CRDR STAFF PROFILES
Dr. Jane Ong'ang'o
Deputy Director CRDR
Dr Jane Rahedi Ong’ang’o is a medical doctor and Principal Research Scientist working at the Centre for Respiratory Diseases Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI). Currently she heads this Centre as the Deputy Director. She is a Public Health Specialist with an interest in health programme implementation and operational research of interventions geared towards control of both communicable and non-communicable conditions.
Dr. Ong’ang’o played the role of principal investigator for various population based surveys and also served as a research team coordinator. She has provided a leadership role in coordinating national surveys including; The International Tobacco Control Policy Evaluation Project, Kenya (2012, 2018), The Kenya National TB Prevalence Survey (2016), and Kenya STEP Survey for Non-Communicable Diseases Risk Factors (2015).
Dr Ong’ang’o has keen interest in health system strengthening research for the improvement of lung health. She is a member of various technical working groups in the Ministry of Health including; Monitoring/Evaluation and Research, Social Protection, Drug Resistance TB. She has participated in the development of various work documents of the TB program including the current National Strategic Plan (2019 -2023), the Practical Approach to Lung Health (PAL) guidelines and the policy on Social Protection for TB and Leprosy patients. Her other areas of interest include capacity building of healthcare workers, health programme evaluation and social protection issues related to TB disease.
Academic and Professional Qualifications
MBChB, MPH, PhD (Epidemiology)
Selected Publications
- Enos M, Sitienei J, Ong’ang’o J, Mungai B, Kamene M, Wambugu J, et al. (2018) Kenya tuberculosis prevalence survey 2016: Challenges and opportunities of ending TB in Kenya. PLoS ONE 13(12): e0209098. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0209098
- Ong’ang’o JR, Mwachari C, Kipruto H, Karanja S (2014) The Effects on Tuberculosis Treatment Adherence from Utilising Community Health Workers: A Comparison of Selected Rural and Urban Settings in Kenya. PLoS ONE 9(2): e88937. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0088937
- Brenda Nyambura Mungai , Elizabeth Joekes , Enos Masini , Angela Obasi, Veronica Manduku , Beatrice Mugi, Jane Ong’ang’o, et al ‘If not TB, what could it be?’ Chest X-ray findings from the 2016 Kenya Tuberculosis Prevalence Survey. Thorax 2021;0:1–8. doi:10.1136/thoraxjnl-2020-216123
- Kairu , Angela ; Orangi, Stacey; Oyando, Robinson; Kabia, Evelyn; Nguhiu, Peter; Ong’ang’o, Jane Rahedi; Mwirigi, Nkirote ; Laurence, Yoko L; Kitson, Nichola; Garcia Baena, Ines; Vassall, Anna; Barasa, Edwine; Sweeney, Sedona; Cunnama, Lucy The costs of providing tuberculosis services in healthcare facilities in Kenya International Journal of TB & Lung Disease IJTLD-03-21-0129.R1
- Susan Kaai, Geoffrey Fong, Fastone Goma, Gang Meng, Lawrence Ikamari, Jane Rahedi Ong’ang’o, Tara Elton-Marshall, (2019) Identifying factors associated with quit intentions among smokers from two nationally representative samples in Africa: Findings from the ITC Kenya and Zambia Surveys. Journal of Preventive Medicine: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pmedr.2019.100951
- Kipruto H , Mung’atu J , Ogila K , Adem A , Mwalili S , Kibuchi E ,Ong’ang’o JR , Sang G; Spatial Temporal Modelling of Tuberculosis in Kenya Using Small Area Estimation . International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR) ISSN (Online): 2319-7064 Volume 4 Issue 9, September 2015 www.ijsr.net
- Kirubi, B., Ong’ang’o, J., Nguhiu, P. et al.Determinants of household catastrophic costs for drug sensitive tuberculosis patients in Kenya. Infect Dis Poverty 10, 95 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40249-021-00879-4
- Nargis, N., Stoklosa, M., Ikamari, L., Ong`ang`o, J.R., Fong, G.T., Drope, J., Kimosop, V., and Chaloupka, F.J. (October 2015). Cigarette Taxation in Kenya at the Crossroads: Evidence and Policy Implications. University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada. http://www.itcproject.org/
- Mungai B, Ong’ang’o J, Ku CC, Henrion MYR, Morton B, Joekes E, et al. (2022) Accuracy of computer-aided chest X-ray in community-based tuberculosis screening: Lessons from the 2016 Kenya National Tuberculosis Prevalence Survey. PLOS Glob Public Health 2(11): e0001272. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pgph.0001272
- Ong’ang’o JR, Mashedi O, Gichangi M, Kiplimo R, Nyamori J and Alwenya K (2023) The diagnostic accuracy of diabetes retinopathy screening by ophthalmic clinical officers, ophthalmic nurses and county ophthalmologists against a retina specialist in 2 selected county referral hospitals, Kenya. Front. Ophthalmol. 3:1082205. doi: 10.3389/fopht.2023.108220
- Kipruto, H , Mung’atu, J , Ogila, K , Adem, A , Mwalili, S , Kibuchi, E , Masini E , Kiplimo R , Ong’ang’o JR. An Application of Deterministic and Stochastic Processes to Model Evolving Epidemiology of Tuberculosis in Kenya. International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR) ISSN (Online): 2319-7064; Volume 4 Issue 9, September 2015 www.ijsr.net
- Rahedi Ong’ang’o J, Matu S, Karugu M, Miheso B, Njoroge M, Kirathe D, Sanga D, Githui S, Kipruto H, Kaguthi G. A Comparative Study on the Quality of Life of Leprosy Patients in Kilifi and Kwale Counties in Kenya. African Journal of Health Sciences. 2022 Aug 9;35(3):343-55.
