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John Rubaihayo

John Rubaihayo

Professor

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I am a Full Professor of Public health, who is dedicated to improving the health and wellbeing of humanity. I hold a PhD in Public Health epidemiology obtained  from the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Makerere University (Uganda) and the Department of Epidemiology and Population Health at  London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, University of London (UK). I also hold a Master of Public Health (MPH) and MSc (Medical parasitology)  from London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (UK), BSc (Biological Sciences) from Makerere University (Uganda), postgraduate diploma in Medical Entomology from London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Certificate in advanced statistical methods in Epidemiology from London school of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, a certificate in advanced epidemiology from the Institute of Tropical Medicine and International health (ITM&IH), Charite University, Berlin, Germany.  I’m an accomplished  public  health specialist with over 15 years of teaching and research experience  in  infectious diseases epidemiological research designs and methods, biostatistics, data science analytics, public health principles and practices in developing countries. Notably, I have demonstrated experience in leading and managing a number of  research projects on HIV, malaria, onchocerciasis and schistosomiasis epidemiology in Uganda. My role and experience in leading multiple research projects to advance knowledge and improve practice in public health culminated in my  appointment as a full Professor of Public health in 2022.  Given my  training and experience, I am happy to support and mentors others in the fields of my expertise.

HIV prevention and treatment HIV  remains one of the world’s most challenging public health crises with sub-Saharan Africa bearing the heaviest burden. Recent statistics from Uganda AIDS commission (2023) shows that  Fort Portal city in western Uganda , where I’m currently based, has the highest HIV prevalence in Uganda(17.8%) compared to the national average (5.1%). My passion is to contribute to the understanding of the drivers of the HIV epidemic in this region so as to inform policy and planning of effective HIV  prevention and control measures. 
  • Tumwebaze M, Rubaihayo J and Harold M. Appraisal of Existing HIV/AIDs Prevention and Control Measures and Presentation of Innovative Strategies to End HIV/AIDS Epidemic by 2030. Open Journal of Epidemiology, 2023 , 13: 178-194. doi: 10.4236/ojepi.2023.133014
  • Rubaihayo J & Mandela Disan. Factors influencing the uptake of selected HIV prevention methods among Boda-boda ridders in Fort Portal municipality, Kabarole District. Global scientific journals 2022, 10(4)
  • Theuring S Rubagumya K, Schumann H, Harms G,Rubaihayo J, Wanyenze R. Sexual Risk Behaviour in HIV-uninfected Pregnant Women in Western Uganda. Archives of Sexual Behaviour 2021, 50:3277–3286. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10508-021-02062-0
  • Schumann H, Rubagumya K, Rubaihayo J, Harms G, Wanyenze R, Theuring S. The Incidence of HIV and associated risk factors among pregnant women in Kabarole District, Uganda. PloS One 2020, 15(6):e0234174
  • Decker S, Rempis E, Schnack A, Braun V, Rubaihayo J, Busingye P, Tumwesigye MN, Harms G, Theuring Prevention of mother to child transmission of HIV: Postpartum adherence to Option B+ until 18 months in Western Uganda. PLoS One 2017, 12(6): e0179448
  • Machnowska P, Hauser A, Meixenberger K, Altmann B, Bannert N, Rempis E, Schnack A, Decker S, Braun V, Busingye P, Rubaihayo J, Harms G, Theuring S. Decreased emergence of HIV-1 drug resistance mutations in a cohort of Ugandan women initiating option B+ for PMTCT. PLoS One 2017, 12(5): e0178297
  • Rempis EM, Schnack A, Decker S, Braun V, Rubaihayo J, Tumwesigye MN, Busingye P, Harms G, Theuring Option B+ for prevention of vertical HIV transmission has no influence on adverse birth outcomes in a cross-sectional cohort in Western Uganda. BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth 2017, 17:82
  • Schnack A, Rempis E, Decker S, Braun V, Rubaihayo J, Busingye P, Tumwesigye NM,Harms G, Theuring S. Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV in Option B+ Era: Uptake and Adherence During Pregnancy in Western Uganda. AIDS Patient Care STDS 2016, 30(3):110-8
  • Theuring S, Schnack A, Rempis E, Decker S, Braun V, Rubaihayo J, Busingye P, Harms G. Prevention of mother-to-child-transmission of HIV in the Option B+ era: uptake and adherence during pregnancy in Fort Portal, Uganda. Tropical Medicine and International Health 2015, 20(suppl1):89
  • Theuring S, Mugenyi K, Rubaihayo J, Busingye P, Harms, G. Antiretroviral Therapy Programme Retention and Outcomes after 12 Months in a Retrospective Patient Cohort in Fort Portal, Uganda: The Ongoing Challenge of Male ART Performance. Journal of AIDS Clinical  Research 2015, 6:2
  • Rubaihayo J, Akib S, Moghusu E, Abaasa A. High HIV prevalence and associated factors in a remote community in the Rwenzori region of Western Uganda, Infectious Diseases Reports 2010, 2 (e13): 40-46
  HIV and opportunistic infections  My interest in this area was to highlight the role of various HIV interventions and most importantly the introduction of  highly active antiretroviral therapy  (HAART) on the frequency and trends of different kinds of opportunistic infections associated with HIV/AIDS including opportunistic cancers (Kaposi’s sarcoma) in Uganda.
