Dr. Nanyeenya's PhD Triumph: A beacon in Uganda's HIV/AIDS battle

Clad in his vibrant doctoral gown, symbolizing Makerere's legacy, Dr. Nanyeenya stands as a testament to determination and innovation in the medical field.

Dr. Nanyeenya's journey from a medical doctor to a Ph.D. holder is a story of passion and commitment. He delved into the world of public health with a Master's from the University of Aberdeen in 2018. His drive? To influence HIV/AIDS policies in Uganda through rigorous research.

"I realized how critical research is in shaping health policies, especially in HIV programs," Dr. Nanyeenya explains. His Ph.D. at Makerere was more than a degree – it was a mission to unearth insights about HIV low-level viraemia and guide Uganda's HIV guidelines.

In Uganda, the understanding of HIV viral load has been limited. Previously, a viral load below 1,000 copies/ml was seen as a successful suppression. But Dr. Nanyeenya's research uncovered a worrying trend of low-level viraemia (50 to <1,000 copies/ml), which could lead to drug resistance and transmission risks.

His findings were startling: "From 2016 to 2020, the number of People Living with HIV with LLV in Uganda jumped from 2.0% to 8.6%. This called for immediate action," he notes. This led to a vital policy shift, lowering the viral suppression threshold and introducing intensive adherence counseling for better HIV management.

Behind Dr. Nanyeenya's achievement was a team of mentors – from professors at Makerere to experienced researchers in HIV. "The mentorship I received was invaluable in navigating the Ph.D. process," he shares. This support system, along with his department head, Dr. Joan Mutyoba, played a pivotal role in his journey.

Dr. Nanyeenya completed his Ph.D. in less than three years, a feat that speaks volumes about his dedication. He advises aspiring Ph.D. candidates to persevere: "Once you decide on a Ph.D., go for it full throttle!"

His choice of specializing in HIV low-level viraemia was no coincidence. It aligned perfectly with his experience in HIV viral load testing. "My work as an international consultant and a programs officer at CPHL enriched my PhD journey," he states.

Dr. Nanyeenya's aspirations don't stop at his Ph.D. He aims to be a global health leader, implementing evidence-based strategies to fight diseases in Uganda and beyond. "To make a real difference, we must love our country and our people," he asserts.

His experience, both in developing and developed countries, has shown him the stark contrast between health challenges and the power of evidence-based interventions.

Dr. Nanyeenya isn't just a graduate; he's a trailblazer for a healthier Uganda. His commitment to research, mentorship, and action symbolizes the potential of individual dedication to bring about significant change.

The study was funded by various prestigious programs, including the Rakai Health Service Program Ph.D. Fogarty Training Scholarship, UJMT Fogarty Global Health Fellowship, Mak-BSSR program, and Makerere University Research and Innovation Fund (MakRIF).