Center for
Global Health

Associate Scholar

Languages: English (native),Swahili (basic)

Bio statement

Bridgette Wamakima, MD, MBA, MPH, is an Assistant Professor of Clinical Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Pennsylvania. She completed residency at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and a Global Women’s Health Fellowship at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. Her work focuses on improving maternal outcomes in resource-limited settings, with research spanning HIV, pre-eclampsia, and maternal near-miss indicators. Dr. Wamakima has collaborated on projects in Botswana on the impact of antiretroviral therapy on pregnancy outcomes. She has also worked closely with physician in Kenya on obstetric ultrasound training. Her interests include capacity building, implementation research, and global partnerships that advance women’s health. She is passionate about developing sustainable systems that improve maternal care and foster the next generation of clinician-scientists in Africa and beyond.

Recent global health projects

Pre-eclampsia and HIV Research in Botswana: I led analyses on the relationship between HIV, antiretroviral therapy, and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. The project evaluated pre-eclampsia prevalence and outcomes among women with and without HIV, providing evidence to guide care in high-HIV-burden settings.

Point-of-Care Ultrasound Training in Kenya:
In partnership with Kenyatta National Hospital, I helped design and implement a point-of-care ultrasound curriculum for midwives focused on antenatal and intrapartum care. The initiative strengthened diagnostic capacity and clinical confidence among frontline providers, supporting sustainable improvements in maternal health services.

Selected publications

Ojong, S., Wamakima, B., Moyer, C., & Temmerman, M.  (2023, October 18). Maternal Health and Well-Being. Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Global Public Health. Retrieved 30 Oct. 2025 https://doi.org/10.1093/acrefore/9780190632366.013.214

Last Updated: 10 November 2025