Dr. Fred Nalugoda
Fred has a vast experience and significant contributions in HIV prevention, care, and research, particularly within the Rakai Health Sciences Program (RHSP) in Uganda. Fred possess Research Leadership and Expertise and his work spans a wide range of research and program areas.
With over 25 years of experience, Fred has developed a deep understanding of the design, conduct, supervision, coordination, and leadership of collaborative research projects, both at national and international levels. He has been involved in various studies, including epidemiological, clinical trials, and behavioral sciences research, demonstrating my expertise in leading multifaceted research initiatives.
Key Investigator, Coordinator, and Board Member: As an investigator with RHSP, Fred provides technical and administrative guidance and oversight to numerous studies, ranging from epidemiological investigations to clinical trials and behavioral research. Notably, my involvement in the Rakai Community Cohort Study (RCCS) and other significant projects such as randomized trials of intimate partner violence and male medical circumcision, and studies on family planning uptake and HIV highlight my leadership in diverse research areas, understanding of the research community and demonstrates my expertise in leading large-scale research initiatives. As a member of the RHSP board, he has been committed to strategic decision-making and governance within the organization.
Over the years, Fred has implemented studies focusing on Vulnerable Populations and Social Determinants encompassing research on adolescents, orphans, and individuals affected by intimate partner violence. Projects like the Rakai Orphans in Communities (ROC) study, Structural and Social Transitions among Adolescents in Rakai (SSTAR), and the Stylish Man/Stylish Living campaign demonstrate the commitment to addressing social determinants of health and HIV risk among marginalized groups.
As Head of Grants, Science, and Training, Fred has played a crucial role in Capacity Building and Mentorship including acquiring research and training grants, ensuring data utilization and analysis, and mentoring both local and international students, fellows, and staff. He is dedicated to building research capacity and fostering talent which underscores the commitment to the long-term sustainability of HIV prevention and care efforts. Through partnerships and collaborations with institutions like the Uganda Ministry of Health to implement the prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) of HIV in 89 districts and the involvement in collaborative studies such as the International Epidemiological Databases for Evaluation of AIDS (IeDEA), he has contributed to the scale-up of services uptake and the evaluation of national HIV prevention programs. The collaborative approach ensures the integration of research findings into policy and practice, ultimately benefiting communities affected by HIV/AIDS.
Fred has extensive experience and contributions to Publication and Knowledge Dissemination which have resulted in numerous peer-reviewed publications, disseminating valuable insights and findings to the scientific community. This dissemination of knowledge plays a critical role in informing evidence-based practices and advancing the field of HIV prevention, care, and research.
Overall, his dedication, leadership, and expertise have significantly contributed to advancing our understanding of HIV/AIDS epidemiology, addressing social determinants of health, and improving health outcomes for communities in Uganda and beyond.