CONTACT US
Research for Development located in Kigali City, KG 11 Ave
Phone: +250 788 901 789
Email: rdrwanda@gmail.com
P.O. Box: 6174 Kigali-Rwanda
Research for Development located in Kigali City, KG 11 Ave
Phone: +250 788 901 789
Email: rdrwanda@gmail.com
P.O. Box: 6174 Kigali-Rwanda
Research for Development's mission is to promote the social welfare through research on disease control and prevention, education and health programs, and economic development initiatives.
Laetitia Umulisa is a skilled project coordinator and psychologist with over 15 years of experience in public health and psychosocial support. She holds a Master’s degree in Education and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, with a comprehensive background in HIV/AIDS care, trauma counseling, and child advocacy. Her work includes impactful roles with organizations such as WE-ACTx for Hope, where she coordinated child and youth programs, and the Bienfait project, where she managed district-level health initiatives. Laetitia is well-versed in community-based approaches, offering support to vulnerable populations, particularly children and young mothers affected by HIV, through counseling, support groups, and caregiver training.
Throughout her career, Laetitia has designed and delivered a range of training sessions on trauma, violence prevention, and HIV disclosure to children, reaching community leaders, caregivers, and health professionals. She has a strong commitment to improving public health outcomes and has actively collaborated with local authorities and organizations, including RBC and MoH. Her linguistic proficiency in English, French, and Kinyarwanda enables her to engage effectively across diverse groups. Renowned for her leadership and empathetic approach, Laetitia has established a reputation for empowering communities through education, psychosocial care, and evidence-based advocacy.
Prof. Mutesa is an MD, PhD and full professor of human genetics, currently working as Director of Center for Human Genetics that he created in 2006 at the College of Medicine and Health SciencesUniversity of Rwanda. He obtained his MD from the university of Rwanda in 2003 and his PhD in 2009 from the university of Liege-Belgium where he also completed his post-doc in 2011. Throughout his career he has been immensely involved in clinical services, academics, research, capacity building, and management in the health sector.
He served as the Director of Department of Clinical Laboratory Dept. at the Kigali University Teaching hospital, which is the largest referral hospital. He has been Director General of Medical Research Center in Rwanda Biomedical Centre under Ministry of Health, where he coordinated health related research activities in all national medical institutions. Since starting his genetic career, Prof. Mutesa has pioneered new developments and implementation of a reference centre for medical genetics in Rwanda, which is the only one in the East African Region. Prof. Mutesa is a member of various expert committees and has led various regional and international research consortia and fora. Over the past 15 years he has participated in several international research and training collaborations. Currently, he is dual- PI/PD of a NIH grant- National Cancer Institute (NCI)- U54-HIV/HPV Cancer Prevention, Treatment and Pathogenesis: RD Rwanda/Einstein (1U54CA190163), the goal of this project is to screen for HPV in a large cohort of HIV+ women and MSM population.
Dr. Gad Murenzi is a distinguished Rwandan physician-scientist and pathologist dedicated to advancing evidence-based medicine and improving patient management through research. With extensive experience in general medical practice, obstetrics and intensive care, he possesses a deep understanding of the Rwandan healthcare system and its challenges in addressing HIV and cancer. As a Principal Investigator (PI) and co-investigator on several university- and NIH-funded grants, his research focuses on HIV-associated cancers, particularly within key populations. His expertise spans HIV and related comorbidities, HPV-related cancers, public health, and pathology, aligning with efforts to enhance Hepatitis and HIV co-infection service delivery in Rwanda. His leadership in research, capacity building, and fostering multidisciplinary collaborations has been instrumental in driving impactful studies and healthcare innovations.
Currently a fellow with the NIH/NIAID Inter-Centers for AIDS Research (CFAR) Implementation Science program, Dr. Gad continues to refine his expertise in translating research into real-world interventions. His contributions to HIV-associated cervical and anal cancer prevention research, mixed-methods studies, and implementation science have positioned him as a key leader in the field. As the Director of the Einstein-Rwanda Research and Capacity Building Program (ER-RCBP), he oversees more than 15 active research protocols, managing both scientific and administrative aspects. In his role as a co-investigator on the current application, he will leverage his extensive experience to support project activities in Rwanda, ensuring successful collaborations between local and international institutions. His ability to work effectively in diverse research environments makes him a critical asset in strengthening healthcare systems and improving patient outcomes.