Dr. Videlis Nduba
Research Scientist
Dr. Videlis Nduba is the Deputy Director in charge of the Center for Respiratory Diseases Research (CRDR).
He has worked at the Institute for over 13 years with his work focusing on TB Research including developing tuberculosis epidemiological capacity to conduct phase II and III TB vaccine trials in adolescents and infants, diagnostics for infant TB, and epidemiology of TB in adolescents. He was a principal investor of a double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled, dose-finding trial of the novel tuberculosis vaccine AERAS-402) in infants, of which Kenya was one of four countries participating in this trial.
Dr. Nduba has conducted two TB vaccine trials, one in infants and the other in adults that included bio banking protocols and extensive immunology sample collection and processing.
He has also lead a TB drug treatment trial that examined at a novel new treatment- MPaZ for shortening TB treatment from six to four months for drug sensitive TB. This research has included developing extensive networks with the TB treatment program, community networks with TB ambassadors and community health.
Dr. Evans Amukoye
Ag. Director Research & Development and Research Scientist
Dr Evans Inyangala Amukoye is a Pediatrician with interest in pediatrics pulmonology. He obtained MB.ChB (1985) and M.Med (1992) from the University of Nairobi. He has also undergone several professional trainings in United Kingdom, Japan among others. He has widely published with over 53 publications in peer review and at least 14 as first or last author, contributed to 5 national guidelines. He has presented over 200 papers of which in various conferences and symposiums locally and international. He has been a PI or Co PI in 25 study projects with total funding of over 600 Million shillings. Currently a PI in 1 project whose overall objective is to identify the role of immune cells in the relapse of tuberculosis after completion of TB drug therapy (TH17 Study, funded by NIH. He is also Co-PI in 3 running projects. Area of research interest include Clinical trials, epidemiology, respiratory medicine and air pollution among others. He is an editor in several journals including East Africa Health Research Journal EAHRJ, African Journal of Respiratory Medicine (AJRM and AJHR)
He is a member of many Professional bodies including the Association of Travel Medicine & Vaccination Services of Kenya (ATMVSK), European Respiratory Society, ATS, National Task Force for Preparedness of Avian Flu Pandemic, Kenya Pediatrics Association, Kenya Association for Prevention of Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases (KAPTLD) Executive Board), Targeting Asthma in Sub-Saharan Africa Previously served as on the committee on Drug Registration (CDR) at the Pharmacy and Poisons Board. He is a founding member of Pan Africa Thoracic Society where over 100 health workers have been trained in research methodology, Currently a member of the national advisory committee on vaccine (KENITAG). He has consulted in several hospital within the city including Gertrude children hospital. He has served as a board member of KMTC for 8 years.
He has supervised 5 PhD students (3 have graduated) and 9 master’s students (8 have graduated). He is passionate in developing new research leader’s and a member of a very active team at CRDR.
Dr. Amukoye is currently the Acting Director Research and Development.
