Recognizing that “there is no gene for the human spirit,” fosters my goals for using implementation research to assist adolescents living with HIV (ALHIV) to cope with and overcome the associated stigma. These strategies greatly improve the adolescents’ mental health by promoting resilience, hope, and determination that enable them to achieve greater heights.
In Uganda, one of the interventions being implemented to care for ALHIV is the facility-based group model, a component of differentiated service delivery considered effective in managing people living with HIV. Evaluation of this ongoing intervention helps determine its effect in achieving its desired outcome. Focusing my research project around this area excites me about the upcoming study findings.
Leveraging the spirit of optimism and resilience, I celebrate the milestones achieved thus far on my fellowship project journey. I am pleased to have received REC (ethical) approval for my project. As I gear up for the next step, I have visited respective study sites for administrative clearance in preparation for UNCST (national) approval submission. Furthermore, all of my data collection tools have been translated and I have trained my data assistants as I prepare for the big phase of data collection. Confidently, I am amazed by the immense support, knowledge, and skills I have gained, which have facilitated my progress. I have enjoyed learning and sharing with fellows. Currently, I am loving my visit to Washington University in St. Louis where I have had the wonderful opportunity of socializing, networking, and establishing connections for future collaborations and opportunities with several researchers of the same interests. Indeed, this fellowship has proved to be a big breakthrough in my research career journey. It has presented profound hope for my future.