In this blog, I am focusing on the people who are vital to the research. Each person brings vital ingredients to ensure that the research is rigorous and complete.
The Bidibidi Refugee Resettlement participants walk kilometers to participate in the research without food and water. They are all living with HIV and taking Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) that suppresses HIV replication. I cannot imagine the compounding issues they deal with on a daily basis; despite that, I noticed that in each session, they came to learn, engage, and ask hard questions.
Night Rose, who is a trainer and refugee herself, brings tenacity, practicality, honesty, and, most of all, a hopeful outlook. She uplifts her community with care, accountability, and sharing her own stories. Her knowledge of the refugee camp culture is broad and deep.
Joseph, who is a trainer and refugee himself, brings joy, humor, and authenticity to his training. He has charisma and meets people where they are. It is rare for a facilitator to have everyone paying attention in a session.
Nicolas, who is a research assistant and driver, brings humor, youthfulness, and a sense of calmness. He most likely has the most significant burden, as it is his responsibility to bring his co-workers safely home.
Isaac, who is the study coordinator, brings a curious, thoughtful, solution-oriented, and solid presence that creates a sense of safety. I enjoy our sparing on intellectual conundrums that cannot be sorted in a day, a month, or a lifetime. He is a fixer, a connector, and a bridge to the community and the research.
Dr. Nhial Tutlam, who is the Principal Investigator (PI), brings enthusiastic energy folded in immense, powerful stories of his father and his own life of migrating. Beyond his dynamic and valuable research, I admire his ability to navigate his multiple roles when working with the Bidibidi and surrounding communities. He does it with grace, humor, and empathy.
Last, there are people who I don’t know who are behind the scenes supporting the logistics, finance, and administration in Uganda and in the US. They are doing vital work to keep the research afloat.
Bidibidi is the third refugee camp that I have been invited to, researched with, and been in a community with. I am grateful for this rare opportunity to learn from Dr. Nhial’s team and explore what it takes to research on this large scale.