2016 KEMRI-Wellcome PhD Studentships

Development of innovative strategies for ealy HIV detection and treatment initiation among key populations

Location: Kilifi
Country: Kenya
Supervisor: Dr. Eduard Sanders

The Sub-Saharan Africa Network for TB/HIV research excellence (SANTHE) in collaboration with the KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme in Kilifi is offering PhD-training in clinical epidemiology & social medicine for upcoming reearcher who are interested in improving health and access to health care for key populations, including men who have sex with men (MSM), and female sex workers.

The aim of the PhD project is to develop and test innovative strategies to mobilise and test for HIV, including acute HIV infection, key populations and patients with symptoms at care seeking in Malindi, Kenya. Patients with newly diagnosed HIV will be initiated on ART immediately.

Under supervision of the PI, Dr. Eduard Sanders, the candidate will conduct studies of acute HIV infection detection, immediate ART treatment initiation and barriers to its uptake among MSM and FSW, in a pilot programme based out of Malindi sub-County Hospital, which is supported by NASCOP and Kilifi County Department of Health.

The studentship cover registration fees, research costs, travel costs, medical insurance and a monthly stipend.

The candidate must be a MD, MPh or MSc-holder, with at least two years post-graduate and documented research experience with key populations. He/she should be sensitive to the importance of community engagement and interested in health care provider training.

For more information and application details, see; KEMRI-Wellcome PhD Studentships