatric Hematology and Oncology at the same institution in 2020, supported by Texas Children’s Global HOPE. In addition, she has training and experience in Project Management, Implementation Science, and child health advocacy.
Dr. Irene Nzamu is the Head the Pediatric Haematology and Oncology Unit at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) and an honorary lecturer in the Department of Paediatrics in the University of Nairobi. Dr. Nzamu chairs the Hospital Blood Transfusion Committee and is deputy chair of the Hospital Ethics Committee. Nationally, Dr. Nzamu is the paediatric lead in the Focal Team for the Kenya National Cancer Control Strategy, is a member of the Ministry of Health’s Technical Working Group on Childhood Cancer and is actively involved in the establishment of the Kenya Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Society. She has served as Treasurer in the Kenya Society of Hematology Oncology (KESHO).
She earned her both her undergraduate and post graduate degrees from the University of Nairobi in 2005 and 2012 respectively. She completed the clinical fellowship in pediatric hematology and oncology training at Makerere University College of Health Sciences supported by Texas Children’s Global HOPE in 2020. She is a graduate of the African Leadership University Public Sector leadership fellowship and has undertaken several trainings from the University of Washington. She is passionate about providing evidence-based childhood cancer care targeting to bridge the gap in survival for children in Low Middle-Income Countries.
Dr. Ankunda is a Pediatric Hematologist and Oncologist based at the Cancer Center of Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital (MRRH) in Western Uganda. She previously served as a lecturer in the Department of Pediatrics and Child Health at Kabale University. She has spearheaded numerous childhood cancer awareness campaigns and conducted research focused on understanding the reasons for treatment abandonment among children with cancer. Her research interest is in solid tumors with a focus on understanding their biology in sub-Saharan Africa and improving the survival of children affected by solid tumors.
Dr. Ankunda earned her medical degree from Makerere University College of Health Sciences in 2010, followed by a specialization in Paediatrics and Child Health at Mbarara University of Science and Technology in 2017. She completed a Fellowship in Pediatric Hematology and Oncology at Makerere University College of Health Sciences in 2020, supported by Texas Children’s Global HOPE.
2019/2021 Cohort
Dr. Innocent Adebayo graduated with a medical degree (MBBS) from the University of Ilorin, Nigeria in 2006 and completed his residency in Paediatrics at the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital in 2018 with a Fellowship in Paediatrics (FMCPaed). Dr Adebayo’s completed his Paediatric Haematology and Oncology Fellowship Training in in 2021 from Makerere University College of Health Sciences, supported by the Texas Children’s Hospital Global HOPE program. He recently, in 2024, obtained a Fellowship in Palliative Medicine from the Institute of Palliative Medicine in India/St Christopher’s Hospice in London, United Kingdom. Dr Adebayo’s areas of interest are newborn screening, disease severity and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in Sickle Cell Disease.
Dr. Rizine Mzikamanda is a specialist consultant in Pediatrics and Pediatric Hematology and Oncology at Baylor College of Medicine Children’s Foundation Malawi and Malawi National Cancer Center at Kamuzu Central Hospital (KCH). He is the Medical Director of the Global Hematology Oncology Pediatric Excellence Program in Malawi.
Dr. Mzikamanda completed his medical degree at the University of Malawi, College of Medicine (now Kamuzu University of Health Sciences- KUHES) in 2010, specialization in pediatrics at the University of Malawi, College of Medicine and University of Pretoria in 2018, and pediatric hematology and oncology fellowship at Makerere University in 2021 supported by Texas Children’s Global HOPE.
His vision is to become one of the leading clinical researchers in childhood leukemia and lymphoma in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). He is interested in developing locally appropriate treatment strategies for children in SSA and leading clinical trials in childhood cancer in this region over the next 5-10 years.
Dr. Catherine Muendo is a paediatric haematologist and oncologist working at the paediatric hematology and oncology department in Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya. She is the head of unit at the Hemophilia comprehensive care centre at Kenyatta National Hospital. She is the vice chair of the Paediatric Hematology Oncology Society of Kenya.
She completed her medical degree at the University of Nairobi in 2010, and specialized training in paediatrics and child health at the University of Nairobi in 2017. She completed her paediatric hematology and oncology fellowship training at Makerere University College of Health Sciences, supported by Texas Children’s Global HOPE in 2021
Dr. Emma Nsalazi Bambi is a Congolese paediatrician and subspecialist in paediatric haematology and oncology, currently pursuing a Clinical Fellowship in Transfusion Medicine at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. He holds a Master of Medicine in Paediatrics and Child Health from Makerere University, Uganda, and completed fellowship training in Paediatric Haematology and Oncology at Makerere University College of health Sciences Texas Children’s Global HOPE.in 2021.Dr. Bambi began his medical career after obtaining his Doctor of Medicine degree from Goma University in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and specialized training in pediatrics and child health at Makerere University.
