I possess the requisite expertise, leadership skills, and motivation, backed by extensive training, to successfully execute randomized controlled trials of mental health interventions in low-resource settings. With a foundational background in global mental health, my specializations encompass general psychiatry, psychiatric epidemiology, mixed methods research, trial design, and capacity building, particularly focusing on common mental health issues in Uganda.
My journey in implementation research commenced with establishing psycho-trauma centers in post-conflict northern Uganda, a milestone documented in PlosMedicine Journal highlighting a successful private-public partnership for implementation and scale-up.
Additionally, I have developed and evaluated culturally sensitive group support psychotherapy (GSP) in a population exposed to severe trauma in northern Uganda. The research highlighted the profound impact of GSP in alleviating depression thereby enhancing the functional outcomes of the affected individuals. Our evaluations have furnished pioneering evidence, indicating that the positive effects of GSP on viral suppression were mediated by a reduction in depression, subsequently enhancing ART adherence. Essentially, by addressing mental health (depression), we positively influenced the physiological response to HIV.
Each phase of my professional journey, each study undertaken, has not only expanded my knowledge and expertise but has profoundly attuned me to the nuanced needs and challenges of mental health care in regions like Uganda. My foundation in psychiatric epidemiology, complemented by practical insights gleaned from on-ground projects, positions me to navigate the intricate intersections of mental health, societal dynamics, and systemic challenges.
As I envision the path ahead, the confluence of my comprehensive training, diverse expertise, and practical experience in implementation and research in contexts marked by complex mental health landscapes, assures me of the potential for significant contributions and impact.