Dr Fidel Rubagumya is a consultant clinical oncologist currently practicing at the Rwanda Cancer Center housed at the Rwanda Military Hospital and a senior lecturer at the University of Rwanda. He graduated from medical school in 2013, he worked at Butaro Cancer Center where he continued to see several patients of all ages succumbing to cancer, and this prompted me to further his studies in oncology. In 2018, He completed residency at Muhimbili University in Tanzania. For the last year, He has been at Queens University as a medical oncology and a health service research fellow in the oncology department and division of cancer care and epidemiology. To strengthen my research skills, I have also completed Master of Public Health courses at Queens University with an expected degree in June 2023. Additionally, He has also enrolled in the Ph.D. program at the University of Rwanda (2022-2025) where he is studying cervical cancer survivorship.
His research focus is on health services research with specific interests in gynecological and gastrointestinal malignancies and head and neck cancers. Through His research activities, He has been awarded the America Cancer Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) foundation International Innovation grant which was used to study ways to alleviate the inequities people living with albinism face in Tanzania. He has approximately ten years of experience providing cancer treatment in Rwanda. Through my personal and clinical experience treating cancers, has contributed significantly to the development of numerous cancer policies and programs, including the National Cancer Control Plan and the National Cancer. As a cancer health services researcher, he has utilized technology and mHealth (mobile health) strategies to enhance patients' access to cancer care.
Oliver Gakunde works with We-Act for Education, an International NGO based in US and a partner of RD Rwanda, where he coordinates all educations activities, budgeting, school materials provision, school fees payment, and breakfast distribution. He also overseas up the tuition and stipends payments for University students, mainly Masters and PhD students in Rwanda and overseas.
Mr. Gakunde is also a consultant at the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda and is a chief editor for several NISR Research Projects including World Census of Agriculture, Agricultural Integrated Survey, and Comparison of Alternative Agricultural Survey Designs. Additionally, he is trained in different statistics software/packages and methods for national and global agriculture surveys.Mr. Gakunde holds a Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture from the University of Rwanda with a specialization in Soil and Environmental Management, he’s pursuing his online Master’s in Project management from Mahatma Gandhi University.
Pascal Uwimana joined RD Rwanda in 2017. He is highly motivated with management accounting expertise, a wide experience in financial management, auditing and principles of taxation. He has worked as a consultant and sales Manager at Bridge Center Ltd with the duties of conducting activities of audit, presentation of audit reports performance of financial statements preparation activities, presentation of accounting records and training of other staff on tax declaration records and filling at Accountant Auditors Society Ltd (ACAS).
Pascal Uwimana holds a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from the University of Rwanda, College of Business and Economics, former School of Finance and Banking (SFB). He is familiar with management of finance and all accounting-related concepts. He has a certificate for collaboration from Leuphan University with the help of the University of Rwanda and currently a candidate for Certified Public Accountant.
Dr. Chantal Ingabire holds a PhD in Public health from Maastricht University, the Netherlands and a master’s degree in Medical Anthropology from the University of Amsterdam. She started her professional career in 2002 working for a clinical research organization in Rwanda “Projet UBUZIMA”, with the goals to reduce the spread of the HIV virus, to mitigate the impact of the HIV epidemic, and to reduce the burden of other reproductive tract infections in Rwanda through the conduct of clinical research studies.
The studies were being conducted in collaboration with the Academic Medical Center (AMC), the Amsterdam Institute for Global Health and Development (AIGHD), the International Partnership for Microbicides (IPM) and the European & Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership (EDCTP). In 2006, she coordinated a large HIV incidence study among female voluntary counselling and testing (VCT) clients and other high-risk women such as female sex workers.
In 2010, she was appointed to work as a study manager with main responsibility of overseeing several studies that were currently planned and implemented in the field of HIV and other reproductive health related diseases. In 2012, she enrolled into a sandwich PhD aimed at empowering the community towards malaria elimination while using multidisciplinary approach. She has experience in social, behavioural and epidemiological studies in urban and rural settings. She currently serves as a local PhD supervisor of a joint program between Wageningen University and the University of Rwanda on social and communication factors that determine the adoption of a digital citizen science platform against malaria in Rwanda.She works as a senior researcher for Community based Sociotherapy in Rwanda and she is a visiting lecturer at the University of Rwanda. Dr Ingabire has also been engaged in a consultancy work with the World Bank, GIZ, KTNET, Wageningen Centre for Development and Innovation (CDI) and Chemonics International. She has authored various scientific publications and she is a member of the editorial board of the Rwanda Medical Journal. She started working with RD Rwanda in Aug. 2017.
