About
Dr. Ronald Olum
Dr. Ronald Olum is a Researcher at Makerere University School of Public Health (MakSPH). He earned a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery from Makerere University (Uganda) and a Master of Public Health from Imperial College London (United Kingdom). He has also completed the NIH Fogarty Global Health Training Program Fellowship and is currently a Gilead Public Health Research Scholar.
Driven by curiosity, fueled by passion, and committed to making a difference, my journey in health research is dedicated to finding solutions to improve health outcomes, particularly among vulnerable populations. In this relentless pursuit of knowledge, I believe that every discovery is a step closer to a healthier, brighter future for all. My mission is to transform scientific advancements into real-world health solutions, bridging the gap between research and implementation with precision and dedication.
Dr. Olum does research in infectious disease epidemiology and implementation science, with major interests in HIV, tuberculosis, mycology, and emerging and re-emerging diseases. Dr. Olum has contributed to over 80 publications in peer-reviewed journals. He has also previously served as a Guest Editor for the Journal of Adolescent Health, an External Reviewer for the WHO Hospital Care Pocket Handbook, and a Technical Advisory Group Member for UNESCO’s Global Status Report on School Health And Nutrition Around The World.
Dr. Olum is currently supporting the Lancet Global Health Commission on Medical Oxygen Security, co-hosted by Makerere University School of Public Health. He has also done consultancy work with multiple international organizations, including The Children’s Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF), Seed Global Health, and The Geneva Foundation for Medical Education and Research (GFMER), among others.
In 2024, Dr. Olum received the Dr. Anvar and Pari Velji Young African Leader from the Consortium for Universities in Global Health for his commitment to improving global health outcomes in low-income settings through research and advocacy.
Education
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Imperial College London
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Makerere University
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Geneva Foundation of Medical Education and Research
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Pasteur Insitute
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University of Washington
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Namilyango College
Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (Biology, Chemistry and Mathematics)
2015
What I Believe!
I believe in the power of curiosity and the magic of asking “What if?” In a world full of complex questions, I find joy in uncovering simple, elegant answers. I believe that science is not just a career—it’s an adventure. It’s about donning a detective’s hat, peering through the microscope of wonder, and embarking on a quest to solve the mysteries of human health. I believe that collaboration is the heartbeat of innovation. Together, we can build bridges between disciplines, translate research into practice, and make a real, tangible impact on the world.
I believe that in the face of disease, science is our most potent weapon. And with dedication, resilience, and a touch of creativity, we can unlock the secrets to a healthier future for all.
And most importantly, I believe that the journey of discovery is as important as the destination. Every experiment, every trial, every moment of curiosity fuels the engine of progress and brings us one step closer to a world where health is a universal gift.