Selected Publications
Elizabeth F Msoka, Fred Orina, Erica Samson Sanga, Barbara Miheso, Simeon Mwanyonga, Helen Meme, Kiula Kiula, Alphonce Liyoyo, Ivan Mwebaza, Augustus Aturinde, Moses Joloba, Blandina Mmbaga, Evans Amukoye, Nyanda Elias Ntinginya, Stephen H Gillespie, Wilber Sabiiti
BMJ Open. 2021; 11(7): e050911. Published online 2021 Jul 11. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-050911
Silvanos Opanda, Wallace Bulimo, George Gachara, Christopher Ekuttan, Evans Amukoye
PLoS One. 2020; 15(2): e0228029. Published online 2020 Feb 11. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0228029
Fred Orina, Moses Mwangi, Hellen Meme, Benson Kitole, Evans Amukoye
PLoS One. 2019; 14(12): e0227107. Published online 2019 Dec 27. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0227107
Sujha Subramanian, Joseph Kibachio, Sonja Hoover, Patrick Edwards, Evans Amukoye, Mary Amuyunzu–Nyamongo, Gisela Abbam, Naftali Busakhala, Abigail Chakava, Jonathan Dick, Robai Gakunga, Gladwell Gathecha, Rainer Hilscher, Muhammad Jami Husain, Lydia Kaduka, James Kayima, Alfred Karagu, Dorcas Kiptui, Anne Korir, Nkatha Meme, Breda Munoz, Walter Mwanda, Daniel Mwai, Julius Mwangi, Esther Munyoro, Zachary Muriuki, James Njoroge, Elijah Ogola, Carol Olale, Deborah Olwal–Modi, Rose Rao, Saras Rosin, Onyango Sangoro, Daniel von Rège, David Wata, Pam Williams, Gerald Yonga, Participants from the NCD Symposium in Kenya
J Glob Health. 2017 Jun; 7(1): 010204. Published online 2017 Mar 24. doi: 10.7189/jogh.07.010204
Genetic analysis of H3N2 influenza A viruses isolated in 2006–2007 in Nairobi, Kenya
Wallace D. Bulimo, Jason L. Garner, David C. Schnabel, Sheryl A. Bedno, M. Kariuki Njenga, Walter O. Ochieng, Evans Amukoye, James M. Magana, James M. Simwa, Victor O. Ofula, Samwel M. Lifumo, Julia Wangui, Robert F. Breiman, Samuel K. Martin
Influenza Other Respir Viruses. 2008 May; 2(3): 107–113. Published online 2008 Jun 28. doi: 10.1111/j.1750-2659.2008.00044.x PMC4634699
Dickens Onyango, Gideon Kikuvi, Evans Amukoye, Jared Omolo
Pan Afr Med J. 2012; 13: 45. Published online 2012 Nov 1. PMC3542783
Dr. Carolyne Ndila
Research Scientist
Dr. Ndila is a highly experienced Ass. Principal Research Scientist at KEMRI’s Centre for Respiratory Diseases Research (CRDR) and Head of the Epidemiology and Surveillance Division Unit.
Dr. Ndila’s formal training is in epidemiology (PhD, 2015) with a background in malaria, infectious diseases, genetics and clinical trials with over 15 years of work experience. Her career to date has also been characterized by close collaboration and integration with multiple clinical groups worldwide. She has extensive experience in constructing and using ‘big data’, particularly genome wide association studies and candidate genes data including identification of variants or markers associated with the disease of interest and application of next generation sequencing in the clinical genetics setting. She have served as a co-investigator on over 10 externally-funded grants in clinical trials, TB vaccine trials, disease surveillance, Infectious diseases, including Malaria, HIV/AIDS, sickle cell, emerging and re-emerging Infections.
Dr. Ndila is a member of several Data and Safety Monitoring Board (DSMB) responsible for reviewing epidemiology aspects. Her main research focus is now on genetic susceptibility to tuberculosis, specifically the genomics of resistance and how genetic variation in both humans and the tuberculosis pathogen influence TB severity. Her research has built-in links between TB control boards and local TB community networks including community networks with relevant TB actors and community health workers. She is has also been involved in setting up a CRDR-clinical trial annex at the coastal part of Kenya.
