Dr David Musoke, a Ugandan public health researcher and Associate Professor at Makerere University School of Public Health, has received international recognition for his contribution to malaria prevention and community health research in Uganda.
Dr Musoke was awarded the Low- and Middle-Income Country (LMIC) Investigator Award during the 2026 International Behavioural Trials Network Conference held from May 7 to 9 in Montreal, Canada.
The award recognises independent researchers living and working in low- and middle-income countries who have made outstanding scientific contributions in behavioural interventions and public health research.
Conference organisers honoured Dr Musoke for more than a decade of research on integrated malaria prevention in rural Ugandan communities, particularly in Wakiso District, where he has worked closely with communities to improve disease prevention practices.
His research has focused on community-led approaches to malaria prevention, environmental health, sanitation and strengthening public awareness on disease control measures.
Public health experts say such interventions remain critical in Uganda, where malaria continues to be one of the leading causes of illness and death, especially among children and pregnant women.
Uganda remains among the countries with the highest malaria burden in Africa, with the disease accounting for millions of outpatient visits annually and placing significant pressure on the country’s healthcare system.
Dr Musoke’s recognition is being viewed as a major milestone for Uganda’s scientific and academic community, highlighting the growing contribution of local researchers to global health solutions.
At Makerere University, he serves as Head of the Department of Disease Control and Environmental Health at the School of Public Health.
Over the years, he has built a reputation in environmental health research, community health systems and disease prevention initiatives.
Beyond malaria research, his work has also focused on antimicrobial resistance, One Health approaches and strengthening health systems in vulnerable communities.
He has collaborated with local and international institutions on studies aimed at improving public health responses in low-resource settings.
Dr Musoke has authored and co-authored numerous peer-reviewed scientific publications and contributed to research shaping discussions on environmental and community health in Uganda and beyond.
In 2026, he also became the first Ugandan elected President of the International Federation of Environmental Health for the 2026–2028 term. Uganda is expected to host the federation’s 19th World Congress in Kampala in 2028 under his leadership.
Colleagues in the public health sector say his latest award demonstrates the increasing visibility of Ugandan researchers on the international stage and could inspire greater investment in local health research and innovation.
The recognition also comes at a time when governments and health organisations across Africa are calling for stronger locally driven research to address persistent public health challenges, including malaria, sanitation-related diseases and emerging health threats.
Researchers say community-based interventions such as those championed by Dr Musoke are increasingly important because they focus on prevention, behavioural change and public participation rather than relying solely on treatment.