Dr. Kawango Agot is a highly accomplished social scientist and public health expert with a strong background in program development, research design, implementation and evaluation. Her significant contributions to the field of HIV prevention are highlighted by her pivotal role as the Study Coordinator for the groundbreaking medical male circumcision (MMC) trial in Kisumu, Kenya. This trial’s results, demonstrating the effectiveness of MMC in reducing HIV incidence in heterosexual men, garnered international recognition and endorsement from WHO and UNAIDS, leading to widespread implementation across sub-Saharan Africa. Dr. Agot’s extensive research portfolio extends to various aspects of HIV prevention, including studies on cultural practices, combination prevention strategies and adherence to pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) among vulnerable populations.
Furthermore, Dr. Kawango’s expertise goes beyond research, as she has successfully managed multiple large-scale HIV prevention, care, and treatment programs in Kenya, funded by PEPFAR and the Global Fund.
Her leadership in community-based programs addressing HIV, Malaria and TB underscores her commitment to public health and her ability to translate research findings into practical, impactful interventions. Dr. Agot’s exceptional skills, experience, and dedication position her as a valuable asset in the field of clinical trials, public health, particularly in projects targeting adolescent girls and young women, women in general and adolescent boys and young men within the context of HIV prevention and other health initiatives.
Education
- PhD in Medical Geography, University of Washington
- MPH in Epidemiology, University of Washington
- Master of Philosophy (MPhil) in Medical Geography, Moi University, Kenya
- Bachelor of Education (Geography), University of Nairobi, Kenya
Clinical Trials Participated/ study Protocols Executed
- Solidarity Trial Vaccines: An international randomized trial of candidate vaccines against COVID-19.
- Adaptive Platform Treatment Trial for Outpatients with COVID-19 (Adapt Out COVID Study).
- A Combination Strategy for HIV Prevention among Female Sex Workers, Nyanza, Kenya (IPrEP Study)
- Couple’s Reproductive Decisions (CoRD): A couples’-based intervention to improve engagement in sexual and reproductive health services for mobile fisherfolk in Kenya.
- Photovoice for Elicitation of Multi-Level Factors that Influence PrEP Adherence and Persistence Among Young Women in Kenya.
- High-yield HIV testing, facilitated linkage to care, and prevention for female youth in Kenya.
- Couple’s Reproductive Decisions (CoRD): A couples’-based intervention to improve engagement in sexual and reproductive health services for mobile fisherfolk in Kenya.
- Reaching the last 20%: A Targeted HIV Self-Test Secondary Distribution Intervention to Engage High-Risk Men in Kenya
- A relationship-focused intervention to reduce GBV and increase PrEP uptake and adherence among Kenyan AGYW
- Facilitating pathways to economic independence could reduce HIV risk among female sex workers in Kisumu and Siaya Counties, Kenya – Acceptability and feasibility of Jitegemee intervention
- Akiba: A savings intervention to reduce men’s engagement in HIV risk behaviors
- Starve and Kill: Engineered Antigens Targeting Nutrient Acquisition Pathways Essential for Gonococcal Infection and Disease
- Data-informed Stepped Care to Improve Adolescent HIV Outcomes (DiSC Study)
- Adolescent Research Participation from the Perspectives of Multiple Stakeholders.
- Understanding and measuring the impact of stigma on PrEP adherence among AGYW in Kenya: identifying targets for future interventions (AOB Study)
- IPrEP Men’s Study: Expanding the reach of prevention for men in Kisumu, Kenya
Recent Publications
- Access to Oral Fluid-Based Human Immunodeficiency Virus Self-Tests Increases Testing Among Male Partners of Adolescent Girls in Kenya: A Randomized Controlled Trial
- Integrated Health Care Delivery for Adolescents Living with and at Risk of HIV Infection: A Review of Models and Actions for Implementation
- Individual-, Interpersonal- and Institutional-Level Factors Associated with HIV Stigma Among Youth in Kenya
- Multilevel Factors Influencing Interruptions in PrEP Use Among Young Women in Siaya County, Kenya