Our 'Meet the Editor' feature continues with Dr. Hasifa Bukirwa from Uganda.
Could you describe where you currently work and what you do there?
I work with the Field Epidemiology Fellowship Program as Training/Field Coordinator. This is part of the Public Health Fellowship Program within the Uganda National Institutes of Public Health under the Ministry of Health (MoH).
What is a typical day for you?
A typical day involves varying degrees of coordinating training workshops and following up trainees; interfacing with MoH mid-level to senior managers about training priorities; and engaging other in-service training organizations.
What prompted you to work in this area?
I love the application of epidemiology in its many facets. I also love doing something that has tangible relevancy. Passing on epidemiological skills to strengthen areas of the health sector where it is acutely needs responds meets both these desires.
What are the major challenges that still remain in your field?
Decision-makers who, while recognising the importance of evidence-based decision making, still allocate inadequate resources to support its application.
How did you first hear about Cochrane?
During my Masters training by Prof Jimmy Volmink from the South African Cochrane Centre. By the end of the module on 'Conducting a Systematic Review', Prof Volmink had convinced me about the “Cochrane way”.
What is the most rewarding aspect of being involved with Cochrane?
Knowing that the work we do, the evidence we produce, directly and positively impacts health care practice and policy.
Who (or what) has been the biggest influence on your career to date?
I have to say it is the CIDG. Once I was introduced to evidence synthesis, I was never able to look at problems/issues the same way? The career choices I have made since CIDG have all tended towards supporting the availability of credible evidence for decision-making.
Please list three words you would associate with Cochrane.
Evidence, reliable, dynamic
What do you do in your spare time?
Farming!