12024-11-10T19:38:16-08:00Mercy Kukundakwe2plain2024-11-10T19:39:08-08:00 Mercy Kukundakwe, living with HIV since birth, leads the Greater Involvement of People Living with HIV/AIDS (GIPA) program at the Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI), Makerere University. Through a peer support model, the program builds networks of care supporters and volunteers, providing essential access to health and social services for patients, combating HIV stigma, and promoting socio-economic development. Mercy collaborates with senior clinic leadership on complex administrative tasks and serves as co-chair of the Community Advisory Board for the UC Tuberculosis Research Advancement Center (UC TRAC). She is also actively involved in multi-region health committees, including IDI’s sub-antimicrobial committee.
Mercy holds a Bachelor’s degree in Community Psychology from Makerere University, has completed postgraduate training at the University of Bath, and is currently pursuing a Google Project Management Certificate. Her focus is on advancing project management, civic engagement, and research to strengthen clinic programming and improve public health outcomes.
With her background and lived experience, Mercy is deeply committed to reducing health inequities and empowering communities impacted by HIV/AIDS. Her leadership within the GIPA program exemplifies her dedication to fostering inclusive support networks and contributing to long-term, sustainable health solutions.