Boniface Nsengiyumva is a biostatistician from Rwanda, driven by a profound interest in clinical research methodology and data analysis. His primary goal is to enhance HIV and related malignancy research, with a focus on psychological implications in Rwanda, by providing accurate and timely statistical insights, training, and mentorship. He collaborates closely with healthcare professionals to implement evidence-based strategies that improve knowledge and policies. His academic journey includes a Master of Science in Statistics with a specialization in Biostatistics from Hasselt University in Belgium. He has also participated in various certificate programs, honing his skills in applied statistics, scientific manuscript writing, secondary data analysis, and dissemination research for None-Communicable Diseases.
He has extensive experience in data collection, management, and analysis, gained from roles as a Research Biostatistician at Rwanda Military Hospital and Research for Development, and as an Assistant Lecturer at the University of Rwanda. Additionally, He has contributed to numerous research projects, providing expertise in study preparation, data analysis, and project evaluation. He is proficient in statistical software such as R, STATA, SAS, Python, and SPSS, and adept at generating insightful reports and analyses. My familiarity with LATEX further enhances my ability to process and present complex statistical findings effectively. He is fluent in Kinyarwanda, English, and French, he is well-equipped to collaborate with diverse teams and communicate findings effectively across platforms.
Josephine Gasana is an experienced social worker and researcher with a solid background in qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis. With a Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences and ongoing Master’s studies in Gender and Development Studies, she has dedicated over 15 years to supporting vulnerable populations, particularly adolescents, young women, and individuals affected by HIV. Her recent role as Psychosocial Team Leader at RD Rwanda has involved team leadership, qualitative analysis, and manuscript production, demonstrating her strong analytical skills and commitment to advancing health research in Rwanda. Josephine has expertise in various data tools, including Dedoose for qualitative analysis and RedCap for electronic data capture, as well as extensive experience in interview-based data collection, counseling, and fieldwork.
Josephine’s career reflects her commitment to social impact, with extensive experience in HIV/AIDS counseling, patient support, and behavior change facilitation. Her work spans multiple organizations, including RD Rwanda, Rwanda Military Referral and Teaching Hospital, and WE-ACTx, where she has implemented programs in mental health, substance abuse, and HIV prevention. Known for her interpersonal skills, Josephine has excelled in training, sensitization, and providing psychosocial support to at-risk communities, while maintaining meticulous data confidentiality. Her linguistic proficiency in English, French, and Kinyarwanda enables effective communication across diverse groups, contributing to her success in building trust and promoting health-positive behaviors.
Francine Umwiza is a dedicated public health professional and researcher with over two decades of experience in clinical and research settings. With a Master’s degree in Public Health from the University of Rwanda, she has extensive expertise in managing and coordinating health studies, especially related to HIV prevention, adolescent health, and cervical cancer. Currently employed at Research for Development Rwanda, she co-leads key projects like AYANI Rwanda and PrEP, overseeing qualitative data collection, analysis, and reporting. Her background as a nurse and research coordinator at institutions such as WE-ACTX and Rwanda Military Referral and Teaching Hospital has honed her skills in patient counseling, cervical cancer screening, and clinical data management.
Lydia Businge is an experienced public health professional with a Master’s degree in Public Health and a Bachelor’s degree in Physiotherapy. She has extensive expertise in cancer registry management and has served as the Cancer Registrar Coordinator for the Rwanda Cancer Registry since 2018. Her role includes overseeing data collection, analysis, and reporting, as well as coordinating efforts across different hospitals and health institutions in Rwanda. Lydia is also a dedicated member of the African Cancer Registry Network’s Research Committee, actively contributing to initiatives aimed at improving cancer data management and research across Africa. She has been recognized for her work through various scholarships and conference presentations, where she has shared insights on cancer survival disparities, especially concerning cervical cancer among HIV-positive women.
With strong skills in data management, epidemiologic analysis, and project coordination, Lydia demonstrates leadership and commitment to advancing public health research. Her training in cancer registry techniques, combined with her proficiency in statistical software such as SPSS and Stata, enables her to conduct comprehensive health research and manage large datasets effectively. Lydia is also skilled in mentoring, having trained colleagues across African cancer registries on data management systems like Canreg5. Her multilingual abilities (English, French, Swahili, and Kinyarwanda) and her experience in international conferences and collaborative research make her a valuable asset in health research and epidemiology.
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