Biography

Dr. Friday Saidi, MD, MMED, FCOG (ECSA) is a Specialist Obstetrician and Gynecologist based in Malawi. He serves as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and as a Research Investigator with UNC Project–Malawi, where his work focuses on maternal health, birth outcomes, vaginal microbiome and HIV prevention among pregnant and breastfeeding populations. He leads clinical trials in women’s health, including studies on long-acting injectable Cabotegravir (CAB-LA) for HIV prevention, and advises on the HPTN 084 Open Label Extension (OLE) study. Dr. Saidi is also Principal Investigator for an observational study evaluating the safety of CAB-LA among pregnant and breastfeeding women in Malawi. As a member of Malawi’s Ministry of Health CAB-LA Expert Committee, he contributes to national HIV prevention policy and guidelines.

In addition to his research roles, Dr. Saidi provides clinical care as a Consultant Obstetrician-Gynecologist at Kamuzu Central Hospital’s Maternity Unit and serves as an Honorary Clinical Lecturer at the Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (Formerly University of Malawi College of Medicine). He is a Fellow and Trainer with the East, Central and Southern Africa College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ECSACOG). Dr. Saidi has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals and holds leadership positions, including National Treasurer of the Association of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Malawi (AOGM). Internationally, he serves on the FIGO Committee on Infections During Pregnancy (2023–2027), highlighting his commitment to advancing maternal and child health globally.