Dr. sc. hum. Veronica Shiroya

Dr. Veronica Shiroya is a Staff Scientist and Postdoctoral Researcher in the Division Prevention of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases at the Medical Faculty Mannheim of Heidelberg University’s Center for Prevention and Digital Health (CPD). Originally from Kenya, Veronica’s brings a wealth of multidisciplinary experience in public health research, policy, and practice. From her academic background, problem-based learning approaches have influenced and promoted her deeper understanding and application of public health concepts and principles to address complex real-world problems.

Before joining CPD, Veronica’s most recent work areas were centered on global health systems and policy research and advocacy themes around chronic diseases (NCDs and HIV/AIDS), universal primary health care, health promotion and equity, social determinants of health, stakeholder engagement and climate/environmental health. During her MSc. (International Health) and subsequently PhD/Dr.sc.hum (Global Public Health) at the Heidelberg University’s Faculty of Medicine, she took a keen interest in holistic chronic disease research focusing on vulnerable and marginalized populations, employing mixed methods and participatory approaches to assess disparities- from policy to implementation and the related outcomes of interventions on end-users and the overall health system. At CPD, Veronica applies this experience in examining thematic issues of similar research interests, such as for example, the nexus between climate change, migration, and health.

• Health services research and policy analysis

• Prevention, integrated control and epidemiology of chronic diseases in vulnerable populations

• Implementation research methodologies

• Community-based participatory research and engagement

• Global health promotion and health equity (HPHE)

• Disparities in health and access to care

• Environmental and social determinants of health

• Qualitative and mixed methods approaches in public health research

• Shiroya V, Shawa N, Mwagomba B, Nkhweliwa C, Safary E, Haloka J, Mwandeti M, Phiri S, Mueller O, Neuhann F, Deckert A. Reorienting primary care services for non-communicable diseases: a comparative preparedness assessment of two healthcare networks in Malawi and Zambia. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2021. doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18095044
• Nkangu M, Obegu P, Shiroya V, Asangwa C, Gobina R, Agbaw-Ebai F, Foretia D. A scoping review to understand the conceptualization, implementation and practices of health promotion within the context of primary healthcare in Africa. BMJ Open. 2021. doi:10.1136/ bmjopen-2021-049084
• Safary E, Mwandeti M, Matanje B, Beiersmann C, Mtaita C, Shiroya V, Winkler V, Deckert A, Kumar P, Phiri S, Neuhann F. Role of community health volunteers in identifying people with elevated blood pressure for diagnosis and monitoring of hypertension in Malawi: a qualitative study. BMC Cardiovascular Disorders. 2021.doi: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12872-021-02171-7
• Mauti J, Gautier L, Agbozo F, Shiroya V, Jessani N, Tosun J, Jahn A. Addressing policy coherence between Health in All Policies approach and the Sustainable Development Goals implementation: Insights from Kenya. International Journal of Health Policy and Management. 2020. doi:10.34172/ijhpm.2020.212
• Shiroya V, Neuhann F, Müller O, Deckert A. Challenges in policy reforms for non-communicable diseases: the case of diabetes in Kenya. Global Health Action. 2019;12(1):1611243. doi: https://doi.org/10.1080/16549716.2019.1611243