Employing institution: Makerere University, Uganda
Host institution: Brighton and Sussex Medical School, UK
Project title: Evaluating the effectiveness of a community programme in improving knowledge and promoting healthy lifestyles for cardiovascular disease prevention
Dr Rawlence Ndejjo is an academic and researcher at Makerere University in Kampala, Uganda. He completed his PhD in Medical Sciences at the University of Antwerp, where he focused on evaluating the implementation of a community cardiovascular disease prevention programme in two districts in Uganda. His research interests are in community health, cardiovascular disease prevention and climate change. He aspires to contribute to the development of the health of African populations through transformative teaching and mentorship and conducting impactful health research.
AREF Fellowship:
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death globally disproportionately affecting low and middle income countries. Effective prevention and control strategies are paramount to dealing with the increasing CVD burden, especially in resource-limited settings. Dr Ndejjo will use his fellowship to analyse data from a stepped wedge cluster randomised trial to evaluate the effectiveness of a community programme in improving knowledge and promoting healthy lifestyles for CVD prevention. Results from his study will guide strategies to increase the uptake of healthy lifestyles among African populations key in the prevention and control of CVD and its metabollic risk factors and ensuring health and well-being and overall quality of life.
“My enhanced capacity in leadership, grant writing and conducting trials are exactly what I need to propel my research career and contribute to societal transformation”
Dr Ndejjo will undertake his placement at the Brighton and Sussex Medical School under the mentorship of Prof. Harm Van Marwijk. He is keen to obtain knowledge and skills in lifestyle medicine and the design and analysis of cluster randomised and stepped wedge trials. Makerere University, will support his post placement efforts by providing him with the necessary infrastructure, networks and administrative support to develop grant applications and lead research groups with mentorship from Prof. Rhoda Wanyenze.