Dr. Peter Waiswa

Publications

Advancing Evidence in Global Maternal and Newborn Health

Dr. Peter Waiswa has contributed extensively to research aimed at improving maternal, newborn, and child health outcomes, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. His scholarly work focuses on strengthening health systems, advancing evidence-based policy, and addressing critical challenges such as stillbirths, neonatal mortality, and maternal health inequities.

His research has been published in leading international journals, including contributions to studies published in The Lancet, and has informed both national and global health policy discussions.

Through interdisciplinary collaborations with global research institutions, ministries of health, and international organizations, his work continues to shape the understanding and implementation of effective maternal and newborn health interventions.

Featured Publication

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Ending Preventable Stillbirths Series

Journal: The Lancet

This landmark global research series examined the persistent challenge of stillbirths worldwide and highlighted the urgent need for stronger health systems, improved maternal care, and evidence-based interventions.

Dr. Waiswa contributed to the research efforts that informed the global discussion on preventing stillbirths and strengthening maternal and newborn health services, particularly in low-resource settings.

The series has been widely recognized for bringing global attention to an often overlooked public health issue and for influencing international policy dialogue around maternal and newborn health.

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Most important publications

1
2024
The Lancet
Effectiveness of kangaroo mother care before clinical stabilization versus standard care among neonates at five hospitals in Uganda (OMWaNA)
Tumukunde V, Medvedev MM, Tann CJ, Mambule I, Waiswa P, et al.
The first KMC trial on unstable newborns in Uganda. Demonstrated KMC was safe and less costly for small and vulnerable newborns.
2
2020
Lancet Global Health
Effect of a quality improvement package for intrapartum and immediate newborn care on fresh stillbirth and neonatal mortality among preterm and low-birthweight babies in Kenya and Uganda
Walker D, Otieno P, Butrick E, Namazzi G, Waiswa P, et al.
A large trial testing training and quality improvement to reduce mortality in premature babies. Preterm infants in intervention hospitals had ~30% lower chance of dying at 28 days.
3
2020
PLoS One
Pregnancy outcomes in facility deliveries in Kenya and Uganda: A large cross-sectional analysis of maternity registers
Waiswa P, Higgins BV, Mubiri P, Kirumbi L, Butrick E, et al.
Analysis of 50,981 deliveries revealing that 1.6% of births died before discharge, highlighting the need for renewed focus on preterm and low birthweight infant care.
4
2020
Lancet Global Health
Randomised comparison of two household survey modules for measuring stillbirths and neonatal deaths in five countries: the Every Newborn–INDEPTH study
Akuze J, Blencowe H, Waiswa P, et al. — Every Newborn-INDEPTH Collaborative Group
Full pregnancy history led to 20% higher stillbirth rates compared to birth history modules, supporting its use in high-burden countries despite taking 1.4 minutes longer.
5
2020
Lancet Child & Adolescent Health
Development and validation of a simplified score to predict neonatal mortality risk among neonates weighing 2000g or less (NMR-2000)
Medvedev MM, Brotherton H, Gai A, Tann C, Waiswa P, et al.
A predictive score using birthweight, oxygen saturation, and respiratory support to identify neonatal mortality risk — with potential to improve care resource allocation.
6
2017
Implementation Science
Effects of the EQUIP quasi-experimental study testing a collaborative quality improvement approach for maternal and newborn health care in Tanzania and Uganda
Waiswa P, Manzi F, Mbaruku G, Rowe AK, Marx M, et al. — EQUIP Study Team
EU-funded trial testing systemic quality improvement at community and facility level. Results now shape QI approaches in low- and middle-income countries. Cited 32 times.
7
2017
Global Health Action
Working with community health workers to improve maternal and newborn health outcomes: implementation and scale-up lessons from eastern Uganda
Namazzi G, Okuga M, Tetui M, Waiswa P, et al.
Analysed implementation challenges of a CHW intervention. Knowledge improved among CHWs but not consistently, pointing to the need for continuous education and competitive remuneration.
8
2016
The Lancet
Stillbirths: rates, risk factors, and acceleration towards 2030
Lawn JE, Blencowe H, Waiswa P, Amouzou A, et al.
Estimated 2.6 million third-trimester stillbirths in 2015. Stillbirth reduction has been slower than maternal or child mortality, with the highest burden in Africa and conflict-affected areas.
9
2015
PLoS Medicine
Enabling dynamic partnerships through joint degrees between low- and high-income countries for capacity development in global health research
Sewankambo N, Tumwine JK, Tomson G, Waiswa P, et al. — Karolinska/Makerere Partnership
Described the Karolinska–Makerere partnership yielding 44 PhD graduates and 500+ papers with mostly Ugandan first authors, strengthening local research capacity and Ministry of Health engagement.

Research Contributions

Dr. Waiswa has contributed to a range of multidisciplinary research initiatives addressing:

  • Maternal and newborn health systems strengthening

  • Stillbirth prevention and surveillance

  • Community health interventions

  • Health policy and implementation science

  • Perinatal and neonatal health outcomes

  • Global health equity and evidence-informed policymaking

These contributions have supported the development of policy recommendations, program implementation strategies, and improved health service delivery in multiple countries.