  • Rubaihayo J, Tumwesigye MN & Birungi J. Temporal and Spatial distribution of opportunistic infections associated with HIV in Uganda: Future opportunities and Tools for Emerging Challenges for HIV/AIDS Control. Intech Open publishers 2022
  • Rubaihayo J, Tumwesigye MN, Konde-Lule J, Wamani H, Nakku-Joloba E, Makumbi F. Frequency and distribution patterns of opportunistic infections associated with HIV/AIDS in Uganda. BMC Res Notes 2016, 9:501
  • Rubaihayo J, Tumwesigye MN, Konde-Lule J, Makumbi F. Forecast analysis of any opportunistic infection among HIV positive individuals on antiretroviral therapy in Uganda. BMC Public Health 2016, 16:766
  • Rubaihayo J, Tumwesigye MN, Konde_Lule,J.Trends in prevalence of selected opportunistic Infections associated with HIV/AIDS in Uganda. BMC Infectious Diseases 2015, 15:187
  • Rubaihayo J, Tumwesigye MN, Konde_Lule,J. Trends in prevalence of diarrhoea, Kaposi’s sarcoma, bacterial pneumonia, malaria and geohelminths among HIV positive individuals in Uganda. AIDS Research and Therapy 2015, 12:20
  • Rubaihayo J, Tumwesigye MN, Konde-Lule J, Wamani, H, Nakku-Joloba E, Makumbi F. Prevalence  and  Factors  Associated  with  Opportunistic  Infections  in  HIV  Positive  Patients  on Antiretroviral Therapy in Uganda.  International Journal of Tropical Disease & International Health 2015, 10(1):1-13
  • Rubaihayo J, Tumwesigye MN, Konde-Lule J, Wamani, H, Nakku-Joloba E, Makumbi F, Etukoit MB.Trends and predictors of mortality among HIV positive patients in the era of highly active antiretroviral therapy in Uganda. Infectious Disease Reports 2015; 7:5967
  • Rubaihayo J. Effect of Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy on Trends of Selected Opportunistic Infections and Mortality among HIV positive Individuals enrolled with the AIDS Support Organisation (TASO) in Ugand (PhD thesis, Makerere University Main Library, Kampala, 2016)
  • Rubaihayo J, Tumwesigye NM, Konde-Lule J, Wamani H, Nakku-Joloba E,  Makumbi F. Trends in prevalence of selected opportunistic Infections associated with HIV/AIDS in Uganda. Uganda Society for Health Scientists 16th  Annual Scientific Conference proceedings, 6-7 August 2015, Kampala, Uganda. Abstract No. 018 page 13.
  HIV and Quality of life My passion in this area was to contribute to the understanding of  the impact of HIV and the various interventions on the quality of life of young people living with HIV in Uganda. 
  • Kimera E, Vindevogel S, Reynaert D, Engelen A-M, Justice KM, Rubaihayo J, De-Maeyer J & Bilsen J. Care and support for youth living with HIV/AIDS in secondary schools: perspectives of school stakeholders in western Uganda. BMC Public Health 2021, 21:63
  • Kimera E, Vindevogel S, Reynaert D, Mugenyi KJ, Rubaihayo J, De-Maeyer J,   Engelen A-M, Khamis Musanje,  Bilsen J. Experiences and Effects of HIV-related stigma among youth living with HIV/AIDS in western Uganda: A photovoice study. Plos One 2020, 15(4): e0232359
  • Kimera E, Vindevogel S, Mugenyi KJ, Rubaihayo J, De-Maeyer J, Reynaert D, Engelen A-M, Nuwaha F,  Bilsen J. Experiences and Perceptions of youth living with HIV in Western Uganda on school attendance: barriers and facilitators. BMC Public Health 2020, 20:79
  • Kimera E, Vindevogel S, Rubaihayo J, Reynaert D, De-Maeyer J, Engelen A-M, Bilsen J. Youth Living with HIV/AIDS in secondary schools: perspectives of peer educators and patron teachers in western Uganda on stressors and supports. Sahara-J: Journal of Social Aspects of HIV/AIDS 2019, 16 (1): 51-56
  • Kimera E, Vindevogel S, De-Maeyer J, Reynaert D, Engelen A-M, Nuwaha F, Rubaihayo J, Bilsen J. Challenges and support for quality of life of youths living with HIV/AIDS in schools and larger community in East Africa: a systematic Systematic Reviews 2019, 8:64
Malaria and Schistosomiasis epidemiology, prevention and control Malaria and Schistosomiasis are among the major causes of poor health Uganda. Malaria is #1 enemy of Uganda as it has killed more people than any cause of death in Uganda.  My interest in this area is to contribute to the understanding of the epidemiology and the different options for effective prevention and control of these diseases. 
