Prof Dr. Damalie Nakanjako | Immunology of Infections | Women Researcher Award

Prof Dr. Damalie Nakanjako, Makerere University, Uganda.

Prof. Dr. Damalie Nakanjako is a distinguished researcher in Immunology of Infections and a dedicated advocate for advancing women’s contributions to science. As a Professor of Medicine and a renowned immunologist, her research focuses on understanding immune responses to infectious diseases, particularly in resource-limited settings. She has made significant strides in studying HIV, tuberculosis, and other infections, contributing to innovative treatments and influencing global health policies. With numerous publications in high-impact journals, Prof. Nakanjako is internationally recognized for her leadership in research, clinical practice, and mentoring young scientists. Her groundbreaking contributions have positioned her as a leading voice in combating infections and improving health outcomes for vulnerable populations, while championing gender equity in research and academia.

Professional Profiles

Scopus Profile

Orcid Profile

📚Education

Dr. Damalie Nakanjako’s education is marked by advanced training in medicine, biomedical sciences, and leadership. She earned her MBChB in Medicine and Surgery from Makerere University, Uganda in 1999, followed by a Master of Medicine (MMED) in Internal Medicine in 2005. She completed her PhD in Biomedical Sciences at the University of Antwerp, Belgium in 2010. In addition to her degrees, she has specialized in leadership and governance, earning a Certificate in Corporate Governance and a Certificate in Audit and Risk Management from the Institute of Corporate Governance of Uganda in 2022 and 2023. Dr. Nakanjako also holds a Certificate in Leadership and Management in Health from the University of Washington, USA (2015). She has participated in key workshops, such as the Functional Genomics and Systems Biology Workshop at the Uganda Virus Research Institute (2014), and a Post-Doctoral Fellowship there from 2012 to 2013. Her commitment to professional development includes clinical research training through the Infectious Diseases Institute and GloCal Health Institute.

💼Experience

Dr. Nakanjako has over 10 years of leadership experience in academia, serving as the Principal of Makerere University College of Health Sciences and Former Dean of the School of Medicine. She has also led collaborative research and training programs aimed at building Africa’s scientific capacity in Infection and Immunity.

🔬Research Focus

Dr. Nakanjako is a renowned researcher in Infection and Immunity, with extensive expertise in HIV care, treatment, and prevention in sub-Saharan Africa. Her research focuses on chronic HIV-associated inflammation, immune aging, and non-AIDS illnesses, as well as the use of mobile health (m-health) platforms for patient follow-up. She has published over 107 scientific papers and authored books such as Efficient HIV/AIDS Care in Resource-Limited Settings.

👩‍🏫Mentorship and Networking

A mentor to over 58 graduate students and post-doctoral researchers, Dr. Nakanjako is actively involved in programs like the Makerere University-Uganda Virus Research Institute Infection and Immunity (MUII) and the Afya Bora Consortium. She is also the director of the ADAPT One Health network, working on antimicrobial stewardship in sub-Saharan Africa.

🏆Awards

Dr. Nakanjako has received several prestigious awards throughout her career, including the TWAS-Abdool Karim Award in Biological Sciences (2022), which recognizes outstanding contributions to the field of biological sciences. In 2013, she was honored with the Fourth Annual Merle A. Sande Health Leadership Award for her leadership in health sciences. Additionally, she earned the Young Investigator Award at the 18th Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections (CROI) (2011), highlighting her early and impactful contributions to medical research.

📑Top Note Publications

Title: Incidence and predictors of virological failure among HIV infected children and adolescents receiving second-line antiretroviral therapy in Uganda, a retrospective study

Authors: Musiime-Mwase F, Nakanjako D, Kanywa JB, Sewankambo N, Elyanu P.
Publication Year: 2024
Citations: 0

Title: Barriers and facilitators of cervical cancer screening literacy among rural women with HIV attending rural public health facilities in East Central Uganda: a qualitative study using the integrated model of health literacy

Authors: Namutundu J, Kiguli J, Nakku-Joloba E, Nakanjako D, Nakalembe M.
Publication Year: 2024
Citations: 0

Title: The clinical utility of cystatin C based eGFR in assessing renal function among HIV/AIDS patients on ART at Mildmay Uganda

Authors: Wekiya E, Mujuzi GP, Nakiyingi J, Mutebi EI, Nakanjako D.
Publication Year: 2024
Citations: 0

Title: Chronic immune activation and accelerated immune aging among HIV-infected adults receiving suppressive antiretroviral therapy for at least 12 years in an African cohort

Authors: Nakanjako D, Nabatanzi R, Ssinabulya I, Banturaki G, Castelnuovo B.
Publication Year: 2024
Citations: 0

Title: Effectiveness of intensive adherence counselling in achieving an undetectable viral load among people on antiretroviral therapy with low-level viraemia in Uganda

Authors: Nanyeenya N, Nakanjako D, Makumbi F, Huzaifah M, Kiwanuka N.
Publication Year: 2024
Citations: 2