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School of Public Health
College of Health Sciences, Makerere University

MakSPH Celebrates the Life of Dr. Zirabamuzaale (1947 - 2023)

Posted on : Friday, February 2, 2024

Zirabamuzaale

Makerere University School of Public Health (MakSH) deeply mourn the untimely passing of Dr. Christine Zirabamuzaale on Saturday, May 20, 2023, at Boston Logan International Airport, United States, where she was visiting her daughter.

Dr. Zirabamuzaale, a distinguished Medical Doctor and Lecturer at the School of Public Health, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, dedicated her life to medicine and education. From August 2001 to July 2007, she served as the head of the Department of Community Health and Behavioral Sciences, leaving an indelible mark of dedication, professionalism, and kindness. She was an alumna Makerere University College of Health Sciences (MakCHS) Medical Class of 73.

The School acknowledges her exemplary service and mourns the loss of an outstanding individual. Our deepest condolences go out to Dr. Zirabamuzaale's family, friends, colleagues, and all affected by this profound loss.

Funeral Arrangements

Friday, February 2, 2024:
•    Arrival of the deceased at the airport
•    Airport clearance procedures for the deceased
•    Transfer of the deceased to the Funeral Home

Saturday, February 3, 2024:
•    10:00 AM: Church service at Mukono Church
•    4:00 PM: Burial ceremony at Bulere village, Buikwe District
 

About Zirabamuzaale

Dr. Zirabamuzaale Margaret Christine was a distinguished academician and healthcare professional with a rich history of service at Makerere University, Institute of Public Health. Born on July 31, 1947, in Bulerere Buikwe Kyaggwe, her career spans decades, showcasing her commitment to academia and public health.

In October 1980, Dr. Zirabamuzaale joined the Institute of Public Health as a Lecturer. Recognized for her exemplary contributions, she steadily progressed through the ranks, achieving the status of Senior Lecturer on June 1, 1994.

Over the years, she held key positions within the Institute, including serving as the Acting Director from June 28, 2004, to August 06, 2004. Her leadership extended to the Department of Community Health and Behavioral Science, where she assumed the role of Acting Head from December 2001 to June 12, 2007.

She is remembered for active role in establishing collaboration with John Hopkins University, aimed at establishing a School of Public Health in Africa.

Dr. Zirabamuzaale's influence on the Institute's autonomy journey is noteworthy, as she played a crucial role in facilitating its transition from the Faculty of Medicine to autonomous status in June 2000.

Retiring from her dedicated service on June 12, 2007, Dr. Zirabamuzaale left behind a legacy of academic excellence and leadership. Her impact on the Institute of Public Health at Makerere University continues to resonate, and her contributions to public health in Uganda are truly commendable.

Workshops and courses attended: 
•    Attended the XV International AIDS Conference from 10th July to 16th July 2004 in Bangkok, Thailand 
•    Attended a seminar on improving quality of healthcare at Boston University between 23rd October 2000 and 10th November 2000 funded by the Rockefeller Foundation.
•    Attended a first international scientific meeting for TEPHINET Conference 15th to 23rd April 2000, Ottawa, Canada funded by the Rockefeller Foundation. 
•    Attended a Health System Management Program at Galillee College International Programe, Israel, November 17-December 6, 1999. 
•    Attended a Training Program workshop in Applied Epidemiology in France 31st January to 7th February 1999 in France.
•    Attended a meeting for strategic planning for Public Health Training in Developing countries in Bangkok, Thailand’s capital 31st October 1998 to 8th November 1998.
•    Attended Afri-CLEN and PHSWOW Conference -Addis Ababa, Ethiopia 26th October -1st November 1997.
•    Attended a faculty (Residential) course, Elgon Hotel, Mbale -Research Methodology Series (Sunday 7th to Friday 12th March 1993 inclusive)
•    June 20th -July 11th 1992 attended Educational Workshops in Problem based learning at Transnational University Limburg Maastricht
•    November 26th -30th 1990, represented IPH at the B.Sc. Nursing Curriculum Development at Makerere University held at Mweya Safari Lodge. 
•    June 17th -22nd 1991 represented the Department of Community Health and Behavioral Sciences (IPH) to attend the ECSAPHA inauguration and Scientific Conference in Harare Zimbabwe. 
•    Between August 1985 to October 1986 Obtained MPH (Population and Family Health) Degree from Columbia University School of Public Health 600 West 168th Street New York. NY 10032
•    Attended workshop on Management of Family Planning Supply Systems for senior officers in Eastern and Southern Africa October 22nd to November 9th 1984. 
•    Accompanied the first lady on her trip to the United States on 13th May 1984 for two weeks.
•    Family Planning, Nutrition, and Primary Health Care in Developing Countries; Prorgram Design, Management and Evaluation June 1-26, 1981

Some of her Publications


•    A study of sexually transmitted diseases in pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in a Rural Health Unit of Singo County, 1980. Dissertation for DPH, Makerere University
•    Report of the International Evaluation of the Uganda National Expanded Program on Immunization and Primary Health Care, July 1987 (Member of the Uganda Expert Team)
•    A study of the Health Status of Children in peri-urban Kampala, 1988. (Unpublished).
•    A study of missed opportunities for Immunization in Uganda, 1989. (Unpublished, Report handed to UNICEF, the funding agent).
•    The Cost Recovery study for the sustainability of Kasangati Health Services. Funded by UNICEF
•    The effect of an Intensive Health Education programme on Maternal Morbidity and Mortality in Rural Uganda (Submitted for funding)

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