Steve Wandiga

Dr. Steve Otieno Wandiga stands as one of Kenya's distinguished public health scientists, with over two decades of progressive leadership in infectious disease research across Africa. Currently serving as Principal Research Scientist and Acting Deputy Director of the Infectious and Parasitic Diseases Research Program at the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Dr. Wandiga has dedicated his career to advancing scientific understanding and developing practical solutions for some of the continent's most pressing health challenges.

Educational Foundation: Dr. Wandiga's academic journey reflects his commitment to excellence and international collaboration. He earned his PhD in Epidemiology from the prestigious Ludwig Maximilians University in Munich, Germany (2010-2015), building upon his Master of Arts in Project Planning and Management from the University of Nairobi (2007-2009). His undergraduate foundation was established with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and Chemistry, also from the University of Nairobi (1994-1998).

Research Excellence and Impact: At KEMRI, Dr. Wandiga leads groundbreaking research across multiple infectious disease domains, including HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, Ebola, Chikungunya, dengue fever, and neglected tropical diseases such as kala-azar and schistosomiasis. His work spans the entire research spectrum, from basic epidemiologic studies to complex clinical trials, with a particular focus on developing tools and technologies that directly reduce disease burden in affected communities.

One of his most significant contributions lies in HIV research, where he focuses on the earliest stages of infection to advance HIV vaccine development. His innovative approach includes utilizing very early broadly neutralizing antibodies and state-of-the-art laboratory facilities to unlock critical insights into immune responses and vaccine targets.

Dr. Wandiga has also been instrumental in establishing robust surveillance systems, including the development of a bacteriology department for hospital-based surveillance of diarrhea and septicemia, and leading infection control assessments that have informed infrastructural improvements across Ministry of Health facilities.

Leadership and Mentorship: Beyond his research contributions, Dr. Wandiga is recognized as an exceptional mentor and capacity builder. He serves as a mentor for the Young East African Research Scientists (YEARS) program and is an active member of the African Coalition for Epidemic Research, Response and Training (ALERRT) network. His commitment to developing the next generation of African researchers is evident through his facilitation of numerous training programs in epidemiology, biostatistics, Good Clinical Practice, and leadership development.

Policy Translation and Global Collaboration: Dr. Wandiga's work extends beyond the laboratory and clinic to policy implementation and global health initiatives. He provides technical guidance to Kenya's Ministry of Health, non-governmental organizations, universities, and medical institutions, ensuring that research findings translate into actionable public health interventions. His role in several Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation-supported initiatives, including serving as East Africa Coordinator for Health Pregnancy, Birth Growth and Development knowledge indicators and Co-chair of the Stakeholder and Community Engagement Working Group in the Critical Path to TB drug Regimen, demonstrates his influence on global health policy.

Current Research Portfolio: Dr. Wandiga currently leads multiple high-impact research initiatives, including evaluations of integrated early childhood development within healthcare systems, tuberculosis retreatment assessments across western Kenya, and innovative diagnostic tool evaluations spanning 15 counties. His funded research portfolio includes collaborations with international partners and addresses critical gaps in tuberculosis diagnosis, HIV/TB co-infection management, and non-communicable disease surveillance.

Publications and Scientific Contributions: With an impressive publication record, Dr. Wandiga's research has been published in leading journals, covering topics from drug resistance mutations in Mycobacterium tuberculosis to innovative diagnostic approaches using oral swabs for TB diagnosis. His work on interferon-gamma release assays and integrated TB screening has provided evidence-based solutions for resource-limited settings, while his research on HIV-infected children's health outcomes has informed pediatric care strategies across East Africa.