I work at the interface of research and policy, contributing to national and...
About
Prof. Peter Waiswa, MBChB, MPH, PhD
Global Health Researcher & Advocate | Professor of Health Policy & Systems
A Ugandan physician and global health systems leader advancing maternal, newborn, and child health through research, policy reform, and African-led solutions.
globally recognized physician and public health leader with over 20 years of experience strengthening health systems across Africa and beyond. His work integrates research, policy, and implementation science to improve maternal, newborn, and child health outcomes in low- and middle-income countries.
Professional Journey
Trained as a medical doctor before transitioning into public health and health systems research, Prof. Waiswa’s career has been defined by a commitment to improving care for women and newborns in underserved settings. His academic formation includes advanced training in public health and a joint PhD from Makerere University and Karolinska Institutet, followed by postdoctoral specialization in health systems and policy.
Over the years, he has led and contributed to large-scale implementation research initiatives focused on quality of care, neonatal survival, stillbirth reduction, and community health system strengthening. His leadership of the Preterm Birth Initiative (PTBi-Uganda) and the Makerere University Maternal and Newborn Centre of Excellence has influenced national programming and global discourse on maternal and newborn survival.
Read about his Education & training here
Career Impact at a Glance
200+
Peer-Reviewed Publications
16,600+
Total Citations
56
h-index
194
i10-index
$20M+
Research Funding Mobilized
WHO & UNICEF
Global Advisory Roles
My work centers on strengthening health systems to improve outcomes for women, newborns, and children particularly in low- and middle-income countries. I apply implementation science, policy research, and quality improvement methods to ensure that evidence translates into measurable impact.
Awards & Recognition
Prof. Waiswa’s contributions have been recognized nationally and internationally. His honors include:
- Uganda’s Presidential National Independence Heroes Medal in recognition of his service to the nation.
- Ministerial awards for excellence in newborn care research.
- Institutional recognition at Makerere University for outstanding research contributions and academic leadership.
These honors reflect not only scholarly productivity, but measurable impact on health outcomes and policy reform.
Global Policy & Advisory Leadership
Beyond academia, Prof. Waiswa plays a critical role in shaping international health policy. He serves on high-level advisory and technical groups including the WHO Strategic and Technical Advisory Group of Experts (STAGE), WHO Guideline Development Groups, UNICEF advisory platforms, and the Lancet Commission on Evidence-Based Implementation in Global Health.
Through these roles, he contributes to the development of global standards, implementation frameworks, and accountability mechanisms that guide maternal and newborn health strategies worldwide. For more about his Lewadership and Advisory, read here
Current Focus
Prof. Waiswa continues to collaborate with governments, multilateral institutions, universities, and community-based organizations to ensure that evidence translates into equitable health gains.
Community & Primary Care Innovation
I lead initiatives that strengthen community health worker programs, home...
Implementation Science
My research tests practical approaches for scaling evidence-based...
Vision & Philosophy
At the core of his work is a belief that sustainable health reform must be locally anchored, evidence-informed, and system-wide. He advocates for accountable governance, community engagement, and the elevation of African expertise in shaping global health priorities.
His mission remains clear: to ensure that no woman, newborn, or child is left behind by building resilient health systems that deliver quality care where it is needed most.