Selected Publications
2021 | Ndila CM, Nyirongo V, Macharia AW, Jeffreys AE, Rowlands K, Hubbart C, Busby GB, Band G, Harding RM, Rockett KA, Williams TN, MalariaGEN Consortium. Haplotype heterogeneity and low linkage disequilibrium reduce reliable prediction of genotypes for the ‑α3.7I form of α-thalassaemia using genome-wide microarray data. Preprint from Wellcome Open Res, 09 Dec 2020 |
2018 | Ndila CM, Uyoga S, Macharia AW, Nyutu G, Peshu N, Ojal J, Shebe M, Awuondo KO, Mturi N, Tsofa B, Sepúlveda N, Clark TG, et al. Human candidate gene polymorphisms and risk of severe malaria in children in Kilifi, Kenya: a case-control association study. Lancet Haematol. 2018 Aug;5(8):e333-e345. doi: 10.1016/S2352-3026(18)30107-8. Epub 2018 Jul 20. PubMed PMID: 30033078; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC6069675. |
2016 | Mackinnon MJ, Ndila C, Uyoga S, Macharia A, Snow RW, Band G, Rautanen A, Rockett KA, Kwiatkowski DP, Williams TN. Environmental Correlation Analysis for Genes Associated with Protection against Malaria. Mol Biol Evol. 2016 May;33(5):1188-204. doi: 10.1093/molbev/msw004. Epub 2016 Jan 6. PubMed PMID: 26744416; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC4839215. |
2015 | Uyoga S, Ndila CM, Macharia AW, Nyutu G, Shah S, Peshu N, Clarke GM, Kwiatkowski DP, Rockett KA, Williams TN. Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency and the risk of malaria and other diseases in children in Kenya: a case-control and a cohort study. Lancet Haematol. 2015 Oct;2(10):e437-44. doi: 10.1016/S2352-3026(15)00152-0. Epub 2015 Sep 22. PubMed PMID: 26686045; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC4703047. |
For full list of publication: Click Here
Dr. Shamsa Mohamed Haji
Research Scientist
Dr. Shamsha Is a trained pharmacist by profession who is passionate about research and currently manages the clinical trial pharmacy unit at CRDR. She is part of site investigating team conducting sickle cell research, TB in infant and diabetic study among.
Academic and Professional Qualifications
- Bsc in Pharmacy from International university of Africa in Khartoum,Sudan
- Member of Pharmaceutical Society of Kenya(PSK)
- Member of Hospital Pharmacist association (HOPAK)
Ms. Asiko Ongaya
Research Scientist
Ms. Asiko Ongaya is currently a Senior Research Scientist based at the Centre for Respiratory Disease Research (CRDR). She has collaborated in several research projects at local, regional and international levels. Her research work as a principle Investigator, co-investigator or author of various publications includes New tuberculosis (TB) diagnostics, immunology of TB/HIV, TB epidemiology, TB drug resistance (MDR-TB, XDR-TB) studies, TB case finding studies, COVID-19 epidemiology among others. Her main area of research interest includes general Microbiology, TB/HIV co-infection, TB diagnosis, TB drug development and vaccinology, Immunology of TB and HIV and COVID-19 research.
Academic and Professional Profile
Asiko is Medical Microbiologist, formally trained as a medical laboratory scientist (BSc) and Mycobacteriologist (MSc) and currently pursuing a PhD in Microbiology from Jomo Kenyatta University of science and technology in collaboration with Institute of Tropical medicine and infectious (ITROMID) and Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) and in collaboration with University of Texas Medical Branch.
Selected Publications
- Prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus-1 drug-resistant mutations among adults on first- and second-line antiretroviral therapy in a resource-limited health facility in Busia County, Kenya. Makwaga O, Adhiambo M, Mulama DH, Muoma J, Adungo F, Wanjiku H, Ongaya A, Maitha GM, Mwau M.Pan Afr Med J. 2020 Dec 3.PMID: 33654530.
- Mycobacterium tuberculosis-specific CD8+ T cell recall in convalescing TB subjects with HIV co-infection. Ongaya A, Huante MB, Mwangi P, Keiser PH, Amukoye E, Endsley JJ.Tuberculosis (Edinb). 2013 Dec;93 Suppl: PMID: 24388651
- V.A. Ongaya, W.A. Githui, H. Meme, C. Kiiyukia, E. Juma. High ethionamide resistance in Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains isolated in Kenya (Published in the African Journal of Health Sciences, Jan-March Issue 2012).
- V. A. Ongaya, W. A. Githui, H. Meme, E. Juma. Fluoroquinolone resistance in Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains isolated in Kenya. (Published in the African Journal of Health Sciences, Jan-March Issue 2012).
- T. D. Ogaro, W. Githui, G. Kikuvi, V.A Ongaya, J. Okari, E. Wangui. Anti-tuberculosis drug resistance in Nairobi, Kenya. (Published in the African Journal of Health Sciences, Jan-March Issue 2012).
