Lydia Kemunto Atambo
Nairobi
Summary
Insightful medical researcher known for high productivity and efficient task completion. Possessing specialized skills in study proposal development, data collection and analysis, project management, academic writing, stakeholder engagement and knowledge translation/community engagement. Excelling in critical thinking, communication, and mentorship ensuring seamless collaboration and knowledge transfer with team member and stakeholders.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Research Mentor
Kenya Medical Association/HIVOS
Nairobi
11.2025 - 09.2026
- Guiding research teams in developing innovative SRHR project proposals and methodologies.
- Facilitating online and in-person workshops to enhance research skills and critical thinking among mentees.
- Reviewing and providing feedback on research processes to improve clarity and rigor of the outputs.
- Developing training materials to support mentees in using research tools effectively.
- Encouraging collaboration among diverse teams to foster supportive research environment.
- Assisting in navigating ethical considerations within various research projects.
- Assisting in developing strategies to promote independent learning among mentees.
Member of Adolescent HIV/Tuberculosis program
Desmond Tutu Health Foundation
Nairobi
12.2022 - 06.2024
- Strengthened professional skills through commitment to continuing education and advanced training.
- Participated in virtual workshops and webinars on various adolescent Human Immunodeficiency (HIV), Tuberculosis (TB) and Sexual Reproductive Health related topics.
Research Support and Lecturer
Amref International University
Nairobi
01.2021 - 01.2024
- Co-Principal Investigator for GCRF Study on Improving healthcare at the intersection of gender and protracted displacement among Somali and Congolese refugees and IDPs. Developed the study proposal securing over 400,000 pounds funding for the study. As the project lead, I oversaw the recruitment, training of the research assistants, data collection and analysis while supporting the stakeholder engagement and organization of the community engagement sessions and policy briefs/abstract/publication development.
- Research Coordinator for Community responses to COVID-19 restrictions in Kenya study.
- Research Coordinator for Assessing African Union and Africa CDC's impact on Kenyan COVID-19 response study.
- Was the Head of Department of Community Health (HOD), overseeing timetabling, exam procedures, and departmental activities.
- Supported deliverables from 5 full-time staff and 40 part-time lecturers.
- Taught and mentored students in assigned courses, enhancing academic performance.
- Facilitated development and rollout of new curricula tailored to community needs.
- Mentored students in research projects related to community health initiatives.
- Evaluated student performance through assessments and feedback mechanisms.
- Participated in academic committees to improve university policies and programs.
- Organized workshops and seminars on emerging trends in global health issues.
- Provided guidance to students on course selection, career planning, and other educational matters.
Inpatient doctor
The Mater Hospital
Nairobi
01.2016 - 12.2021
- Inpatient doctor in the Internal medicine ward.
- The Mater Hospital is a leading healthcare provider in Nairobi, offering a range of medical services.
Trial Physician
Kenya AIDS Vaccine Initiative
01.2014 - 12.2015
- Planning and coordinating the initiation of the study protocol, including the development of Standard Operating Procedures and other study tools.
- Preparation and maintenance of volunteer study files.
- Recruitment and coordination of trial participants, covering informed consent, screening and inclusion of participants adhering to safety and compliance issues.
- Tracking study enrolment status.
- Collection of samples needed in ongoing studies.
- Ensuring that the studies are carried out as per the protocol document.
- Ensuring the smooth and efficient operations of the study and data collection activities using source documents and CRFs.
- Reporting and management of Adverse Events (AE) and Severe Adverse Events (SAEs).
- Coordinating the day-to-day activities of the study, visit Scheduling, sampling and time management.
- Communication with the sponsor.
- Monitoring the progress of the ongoing studies.
- Implementation of quality control processes throughout the conduct of the trial.
- Preparing for and overseeing monitoring visits, quality assurance audits and managing the query resolution process.
- Preparing and coordinating study progress reports.
- KAVI is an institute of clinical research focused on HIV/AIDS and related diseases.
- Studies handled included the following: Co-Investigator- SIVET (Simulated Vaccine Efficacy Trial) Study- A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial to evaluate the ability to recruit and retain HIV-1 uninfected key populations from Nairobi by enrolment into a licensed HBV vaccine study.
- Co-Investigator- VZV study- Immunological characterization of Varicella Zoster virus (VZV) as a replicating viral vector for an HIV vaccine.
- Co-Investigator- BOO2 Study- Long term follow up of the volunteers who participated in the A phase I double-blinded, placebo-controlled, randomized trial in HIV-uninfected, healthy adult volunteers to evaluate the safety and immunogenicity of F4co adjuvanted with AS01B or AS01 administered with Ad35-GRIN.
- Co-Investigator- SOO1 Study-Long term follow up of the volunteers who participated in the A phase I double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, dose-escalation trial to evaluate the safety and immunogenicity of a Sendai HIV vaccine SeV-G (NP) given intranasally and Ad35-GRIN administered intramuscularly in prime-boost regimens in HIV-uninfected, healthy adult volunteers.
Medical officer
The Mater Hospital
Nairobi
01.2012 - 08.2015
- Management of the Westland's Mater Hospital Outreach branch with resultant excellent patient flows and good financial returns.
- Acting as a link between the hospital management and the doctors working at the Westland's Mater Hospital Outreach Branch.
