Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration
Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration (IDRC) is a Ugandan non-profit organization dedicated to advancing public health through high-quality research. Established in 2008 by local health scientists from institutions including Makerere University and the Ministry of Health, IDRC’s core mission is to conduct vital studies on infectious diseases of public health importance.
Geoff Lavoy
Geoff Lavoy is an experienced data scientist and software engineer with over 25 years of expertise in data systems for health research. As Data Director at the Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration in Uganda, he has led the design of large-scale data architectures, including a custom electronic data capture system used in over 3.5 million surveys. With a Master’s in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, Geoff brings deep technical insight in machine learning, database design, and automated analytics. His work aligns with AFRICAI-RI’s mission to build a pan-African imaging repository by applying robust, scalable, and secure data solutions to support AI-driven healthcare innovation and capacity building across Sub-Saharan Africa.
Dr. Abdulwahab Sessolo
Dr. Abdulwahab is a Ugandan Medical Doctor and Clinical Epidemiologist trained in research management and implementation. He currently works as both a Study Coordinator and a Principal Investigator at the Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration(IDRC). His research interests are focused diagnosis of several types of Pneumonias and Post Pneumonia infection lung diseases. He has been a PI of studies to improve TB diagnosis using of stool and saliva as an alternative sample and recently a study to evaluate an assay to accurately monitor progress of TB treatment. He is a member of the Uganda Thoracic Society, European Respiratory Society and the Pan African Thoracic Society. His career goal is to improve the diagnosis and management of pulmonary infections and post pulmonary infection complications in Sub Saharan Africa, a region using a cost-effective and evidence-based approaches to care.
Dr. Joaniter I Nankabirwa
Dr. Joaniter I Nankabirwa is an investigator at the Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration (IDRC), and a lecturer in the Clinical Epidemiology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Makerere University College of Health Sciences. She has over 20 years experience in research which is backed up by graduate training in Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, PhD training in Epidemiology and Post-doctoral training in molecular epidemiology. Her research is focused on translational research, specifically linking the impact of control interventions on the clinical, epidemiological, and molecular aspects of infectious diseases. She has led several clinical trials evaluating different control interventions on infectious disease burden with a great focus on Malaria. She has more than 100 publications in peer reviewed journals.