- Activation of NK cell granulysin by mycobacteria and IL-15 is differentially affected by HIV. Hogg A, Huante M, Ongaya A, Williams J, Ferguson M, Cloyd M, Amukoye E, Endsley J. Tuberculosis (Edinb). 2011 Dec;91 Suppl 1: PMID: 22099421
Ms. Olga Mukasia Mashedi
Research Scientist
Ms. Mashedi’s area of expertise is in; Fungi taxonomy, Community Health, Indoor Fungi, Antifungal Drug profile, Environmental Fungi. Dermatophytes and Mycetoma. Operational Research.
In addition, she is a Kenyan Representative for International society for Human and Animal Mycology (ISHAM).
Academic and Professional Qualifications
- MSc. Mycology
- Bachelor Of Science in Microbiology
Paul Mwangi Waiganjo
Research Scientist
Mr. Mwangi is a trained clinician in clinical medicine and surgery with ten years’ experience in clinical research. He has been involved in management of institutionalized HIV infected children in opportunistic infection study which was successfully completed in 2006. In addition, Mr. Mwangi has participated in two clinical trials which aim at shortening Tuberculosis treatment from six month to four months where he has acquired immense experience in clinical research and patient recruitment and retention.
Academic and Professional Qualifications
Master’s degree in community health and development (MCHD)
Sophie Matu
Research Scientist
Sophie Matu is a PhD student in Medical Microbiology at the Institute of Tropical Medicine and Infectious Diseases (ITROMID), of Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology. Her PhD project is titled ‘Genotypic diversity among Drug Sensitive and Drug Resistant Isolates of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in Kenya”.
Academic and Professional Qualifications
Academic Qualifications
- M.Sc Infectious Diseases Diagnosis (Kenyatta University)
- B.Sc Biological Sciences (Jomo Kenyatta University- JKUAT)
Professional Qualifications
- Laboratory TB diagnosis with special interest in TB/HIV co-infection, drug resistant TB and NCDs
- Center Biosafety Officer
- ISO 9001:2008 QMS officer
- Member National Biosecurity Advisory Committee
- Member Healthcare Waste Management -Technical Working Group (HCWM-TWG)
- Member Climate Change Technical Working Group
- KEMRI Climate change desk member
Selected Publications
- Matu S.W and Ernest Juma. Improved Ziehl-Neelsen Microscopy: Bleach Sputum Smear Negative Specimens after Centrifugation. Journal of Life Sciences, ISSN 1934-7391, USA. June 2013, Vol. 7, No. 6, pp. 607-612.
- Matu S.W., Okari J., Ong’ang’o J., Kipruto H and Sitienei J. Evaluation of GenoType MTBDR for molecular detection mycobacterium tuberculosis multi-drug resistant strains at the Tuberculosis Central Reference Lab. Int J Tuberc Lung Dis 2012; 16(12) supp 1: PC-692-16.
- Okari J., Matu S.W., Ong’ang’o J., Kipruto H and Sitienei J. Drug Resistance among previously treated Pulmonary Patients in Kenya. Keystone Symposia; Drug Resistance and persistence in tuberculosis May 13-18, 2012. Poster 226.
Mr. Lawrence N. Thiong’o
Research Scientist
Mr. Thiong’o is involved in Clinical Trial for the comparison of two drugs Dolutegravir and Kaletra as second-line treatment in HIV-infected patients failing first line therapy-sponsored by GloxoSmithkline.
Mr. Thiong’o has studied a course in Leadership & Management in Health Sponsored by the University Of Washington. For which he developed a Manuscript titled: Molecular characterization of multi-Drug resistant Escherichia coli isolated from urine samples in Mater Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya. Sent for publication in East African Journal of Pathology (EAJP)
He has been Involved in Family AIDS Care and Educational Services (FACES) Project. Responsible for Immunological and Microbiological work.
Mr. Thiong’o is a Principal investigator for a study titled: Molecular characterization of multi- drug resistant Escherichia coli isolated from urine samples in Mater Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya.
Academic Qualifications
- MSc in Medical Microbiology
- BSc in Biomedical Sciences
- Ordinary Diploma in Laboratory Technology
Ms. Martha Maina
Research Scientist
Ms. Martha is a histotecnologist passionately involved in cancer diagnostics. She is keen on improving the quality, accuracy and reliability of quality results on research and patient samples to aid in early cancer diagnostics which is key to easing the burden of cancer in the country.
- MSc.Clinical Histopathology and Diagnostic Cytology
- BSc. Medical Laboratory Sciences
- Technical University Higher National Diploma Medical Biotechnology
- Technical University Diploma Medical Laboratory Science
- Head Pathology Oncology Research Unit Pathology Laboratory
- Member of Center Scientific Committee
- Member of the institutes’ Biosafety committee
- Lecturing ITROMID Students on selected units