  • van Loon W, Schallenberg E, Mande E, Musinguzi P, Ngobi P, Atukunda S, Rubaihayo J, Mockenhaupt FP. Plasmodium falciparum Kelch-13 artemisinin partial resistance markers in Fort Portal, Western Uganda, 2024. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2025:e01755-24. https://doi.org/10.1128/aac.01755-24
  • Ikiriza A, Andinda M, Kamukama R, Mugisa T, Rubaihayo J, Semana Factors Associated with Utilization of Insecticide Treated Nets Among Residents of Kamwenge Town Council-Kamwenge District-Uganda. International Journal of Infectious Diseases and Therapy 2019, 4(1): 1-6
  • Braun V, Rempis E, Schnack A, Decker S, Rubaihayo J, Tumwesigye NM, Theuring S, Harms G, Busingye P, Mockenhaupt FP. Lack of effect of intermittent preventive treatment for malaria in pregnancy and intense drug resistance in western Uganda. BMC Malaria Journal 2015, 14:372
  • Rubaihayo J, Tukesiga Ephraim, Abaasa A . Reduced susceptibility to pyrethroid insecticide- treated nets by the malaria vector Anopheles gambiae s.l. in western Uganda. BMC Malaria Journal 2008, 7:92
  • Rubaihayo J . Insecticide mixtures (Pyrethroids and Etofenprox) in the management of Pyrethroid resistance in malaria vectors (M.Sc. Thesis, London School Of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel street Main Library, London, 1996)
  • Rubaihayo J, Moghusu E, Claudes P, Abaasa A. Schistosomiasis transmission at high altitude crater lakes in Western Uganda. BMC Infectious diseases, 2008, 8:110
  • Metzger WG, Byamukama W, Kabasinguzi R, Rubaihayo J, Rubale T, Kabagambe G, Langi P, Sonnennburg F and Kilian A Effectiveness of cyfluthrin impregnated curtains in an area with high malaria transmission after six months of follow up (WHO Pesticide Evaluation Scheme (WHOPES) Phase III evaluation of ITNS) (In antimalarials conference proceedings, BTO, University of Edinburg, 1998) 
Covid19 prevention My passion in this area was to contribute to the understanding of the drivers of the covid19 epidemic and the impact of the various interventions on peoples’ livelihoods in Uganda
  • Theuring S, Kengonzi A, Hafermann L, Herrmann C, Kabwama SN,Rubaihayo J. Repercussions of the COVID-19 Response in Pregnant Women in Western Uganda: Knowledge, Behavior, and Emotional State after the First Lockdown in 2020  . J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18,7817.  https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18157817  
Pneumococcal Disease epidemiology  My interest in this area was to highlight  the impact of the vaccination campaign against pnemococcal disease in Uganda
  • Ikiriza A, Rubaihayo J, Atuhe I, Mujawimana A, Ndungutse D. Burden of Pneumococcal Disease: An 8-Year Retrospective Analysis of Local Surveillance Data from Three Regions in Uganda (2012-2020). Journal of Vaccines & Vaccination 2023, 14:505
Diabetes & Herbal medicine My interest in this area is to contribute to the understanding of how we could apply local  remedies for control and treatment of diabetes mellitus in resource poor settings.
  • Asiimwe OH, Rubaihayo J, Sulaiman SO, Osuwat LO, Kasozi  A protein restricted diet induces a stable increased fat storage in flies. Toxicol Rep. 2023; 10:706-713
  • Asiimwe OH, Wampande E, Rubaihayo J, Kasozi KI ,Kinyi HW. Anti-obesity effects of Erythrina abyssinica stem bark extract in flies exposed to a high fat diet. Heliyon 8 (2022) e09886
Application of digital health (m-Health) in Public Health  My interest in this area is to contribute to the understanding of how we can integrate digital health technologies (m-health)  in addressing public health challenges  in resource poor settings 
  • Tumuhimbise W , Theuring S, Kaggwa F, Atukunda CE, Rubaihayo J, Atwine D, Sekandi NJ and Musiimenta A. Enhancing the implementation and integration of mHealth interventions in resource-limited settings: a scoping review. Implementation Science (2024) 19:72
Others Complete list of all my publications can be obtained from: