Dr. Sylvia Kusemererwa, Medical Research Council/Uganda Virus Research Institute and London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine Uganda Research Unit, Uganda
Dr. Sylvia Kusemererwa is a distinguished Scientist A, Project Leader, and Principal Investigator at MRC/UVRI & LSHTM Uganda Research Unit. She holds an MBChB and MPH from Makerere University and has extensive experience in clinical research, epidemiology, and infectious disease management. Dr. Kusemererwa has led multiple clinical trials on HIV prevention, malaria vaccines, and COVID-19 research. She actively contributes to national health policies, serving as Chair of the Masaka Regional Referral Hospital Research Ethics Committee. Her work has significantly impacted public health in Uganda and beyond. 📍
Publication Profile
Orcid
🎓 Education
Dr. Kusemererwa earned her MBChB (2001) and MPH (2010) from Makerere University, equipping her with expertise in public health and clinical research. She pursued specialized training in project management (PRINCE2), global health leadership (Afya Bora Fellowship), and research ethics. She has completed advanced courses in statistics, epidemiology, and scientific manuscript writing. Her certifications include GCP from LSHTM and Citiprogram HSP. Her continuous learning reflects her dedication to high-quality clinical trials and ethical research governance. 📚
👩⚕️ Experience
Dr. Kusemererwa has held key positions, including Scientist A at MRC Uganda, Clinical Coordinator at TASO Mbale, and Medical Officer at Kampala Medical Chambers. She has been a Principal Investigator and Study Coordinator for numerous trials on HIV vaccines, COVID-19, and malaria. Her leadership in clinical research spans over two decades, significantly advancing Uganda’s infectious disease research landscape. She also mentors researchers and chairs ethics committees, ensuring adherence to international research standards. 🏥
🏆 Awards & Honors
Dr. Kusemererwa has been recognized for her contributions to public health and research ethics. She is Chair of the Masaka Regional Referral Hospital Research Ethics Committee and a mentor in the MRC-CTU Mentorship Scheme. She has received fellowships in global health leadership and numerous accolades for her role in advancing vaccine research and ethical clinical trials in Uganda. Her commitment to scientific excellence has established her as a leader in biomedical research. 🌍
🔬 Research Focus
Dr. Kusemererwa specializes in clinical trials for infectious diseases, focusing on HIV prevention, malaria vaccines, and emerging infections like COVID-19. She has led Phase 2 and 3 trials on HIV PrEP, vaccine efficacy, and maternal immunization. Her research emphasizes public health impact, implementation science, and ethical considerations in clinical studies. She collaborates globally to optimize vaccine deployment and improve healthcare interventions in sub-Saharan Africa. 🧪
Publication Top Notes
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“Predictors of oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) uptake among individuals in a HIV vaccine preparedness cohort in Masaka, Uganda” (2021)
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“Assessing acceptability of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) among participants in an HIV vaccine preparedness study in southwestern Uganda” (2022)
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“Associations between intravaginal practices and incidence of sexually transmitted infections and bacterial vaginosis among women enrolled in the dapivirine vaginal ring trial (The Ring Study) in southwestern Uganda: a retrospective secondary analysis” (2024)
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“Changes in self-reported risky sexual behaviour indicators among adults receiving regular risk reduction counselling and optional initiation of pre-exposure prophylaxis in an HIV vaccine preparedness study in Masaka, Uganda” (2023)
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“Contraceptive Preference Among Women at Risk of HIV Acquisition in Southwestern Uganda” (2018)