- Managed the various clinical cases at the accident and emergency section.
- Carrying out minor surgical procedures.
- Underwriting and evaluating the health status of patients for insurance coverage.
- The Mater Hospital is a leading healthcare provider in Nairobi, offering a range of medical services.
Medical Officer Intern
Kenyatta National Hospital
01.2009 - 12.2010
- Diagnosed patients, initiated treatment and followed up inpatient care in the different clinical rotations (obstetrics and gynecology, surgery, pediatrics and internal medicine).
- Taught and mentored medical students and clinical officers on clinical practice skills.
- Kenyatta National Hospital is the largest referral and teaching hospital in East and Central Africa.
Education
Academic Data Analysts - Basic R Training (Beginner)
01.2023
PhD - Epidemiology
KEMRI/JKUAT
01.2022
Certificate in Principles and Practice of Clinical Research - undefined
Harvard University
01.2021
Post Graduate Diploma in Public Health - Health Systems Management
University of Liverpool
01.2021
Fellowship in Adolescent HIV/TB Infection - undefined
Desmond Tutu HIV Foundation
04.2015
Msc - Tropical and Infectious Diseases
University Of Nairobi
01.2014
Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) - undefined
University Of Nairobi
01.2008
Skills
- Research methodology
- Data analysis
- Project proposal development
- Team leadership
- Workshop facilitation
- Stakeholder engagement
- Mentoring and coaching
- Ethical compliance
- Public health initiatives
- Project management and organization
- Curriculum development
- Public health knowledge
- Strategic planning
Certification
- Economic evaluation in Global Health, Uni. of Washington, 2023-01-01
- Research paper writing workshop, 2023-01-01
- Research ethics ESRC training, KAVI/UON, 2021-01-01
- Introduction to research ethics, TRREE, 2021-01-01
- Red Cross (ACLS), 2019-01-01
- Red Cross (BLS), 2019-01-01
- Clinical Research Monitoring Training, 2016-01-01
- GCP for clinical trials with investigational drugs and biologics (ICH focus), 2015-01-01
- MSM Sensitivity Training Course, 2015-01-01
- Human Subjects Protection (HSP), 2015-01-01
- Customer Service Training, Kenya Institute of management, 2015-01-01
- Global health leadership and management course, 2012-01-01
- Advanced cardiac life support, 2012-01-01
- Clinical management of HIV, 2012-01-01
- Basic Life Support Provider Course, 2008-01-01
- Emergency Life Support & Pediatric Emergency Triage, 2008-01-01
- Hands on: Diabetic Workshop, 2008-01-01
- HIV/AIDS and Reproductive Health Seminar, 2007-01-01
Publications
- Influence of conspiracy theories and distrust of community health volunteers on adherence to COVID-19 guidelines and vaccine uptake in Kenya, Journal of Public Health in Africa
- Now is the time: Assessing policy gaps and barriers to health for refugees in Kenya, Submission ongoing
- Knowledge, attitude and uptake of Antiretroviral therapy for HIV prevention among discordant couples: Pumwani maternity hospital cohort, Abstract
- Assessment of the risk factors associated with a positive QuantiFERON-GIT status among adolescents in the AERAS-404 TB study at the Emavundleni clinic, South Africa, Abstract
- Refugee and Healthcare workers' perceptions of refugee health and integration in Nairobi, Kenya, Policy Brief
- The decision-making process in reporting sexual violence among Somali refugee women living in Nairobi, Kenya, Policy Brief
- The effects of the refugee health policy framework on access to healthcare services by Somali and Congolese refugees in Nairobi, Kenya, Policy Brief
Training
- One Health Conference, 2025-01-01
- Scientific conference on Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights, 2018-01-01
- Clinical Research Monitoring Training, 2016-01-01
- Effective Monitoring and Evaluation Skills Training, 2016-01-01
- Excellent Supervisory Skills Training, 2016-01-01
- DHTF Adolescent HIV/TB Fellowship, 2016-01-01
- The Nairobi Innovation week, University of Nairobi, 2015-01-01
- Infectious Disease Symposium, Nairobi, 2015-01-01
- Annual scientific Review and planning meeting in Nairobi, 2015-01-01
- CAPT-Network meeting, Grant writing workshop, 2014-01-01
Timeline
Research Mentor
Kenya Medical Association/HIVOS
11.2025 - 09.2026
Member of Adolescent HIV/Tuberculosis program
Desmond Tutu Health Foundation
12.2022 - 06.2024
Research Support and Lecturer
Amref International University
01.2021 - 01.2024
Inpatient doctor
The Mater Hospital
01.2016 - 12.2021
Trial Physician
Kenya AIDS Vaccine Initiative
01.2014 - 12.2015
Medical officer
The Mater Hospital
01.2012 - 08.2015
Medical Officer Intern
Kenyatta National Hospital
01.2009 - 12.2010
Academic Data Analysts - Basic R Training (Beginner)
PhD - Epidemiology
KEMRI/JKUAT
Certificate in Principles and Practice of Clinical Research - undefined
Harvard University
Post Graduate Diploma in Public Health - Health Systems Management
University of Liverpool
Fellowship in Adolescent HIV/TB Infection - undefined
Desmond Tutu HIV Foundation
Msc - Tropical and Infectious Diseases
University Of Nairobi
Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) - undefined
University Of Nairobi