Research Associate
Perez Kirya Izizinga
Perez Kirya is a research leader dedicated to making sense of vast, fragmented data to find a clear path forward.
As a Research Associate at ACRES, Perez specializes in building the high-level evidence maps that allow policymakers in low- and middle-income countries to see exactly where their systems are strong and where they are failing. He manages the complete lifecycle of evidence, ensuring that scientific rigour is perfectly aligned with the urgency of national policy.
Perez is a master of large-scale evidence synthesis. He spearheaded the development of the Evidence Gap Map (EGM) of health research in Uganda, a monumental project where he coordinated a team of 30 researchers to visualize the country’s entire research landscape. He later applied this expertise to map the developmental impacts of natural resource degradation.
Through using advanced tools like EPPI Reviewer and EPPI Mapper, Perez transforms intricate data into clear, spatial visualizations that empower stakeholders at both the national and sub-national levels to make decisions based on the totality of available evidence.
Beyond long-term mapping, Perez is a vital component of ACRES’ Rapid Response Service. His training with the EPPI Centre at University College London (UCL) has equipped him with the global gold standard in systematic review methodologies. This allows him to deliver rapid-response briefs that address urgent government questions without compromising on accuracy.
His background in Human Nutrition and Dietetics provides him with a grounded understanding of population health, which he uses to ensure that every project he leads is ultimately focused on delivering tangible, life-improving results.
Selected Publications:
- Orishaba, P., Kayongo, E., Lusiba, P., Nakalema, C., Kasadha, P., Kirya, P., … & Mijumbi-Deve, R. (2022). Vulnerability of populations to malaria after indoor residual spraying is withdrawn from areas where its use has previously been sustained: a protocol for a systematic review. BMJ open, 12(10), e065115.
- Kirya, P. I., et al. (In preparation). Improving progression in public primary schools in low-and middle-income countries: a systematic review of available options. [Protocol submitted to the Campbell Collaboration].
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