Dr. Estella Birabwa is a public health specialist and strategic health systems leader with over 20 years of experience in HIV and TB programming in Uganda. She currently serves as PEPFAR Program Manager and Deputy Country Director for the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research in Uganda, providing strategic oversight for large-scale HIV initiatives. Previously, she served as Program Management Specialist for TB/HIV at USAID/Uganda, leading reforms that strengthened national policy and improved treatment outcomes. Her career also spans senior roles at the International Union Against TB and Lung Disease, Makerere University School of Public Health, Uganda Virus Research Institute, and the Infectious Diseases Institute, encompassing program management, research, quality improvement, and health systems strengthening.
She holds a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery, a Master of International Public Health, and is currently pursuing an MBA in Health Care Management. She is a recipient of multiple Mission and Eagle Awards, including the prestigious U.S. Mission Locally Employed Staff of the Year Award.
She believes that when women lead, policies reflect lived realities, especially for mothers and vulnerable communities, driving greater accountability, innovation, and compassion across health systems.
Fun fact: Dr. Estella finds joy in nurturing her garden and has more recently discovered a passion for the gym, both daily reminders that growth, at any stage of life, is always worth the effort.