Dr. Annet Nakirulu completed her medical degree (MBChB) at Kampala International University in 2012, higher diploma in Paediatric palliative care at Mildmay Uganda in 2016, specialization in paediatrics at Uganda Martyrs University Post graduate School Nsambya in 2019 and pediatric hematology and oncology fellowship at Makerere University College of Health Sciences in 2021
Dr. Annet Nakirulu is an associate consultant in Pediatric hematology at the Directorate of Pediatrics at Mulago National Referral Hospital. She provides evidence-based interdisciplinary medical care to children with sickle cell disease, plans and leads Paediatric Hematology Oncology education and outreach activities within the local and national community. She also participates in research, clinical quality improvement and program monitoring and evaluation activities for children with cancer and blood disorders at Mulago National Referral Hospital in collaboration with Texas Children’s Hospital Global HOPE Program.
Dr. Moses Karashani began his medical journey at China Medical University, where he received comprehensive training in general Paediatrics and Child health. Driven by a passion for advancing care in childhood blood disorders, he pursued a fellowship in Paediatric Haematology and Oncology at Makerere University College of Health Sciences Texas Children’s Global HOPE, completing it in 2021
Currently, Dr. Karashani serves at the Muhimbili National Hospital, Mloganzila campus in Tanzania. His clinical and research interests focus on the management of both benign and malignant haematologic conditions in children, aiming to improve outcomes through evidence-based approaches and targeted therapies. His work bridges the gap between bedside care and academic inquiry, making him a vital contributor to Tanzania’s growing Paediatric haematology and oncology landscape.
Cohort 2020/2022
Dr. Rose Munge is the Head of Unit -Paediatric Haematology and Oncology at Kenyatta University Teaching, Research and Referral Hospital (KUTRRH) and a lecturer in the Department of Paediatrics at Mount Kenya University. Dr. Munge played a key role in establishing paediatric oncology services at KUTRRH, culminating in the successful commissioning of the unit in 2024. She is also an active member of the Ministry of Health’s Technical Working Group on Childhood Cancer and is actively involved in the establishment of the Kenya Paediatric Haematology and Oncology Society. She earned her medical degree from the University of Nairobi in 2008 and completed specialized training in paediatrics at the same institution in 2015. In 2023, she completed a clinical fellowship in paediatric haematology and oncology at Makerere University College of Health Sciences supported by Texas Children’s Global HOPE. She also holds additional training in healthcare leadership from the University of Washington. Dr. Munge is passionate about expanding local fellowship training opportunities in paediatric haematology and oncology and is committed to advancing research-driven, high-quality cancer care for children across Kenya.
Dr. Catherine Nabaggala is a Paediatric Haematology and Oncology Specialist at Global HOPE (Haematology-Oncology Paediatric Excellence) Program in Uganda, based at Mulago National Referral Hospital. Dr Nabaggala completed her medical degree at Makerere University in 2004, specialized in Paediatrics at Makerere University Medical School in 2013 and Paediatric Haematology and Oncology fellowship at Makerere University in 2023 supported by Texas Children’s Global HOPE. Her vision is to scale up essential care for children with haematological disorders especially Sickle cell disease to the most vulnerable children living in primary health care settings.
Dr. Jennifer Zungu is the Director of The Texas Children’s Global HOPE program in Uganda. She holds a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery from Makerere University, a Master of Medicine in Paediatrics and Child health from Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST), and a Diploma in Health care Management from The Kenya Institute of Management (KIM). She completed her clinical fellowship training in paediatric haematology and Oncology at Makerere University Supported by Texas Children’s Global HOPE.
Dr. Zungu is passionate and deeply committed to, driving better outcomes in Paediatric Haematology and Oncology. She uses her experience in healthcare management along with her clinical training in Paediatric Haematology-Oncology to advocate for evidence-based paediatric haematology and oncology care, best quality services, and excellent customer experience in the Public Healthcare sector in Uganda and beyond.
Dr. Joseph Gore is Head of the Pediatric Hematology & Oncology Unit at Alsabbah Children Hospital in Juba, and Senior Lecturer at the University of Juba, with a focus on improving sickle cell disease care & oncology services in South Sudan.
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