Beatrice – vocfinu

Beatrice Odongkara

Personal statement

Beatrice Odongkara has vast experience in service in low resource settings where I and my team are faced with resource constrains to keep our sick children with respiratory distress alive. Having been at the forefront in the implementation of the safety study with the same team, the experience obtained puts me in a better position to properly conduct this study according to the ethical principles governing clinical trials involving human children. Throughout my residency, fellowship and PhD trainings, I have had research trainings which adds further experience in the project. Carrying out clinical work through undergraduate and graduate trainings as well as practice and supervision of students as well as intern doctors and international students is another skill relevant to this study. I have also been involved in a number of research activities which include, skin to skin care at delivery, control of neonatal sepsis and hydrocephalus un sub Saharan Africa, age at menarche among school children in post conflict northern Uganda, infant feeding practices and HIV some of which have been published in peer reviewed journals. I also supervise students researches at the university all of which brings wealth of experiences to this application. Like any other career woman, balancing family obligations and career development can be challenging. on two occasions, I had to put on halt my career due to my reproductive roles but with all the babies all out and growing, I have now resumed my career in research in collaborations with other researchers across the globe. In 2023, I physically participated in the Meeting of the guideline development group of the World Health Organization (WHO) guideline for the management of common childhood illness: evidence for the update of the pocketbook and the integrated Management of Childhood Illness (IMCI) recommendations. 13 – 17 November, 2023 Geneva, Switzerland where I presented and presented on the childhood hypoglycemia diagnosis and interventions.

CURRICULLUM VITAE
Odongkara Beatrice Mpora, MBCHB, MMED (Muk), Endocrinology & Diabetes (PETCA Nairobi Kenya).
Gulu University, Faculty of Medicine, P.O BOX, 166 Gulu. Tel: +256772896397 Email:
beachristo2003@gmail.com
Website: beatriceodongkara.academia.edu

ACADEMIC ATTAINMENT
1. Distrinction and Degree of Philosophiae Doktor (PhD) of Makerere University and the University of Bergen 2018-2023
2. Paediatric Endocrinology & Diabetes Fellowship of the Paediatric Endocrine Training
Centre for Africa and the European Society for Paediatric Endcrinology (ESPE/PETCA) 2011 2012
3. Masters of Medicine in Paediatrics and Child Health (MMed) of Makerere University 2005-2008
4. Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) of Makerere University 1998 2003

WORKING EXPERIENCES
1. Extertenal Examiner for Thesis for Masters of Paediatrics and Adolescent Health at the University of Botswana Gabarone-Botswana February 2024 to date.
2. External Examiner for Undergraduate and Masters of Paediatrics and Child Health at Kabale University Kabale Uganda 2021 to date.
3. Clinical Lead in the knowledge synthesis on management and diagnosis of hypoglycemia in children aged 0-59 months for the development of the World Health Organization (WHO) Hospital Handbook and the Integrated Management of Childhood Illnesses (IMCI) 2023-2024.
4. Clinical Lead for the BSU-4-GU Programs Health and Technology work package 2023 to date.
5. PhD Student under NORHED Survival Pluss Project at UiB and Makerere University 2018 - 2023
6. Vice President for African Society for Paediatric and Adolescent Endocrinology March 2020-March 2022.
7. Senior Lecturer (2014-to date), Lecturer (2008-2014), Teaching Assistant physiology 2004-2005), Paediatrics (2008-2014) and incoming Chair (2024), Department of Paediatrics and Child Health at Faculty of Medicine, Gulu University.
8. Paediatric Endocrinologist & Diabetologis Clinic Head and Team Leader at Gulu Regional Referral and Teaching Hospital 2011 to date
9. Researcher and supervisor of both graduate and undergraduate research at Gulu University.
10. Clinical Training Officer at American Refugee Committee (ARC) 2008-2009
11. National Trainer of Trainers Diabetes in Children and adolescents, IMCI, Nodding Syndrome, Paediatric HIV/AIDs, etc
12. Project Officer Paediatric HIV/AIDS & PMTCT and Nutrition program for the UNICEF/GUTH 2008-2010
13. Consultant to trainer and trainers and health workers with in Kitgum, Pader & Gulu District local government, AVSI & Medesins San Frontiers (Northern Uganda)
14. Mentorship on QI and MNCH in northern Uganda
15. Trainer of trainers and Regional coordinator for NCD, CDiC, growth in practice.
16. Trainer and regional clinical coordinator for Nodding Syndrome case management and follow-up in northern Uganda
17. Participated in the American Diabetes Association (ADA) diabetes camp in Hudson Bay, Wisconsin 2014
18. Observership in Pediatric Endocrinology at University of Minnesota July to September 2014
19. Life for a Child Diabetes Program needs assessment for Somalia as a country 2015
20. Community mobilization, education and sensitization on various health talks through mass media campaigns
21. Mentorship of international students from USA, Europe, Africa (Somalia, etc)
22. Formation Wise Women Uganda Organization working with traditional healers to train in participatory nature conservation, herbal medicine preparations, and formation of village saving and loans association.

