Viola Chepkurui is a public health researcher whose work sits at the intersection of epidemiology and evidence-based health policy. She uses real-world health data to answer policy-relevant questions and to strengthen how health systems generate and use information for decision-making.

Her interests span the use of routine health information system and population data sources to translate information into actionable evidence that support equitable access to health, improve service delivery and improve health outcomes. Her work has consistently been grounded in quantitative methods and an applied understanding of how data move from point of care to actionable insights for policymakers.

She obtained her Master’s degree in Public Health (Epidemiology) at the University of Cape Town, where she developed competence in infectious disease epidemiology, study design, biostatistics and critical appraisal of scientific literature. She also holds a BSc. in Nursing and Public Health from Kenyatta University, providing a strong foundation in clinical practice, community health, disease prevention and health promotion.

Her experience spans public health and vaccinology research, evidence synthesis, clinical care and teaching, with a growing focus on data-driven health systems strengthening. In research settings, she has contributed to developing research protocols, coordinating data collection, strengthening data quality processes, and conducting epidemiological analyses that answer program-relevant questions. She has been particularly interested in improving the completeness, timeliness and accuracy of routine data sources, including medical records and vital registration.

She  aims to produce high-quality, implementation-relevant evidence by using modern analytical methods to analyze health data. Her current research interest is in strengthening immunization programmes in Africa by using routine data to improve vaccine access across different population groups.

Institution/Affiliation: University of Cape Town