Awards of Dr. Etheldreda Nakimuli Mpungu

SEEK GSP & Awards Received

By Dr. Nakimuli Mpungu

On her quest to bring solution to the mental health disorders faced by HIV patients in sub-saharan Africa which is often ignored by doctors, nurses and other health workers, Dr. Nakimuli has been carrying on research on the alleviation of depression through psychotherapy sessions conducted in groups. Her research has received national and international praise. Below is a list of her most recent awards and honors

1. Outstanding Alum in Health Award 2023

On January 21, 2023 , the U.S. Mission in Uganda hosted the inaugural U.S. Mission Alumni Impact Awards Gala as a way of honoring the impact of U.S. exchange program alumni as they celebrated 60 years of the U.S.-Uganda relationship. The event featured an illustrious group of Ugandans from across the country who participated in U.S. government exchange programs over the past six decades. There were 13 award categories, and alumni were recognized for their dedication to selfless service within their local communities, the region, and the world.

Dr. Nakimuli Mpungu received the Outstanding Alum in Health Award in honor of her innovative works in mental health and HIV in Sub-Saharan Africa. Her research throws impacts the mental health of Ugandans and Africans at large

2. Social Innovation in Health Awards 2020

The Social Innovation in Health Initiative-SIHI Uganda at Makerere University School of Public Health awarded four innovations that were judged to be outstanding by external reviewers. This occurred at the third national stakeholders workshop, which was hosted on March 17, 2021, in Kampala's Golf Course Hotel to honor and acknowledge the country's top community-based healthcare initiatives.

Dr. Etheldreda Nakimuli and her team at SEEK-GSP project received an award as Their project aims at narrowing the treatment gap for depression among people living with HIV using group support psychotherapy delivered by lay community health workers.

3. BBC 100 Women 2020

The BBC revealed its list of 100 inspiring and influential women from around the world for 2020. The list comprised of women who are leading change and making a difference during turbulent times of the novel Covid-19 pandemic. The list includes Sanna Marin, who leads Finland's all-female coalition government, Dr. Etheldreda Nakimuli who is the CEO of SEEK-GSP Initiative for her innovation in treating depression through group support psychotherapy conducted by lay health workers in the local languages, Michelle Yeoh, star of the new Avatar and Marvel films and Sarah Gilbert, who heads the Oxford University research into a coronavirus vaccine, as well as Jane Fonda, a climate activist and actress.

4. Elsevier Foundation Awards for Women in Science

The Elsevier Foundation awards are given in partnership with the Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD) and The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) for the advancement of science in developing countries. The winning scholars were selected from Indonesia, Nepal, Peru, Uganda and Yemen Dr. Nakimuli-Mpungu was recognized for her innovation in psychotherapy for the treatment of depression and alcoholism in Ugandans with HIV.