RESEARCHES/Publications

1. Management of Diabetic Ketoacidosis and Hyperglycaemic Hyperosmolar StatesL N Wainaina Mungai, Asmahan T Abdalla, levina J Msuya, Beatrice Odongkara, Yarhere Iroro5, Emmanuel Ameyaw, Adele Chetcha Bodieu, Edna Siima Majaliwa, Steve Vassili Missambou Mandilou, Vincent O Omondi, Ragnar Hanas, Mohamed Abdullah. African Journal of PaediatricEndocrinology & Metabolism. 2024 1(2): 35-50

2. Nankabirwa V, Mukunya D, Ndeezi G, Odongkara B, Arach AA, Achora V, Mugenyi L, Sebit MB, Wandabwa JN, Waako P, Tylleskär T, Tumwine JK. Can an integrated intervention package including peer support increase the proportion of health facility births? A cluster randomised controlled trial in Northern Uganda. BMJ Open. 2024 Feb 7;14(2):e070798. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-070798. PMID: 38326267; PMCID: PMC10860059.

3. Odongkara, B., Nankabirwa, V., Ndeezi, G., Achora, V., Arach, A. A., Napyo, A., ... & Thorkild, T. (2022). Incidence and Risk Factors for Low Birthweight and Preterm Birth in Post-Conflict Northern Uganda: A Community-Based Cohort Study. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(19), 12072.

4. Mukunya, D., Nankabirwa, V., Ndeezi, G., Tumuhamye, J., Tongun, J. B., Kizito, S., ... & Tumwine, J. K. (2019). Key decision makers and actors in selected newborn care practices: a community-based survey in northern Uganda. International journal of environmental research and public health, 16(10), 1723.

5. Mukunya, D., Odongkara, B., Piloya, T., Nankabirwa, V., Achora, V., Batte, C., ... & Tumwine, J. K. (2020). Prevalence and factors associated with neonatal hypoglycemia in Northern Uganda: a community-based cross-sectional study. Tropical Medicine and Health, 48(1), 1-8.

6. Bjorklund ARB, Slusher TM, Faulman A, Howard CR, Odongkara B. Forehead Swelling and Fever in a 12-year-old Ugandan Boy. Pediatr Rev. 2021 Apr;42(4):203-205. doi: 10.1542/pir.2019-0282. PMID: 33795466.

7. Arach AAO, Nakasujja N, Rujumba J, Mukunya D, Odongkara B, Musaba MW, Napyo A, Tumwine JK, Nankabirwa V, Ndeezi G, Kiguli J. Cultural beliefs and practices on perinatal death: a qualitative study among the Lango community in Northern Uganda. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth. 2023 Apr 3;23(1):222. doi: 10.1186/s12884-023-05550-4. PMID: 37013468; PMCID: PMC10069138.

8. Arach AAO, Tumwine JK, Nakasujja N, Ndeezi G, Kiguli J, Mukunya D, Odongkara B, Achora V, Tongun JB, Musaba MW, Napyo A, Tylleskar T, Nankabirwa V. Perinatal death in Northern Uganda: incidence and risk factors in a community-based prospective cohort study. Glob Health Action. 2021 Jan 1;14(1):1859823. doi: 10.1080/16549716.2020.1859823. PMID: 33446087; PMCID: PMC7832989. 9. Odongkara B, Tylleskär T, Pejovic N, Achora V, Mukunya D, Ndeezi G, Tumwine JK, Nankabirwa V. Adding video-debriefing to Helping-Babies-Breathe training enhanced retention of neonatal resuscitation knowledge and skills among health workers in Uganda: a cluster randomized trial. Glob Health Action. 2020 Dec 31;13(1):1743496. doi: 10.1080/16549716.2020.1743496.Glob Health Action. 2020. PMID: 32524895 10. Bjorklund AR, Odongkara Mpora B, Steiner ME, Fischer G, Davey CS, Slusher TM.Bjorklund AR, et al. Use of a modified bubble continuous positive airway pressure (bCPAP) device for children in respiratory distress in low- and middle-income countries: a safety study. Paediatr Int Child Health. 2019 Aug;39(3):160-167. doi:
10.1080/20469047.2018.1474698. Epub 2018 Jun 18. Paediatr Int Child Health. 2019. PMID: 29912645 Free PMC article.

