Dr. Joseph Mwaka Summary of relevant portfolio and achievements;

 Selected Publications & Reports

• Mwaka, J., et al. (2024)(Ongoing work). "Visceral Leishmaniasis in Bangladesh: A Changing Epidemiology and Comparison of National Response Strategies." (In preparation for submission to The Lancet Infectious Diseases). This research examines the evolving patterns of VL in Bangladesh, assesses the effectiveness of current control measures, and compares the response to VL with the established Bangladesh National EPI program.
• Mwaka, J. (2023). "Optimizing Immunization Coverage in Bidi Bidi Refugee Settlement: A Case Study." (Internal Report for UNHCR). This report details the strategies and interventions implemented to increase immunization coverage by 30% in a complex humanitarian setting. It highlights challenges faced, lessons learned, and recommendations for improving immunization programs in similar contexts.
• Mwaka, J., et al. (2022). "Factors Associated with Vaccine Hesitancy Among Social Media Users  in Uganda." (Submitted to the University of Cavendish in Uganda as part of Masters dissertation for Public Health). This study investigates the sociocultural and contextual factors contributing to vaccine hesitancy in Uganda, providing insights for tailoring immunization campaigns and communication strategies.
• Mwaka, J. (2021). "Evaluation of a Community-Based Vaccination Campaign for Measles and Measles in Rural Uganda." (Programme report at IRC Uganda, Yumbe Field Site). This evaluation assesses the effectiveness of a community-based approach to vaccination delivery, highlighting the importance of community engagement and trust-building in achieving high immunization coverage.

Project Portfolio

• Bidi Bidi Refugee Settlement Health Program (2021-2023): Led the design and implementation of a comprehensive health program for over 100,000 refugees, encompassing clinical care, immunization, outbreak response, and infrastructure development. Secured and managed a $500,000 grant for emergency care and achieved significant improvements in health outcomes.
• Measles Outbreak Response in Bidi Bidi Refugee Settlement (2022): Led the rapid response to a measles outbreak, implementing containment measures, coordinating case management, and conducting community education. The swift action resulted in a 15% reduction in morbidity and mortality rates.
• Maternal and Child Health Program in Bidi Bidi Refugee Settlement (2022): Developed and implemented a culturally sensitive program to address the specific health needs of mothers and children, resulting in significant reductions in maternal mortality and under-five mortality.
• Visceral Leishmaniasis Surveillance in Bangladesh (2024-present): Conducting ongoing research to analyze the epidemiology of VL in Bangladesh, assess the effectiveness of current control measures, and identify opportunities for improvement in the national response.

Presentations & Workshops

• Global Vaccine and Immunization Research Forum (2023): Presented findings on vaccine hesitancy among refugee populations in Uganda, highlighting the importance of tailoring communication strategies to address specific concerns and build trust.
• United Kingdom Parliamentary group on Neglected Tropical Diseases (2023): Participated in a panel discussion on the global burden of NTDs(hybrid schistosomiasis), advocating for increased investment in research and control efforts.
• Training Workshop on Immunization in Fragile Settings (2022): Facilitated a workshop for healthcare workers and community leaders on best practices for delivering immunization services in complex environments, sharing lessons learned from my experience in Bidi Bidi Refugee Settlement.