Strengthening Health Systems. Saving Lives. Shaping Health Policy, Locally, Regionally and Globally.
Prof. Peter Waiswa grew up in Naigobya Village, Luuka District, Uganda where early experiences shaped his lifelong dedication to improving health. Witnessing newborn and community health challenges inspired his commitment to building resilient, equitable health systems.
Strengthening Health Systems. Saving Lives. Shaping Health Policy, Locally, Regionally and Globally.
Prof. Peter Waiswa grew up in Naigobya Village, Luuka District, Uganda where early experiences shaped his lifelong dedication to improving health. Witnessing newborn and community health challenges inspired his commitment to building resilient, equitable health systems.
A global voice shaping the future of digital health systems
Through his leadership as Lead Principal Investigator of the DHPI-R Project, Prof. Peter Waiswa pioneered research across 28 African countries, advancing knowledge on how digital payments can empower frontline health workers.
The work now informs global policy conversations with WHO, UNICEF, and the Gates Foundation, influencing how health systems across Africa and LMICs evolve in the digital age.
Research Focus Areas
Prof. Peter Waiswa’s research focuses on Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child, and Adolescent Health, Nutrition (RHMNCH/A/N), digital health, artificial intelligence in health, health systems innovation, implementation science, quality improvement, capacity strengthening, and policy engagement, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa and other low- and middle-income countries.
Health Systems Strengthening
Through the Uganda Newborn Programme, led by Peter Waiswa and supported by partners including Makerere University School of Public Health, Baylor Foundation Uganda, Adara Development Uganda, and the Ministry of Health Uganda, Uganda has strengthened newborn care across 20 high-burden districts.
Innovations like the first human milk bank, expanded Newborn Care Units, and the Hospital-to-Home model have helped over 120,000 small and sick newborns and their mothers access better care, reducing mortality and improving survival and continuity from facility to home.
Research & Funding
Leading large-scale global health projects with major international funders.
Flagship Child Survival Programme
Implementation of the Global Action Plan for Pneumonia & Diarrhoea (CODES)
Funder: Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation / UNICEF
Amount: $8,277,941
Role: Principal Investigator
Period: 2011–2016
Preterm & Newborn Quality Improvement
Preterm Birth Initiative (PTBi-Uganda)
Funder: University of California, San Francisco (UCSF)
Amount: $2,814,487
Role: Principal Investigator
Period: 2015–2019
Urban Maternal & Newborn Health
Kampala MaNe/Slum Project
Funder: Population Services International (Prime: USAID)
Amount: $1,273,808
Role: Principal Investigator
Period: 2018–2021
Global Leadership & Advisory Roles
In addition to academic research, I serve on multiple national and international advisory platforms that shape health policy and implementation.
I am a member of the WHO Strategic and Technical Advisory Group of Experts (STAGE) for Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health and Nutrition. I also contribute to WHO–UNICEF technical advisory groups, guideline development processes, and global commissions.
WHO STAGE Member
Strategic and Technical Advisory Group of Experts (2021-Present)
Lancet Commissioner
Commission on Evidence-Based Implementation (2022-Present)
Founder & Chair
Busoga Health Forum & Makerere MNCH Centre of Excellence
Board Member
Global Health Faculty of Experts & UCU Ethics Committee
Advisory Group Member
Countdown to 2030 Health Policy & Systems Group
Publications & Media
200+ publications spanning stillbirth research, neonatal implementation science, and African-led global health policy.
Associated Institutions