11. Mukunya D, Nankabirwa V, Ndeezi G, Tumuhamye J, Tongun JB, Kizito S, Napyo A, Achora V, Odongkara B, Arach AA, Tylleskar T, Tumwine JK.Mukunya D, et al. Key Decision Makers and Actors in Selected Newborn Care Practices: A Community-Based Survey in Northern Uganda. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2019 May 16;16(10):1723. doi: 10.3390/ijerph16101723.Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2019. PMID: 31100814 12. Piloya T, Odongkara B, Were EM, Ameda F, Mworozi E, Laigong P.Piloya T, et al. Nutritional rickets among children admitted with severe pneumonia at Mulago hospital, Uganda: a cross sectional study. BMC Pediatr. 2018 Oct 29;18(1):336. doi: 10.1186/s12887-018-1310 9.BMC Pediatr. 2018. PMID: 30373538 Free PMC article. 13. Mbalinda S, Hjelmstedt A, Nissen E, Odongkara BM, Waiswa P, Svensson K, Mbalinda S, et al. Experience of perceived barriers and enablers of safe uninterrupted skin-to-skin contact during the first hour after birth in Uganda. 2018 Dec; 67:95-102. doi: 10.1016/j.midw.2018.09.009. Epub 2018 Sep 11.Midwifery. 2018. PMID: 30286379
14. Mukunya D, Tumwine JK, Nankabirwa V, Ndeezi G, Odongo I, Tumuhamye J, Tongun JB, Kizito S, Napyo A, Achora V, Odongkara B, Tylleskar T.Mukunya D, et al. Factors associated with delayed initiation of breastfeeding: a survey in Northern Uganda. Glob Health Action. 2017;10(1):1410975. doi: 10.1080/16549716.2017.1410975.Glob Health Action. 2017. PMID: 29243560 Free PMC article.

15. Orach CG, Otim G, Aporomon JF, Amone R, Okello SA, Odongkara B, Komakech H.Orach CG, et al. Perceptions, attitude and use of family planning services in post conflict Gulu district, northern Uganda. Confl Health. 2015 Aug 11;9:24. doi: 10.1186/s13031-015 0050-9. eCollection 2015.Confl Health. 2015. PMID: 26265935 Free PMC article.

16. Kayina V, Kyobe S, Katabazi FA, Kigozi E, Okee M, Odongkara B, Babikako HM, Whalen CC, Joloba ML, Musoke PM, Mupere E.Kayina V, et al. Pertussis prevalence and its determinants among children with persistent cough in urban Uganda. PLoS One. 2015 Apr 15;10(4):e0123240. doi: 0.1371/journal.pone.0123240. PMID: 25874411 Free PMC article.

17. Piloya-Were T, Odongkara-Mpora B, Namusoke H, Idro R.Piloya-Were T, et al. Physical growth, puberty and hormones in adolescents with Nodding Syndrome; a pilot study. BMC Res Notes. 2014 Nov 28; 7:858. doi: 10.1186/1756-0500-7-858.BMC Res Notes. 2014. PMID: 25430904 Free PMC article.

18. Christopher Garimoi Orach1*, George Otim2, Juliet Faith Aporomon3, Richard Amone4, Stephen Acellam Okello5, Beatrice Odongkara6 and Henry Komakech1Perceptions, attitude and use of family planning services in post conflict Gulu district, northern Uganda. Conflict and Health (2015) 9:24 DOI 10.1186/s13031-015-0050-9

19. Mpora OB, Oliver E, Barbara A, Francis O, Wilfred W, et al. (2014) Glucose Addiction and Glycemic Control in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Case Report. Endocrinol Metab Synd 3:150. doi: 10.4172/2161-1017.1000150.

20. Beatrice OM, Thereza Piloya, Sylvia Awor, Tomas Ngwiri, Paul Laigong, Edison A Mworozi, Ze’ev Hochberg. Age at menarche in relation to nutritional status and critical life events among rural and urban secondary school girls in post-conflict Northern Uganda. BMC Women’s Health 2014. 14(66): doi:10.1186/1472-6874-14-66

21. BM Odongkara, S Kiguli, MA Edison. Factors influencing replacement feeding practices among HIV positive mothers in attending PMTCT program at Gulu and Lacor hospitals. JPID 2013.8(1):7-17.

22. Ente C, BM Odongkara, et al. Health workers’ perception of patient safety in Africa. IJSRM 2012. 24(2):103-113

23. DL Kitara, BM Odongkara, DA Anywar, et al. Domestic Violence in post conflict northern Uganda. East and Central African Journal of Surgery 2012. 17(1):

24. Odongkara BM, Mulongo G.W, Mwetwale C, et al. Occupational exposures to HIV among Health workers in Gulu. IJRSM 2010. 22(2):103-110.

Successful grants writing

· Building Stronger Universities IV Gulu University 2024 – the Health Work Package team lead

· Control of Neonatal Sepsis in Sub- Saharan Africa (CONSHA) – Co-Investigator and Applicant 2015/2016

· PROMOTE-U stage II NIHR –Co-Principal Investigator and application for Gestational Diabetes in Low resource settings Referees

1. Prof Thorkild Tylleskar, Centre for International Health, University of Bergen, email: Thorkild.Tylleskar@uib.no

2. Prof James K Tumwine, School of Medicine, Kabale Universit, email: kabaleimc@gmail.com

3. Prof Victoria Nankabirwa, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, email: nankabirwav@gmail.com 4. Prof George Ladaah Upenjury, Vice Chancellor, Gulu University, email: VC@gu.ac.ug

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