‘Go where the real issues affecting the community are, engage with them to develop context-specific solutions that effectively address these issues’
Before participating in the ACHIEVE program, I held the belief that rigorous research was synonymous with adhering strictly to established scientific protocols and methodologies. However, my visits to the Greater Masaka and the Bidibidi Refugee Settlement in Uganda profoundly reshaped my understanding of research practices. I gained insights through observation and was motivated by the […]
Research Study: Reflections on the Approval Process
Neonates with gastrointestinal disorders often face substantial nutritional challenges. These may arise due to conditions such as congenital anomalies or postoperative complications that impair nutrient absorption or oral intake. This is what has inspired me to start my ACHIEVE study on the barriers to evaluating the nutritional status of neonates with gastrointestinal disorders in Kampala, […]
The Often Thankless But Essential Work of Instrument Validation
My ACHIEVE project, The Early Childhood Development for Maternal Mental Health study (ECD4MMH), will explore the potential for improving maternal mental health (MMH) during the critical “first 1,000 days” of child growth and development through a community-based early childhood development (ECD) program delivered by community workers in a peri-urban area of Kampala, Uganda. Many of […]
Beyond the Numbers: Faces of Adolescent Pregnancy in Rwanda
As explained in my earlier post, my research primarily uses internet data and advanced AI techniques to uncover the hidden concerns of teenagers and their caretakers—topics often too sensitive for open discussion. However, to truly understand the issue, I’ve found it crucial to meet those affected face-to-face. I recently visited the Nyagatare District in eastern […]
Never Say Never
Never say never. This lesson has never been more relevant than it is this year. To fully grasp its significance, we need to journey back nearly a decade, to when I embarked on a career in medicine, with a focus on women’s health. During my formative years in medical school, what ignited a passion in […]