International Mentored Scientist Award

The CFAR International Mentored Scientist Award in HIV/AIDS is currently being offered during the Spring 2024 UCSF Resource Allocation Program (RAP) Cycle, opens Monday, January 29, 2024
Deadline: Monday. MARCH 4, 2024 (2:00 pm PST)

The International Mentored Scientist Award seeks to provide a mentored career development opportunity in HIV research for international investigators affiliated with UCSF. Applicants for this award must indicate a UCSF-affiliated faculty research mentor(s) in HIV who will commit to guiding the applicant for the application process and throughout the duration of the proposed project. Project proposals should be geared toward the interests of the applicant (e.g., clinical, basic, implementation science and/or behavioral-epidemiological research) and focus on HIV research in the investigator’s home country.

Eligibility
Researchers (all levels), post-doctoral fellows, and trainees located at a UCSF-affiliated foreign institution who have not received an NIH R01- equivalent grant in HIV/AIDS are eligible. Please note that CFAR is not allowed to provide funding to any investigators who have received HIV-related R01 awards. More senior faculty members may apply only if they are newly entering the field of HIV research.

Designation of Mentor (Critical)

Mentoring is critical to the training component of the CFAR International Mentored Scientist awards. All International Mentored award applications require a faculty research mentor from UCSF or a UCSF-affiliated institution (https://cfar.ucsf.edu/about/partners). Applications without a mentor will be disqualified.

Applicants must identify their UCSF-affiliated mentors and arrange to receive mentor advice and guidance on the research portion of their application well before it is submitted (typically at least two months before the RAP deadline). CFAR is no longer available to assist with mentor identification.

Projects must be within NIH’s HIV/AIDS research high or medium priority areas. Projects in closely related areas (e.g. TB, HCV, drug use, etc.) must be clearly linked to HIV in order to be eligible for CFAR funding.

The award amount is $30,000 in direct costs for one year.
For more detailed information about this RFA, please see the RAP Portal.

International Mentored Science Awardees

33 Awards

Award Recipient Award date Award Type
Prevalence and outcomes associated with SARS-COV-2 antibody seropositivity among persons at risk for tuberculosis in a high HIV-burden setting: a cohort study in Lusaka, Zambia Nsala Sanjase, MBChB Spring International Mentored Scientist Award
Potential for Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra cycle threshold values to monitor early response to anti-TB treatment in HIV co-infected patients on antiretroviral therapy Juliet Namugenyi, MSc Spring International Mentored Scientist Award
Prevalence, clinical and immunological predictors of frailty among older adults with HIV in Kampala Phoebe Mbabazi, MD Fall International Mentored Scientist Award
Adaptation of a Mindfulness based intervention to support Adherence to Antiretroviral Therapy among adolescents in Uganda Khamisi Musanje, M.A. Fall International Mentored Scientist Award
Willingness and Feasibility of Using Injectable Antiretroviral Therapy among Women who Retained and Disengaged from Prevention of Mother to Child HIV Transmission Programs in Uganda Deborah Ekusai-Sebatta, PhD Spring International Mentored Scientist Award
Changes in insulin kinetics in HIV infected patients diagnosed with dolutegravir associated diabetes in Uganda Frank Mulindwa, MD Fall International Mentored Scientist Award
Impact Evaluation of a Primary Care Health System Strengthening Intervention on HIV and TB services in Kono and Kailahun Districts, Sierra Leone Mohamed Bailor Barrie, MD, PhD (Cand) Spring International Mentored Scientist Award
Evaluation of an African specific Donor Health Questionnaire for HIV screening in Cameroonian blood services Claude Tayou-Tagny MCR/MPH/MS, MD, MSC Fall International Mentored Scientist Award
Investigating into the social, health and economic vulnerabilities and resilience of children of women at high risk of HIV in Kampala Agnes Ssali, PhD Fall International Mentored Scientist Award
Effect of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) subtype C transactivator of transcription (Tat) P21A variant on nuclear levels of active positive transcription elongation factor b (P-TEFb) and viral latency Paradise Madlala, PhD Fall International Mentored Scientist Award
Exploring HIV care of highly mobile HIV-positive youth living in Kenya and Uganda: qualitative study to identify gaps in the HIV care cascade and evaluate feasible intervention options Irene Maeri , BA, MA Spring International Mentored Scientist Award
Testing Medicinal Plants from Uganda for HIV Latency Reversing Activity Emmanuel Mande, Bsc Spring International Mentored Scientist Award
Understanding factors that facilitate effective uptake and integration of health interventions in South African primary health care clinics van Heerden Alastair, PhD Fall International Mentored Scientist Award
Patients and peer navigators lived experiences and drivers for creating a successful personalized adaptive care relationship to treat lapses HIV treatment retention: a longitudinal qualitative study Zachary Kwena, PhD(c), MA Fall International Mentored Scientist Award
Understanding the impact of an income generating agricultural intervention on sexual behaviour and psychological well being of adolescent girls and young women living in a high HIV urban setting in Western Kenya Mariacianah Onono, MD Spring International Mentored Scientist Award
Development and Validation of an HPLC-UV Multiplex Assay for Therapeutic Drug Monitoring of Antiretroviral Drugs in Uganda Allan Buzibye, Bsc Fall International Mentored Scientist Award
Global gene array, secretome analyses, and HIV infection analyses of foreskin epithelial cells upon exposure to cervicovaginal fluid from healthy vs. women with bacterial vaginosis Grace Turyasingura, BSc Spring International Mentored Scientist Award
ComHealth: Cost-effective mHealth strategy to improve long-term retention in HIV care for mother-baby pairs Thomas Odeny, MBChB, MPH Spring International Mentored Scientist Award
Evaluation of a point-of-care assay for the diagnosis of Trichomonas vaginalis in women at high risk for HIV infection Sheila Nabweyambo, BSc Fall International Mentored Scientist Award
Feasibility of Screening and Brief Intervention for Hazardous Alcohol use amongst HIV-infected Adults in Uganda: A Qualitative Study Stephen Asiimwe, MMed, MBChB Spring International Mentored Scientist Award
Impact of Neonatal Exposure to Malaria and HIV on the Frequency, Phenotype, and Function of __ T Cell Subsets at Birth Fredrick Lutwama, PhD, MDChb Spring International Mentored Scientist Award
Promoting Positive Caregiver-Child Interaction Between HIV-Affected Children and Their Caregivers with Depression in Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa Duncan Andrew, MA Spring International Mentored Scientist Award
Investigation of Pediatric HIV Disclosure in Kampala, Uganda Monica Etima, MBChB, MMed Spring International Mentored Scientist Award
Evaluation of the Dynamics and Immuno-Virology of Human Papillomavirus Infections among Fishermen in Kisumu, Kenya Raphael Ondondo, PhD Fall International Mentored Scientist Award
Development of a Combination HIV Prevention Intervention for Transgender Women in Peru Alfonso Silva-Santisteban, MD, MPH Fall International Mentored Scientist Award
Mechanisms of CD4 T-cell death among HIV-infected, HAART-treated African adults displaying poor CD4 T-cell reconstitution despite effective viral suppression Damalie Nakanjako, MBChB, MMed, PhD Fall International Mentored Scientist Award
A study to evaluate the acceptability and feasibility of providing integrated HIV and maternal and child health services thorough well child services in KwaZulu Natal, South Africa Christiane Horwood, MBBS Fall International Mentored Scientist Award
Adaptation of a Male Partner Educational Intervention Tool for Vaginal Microbicide Trials Serah Wagikondi-Gitome, MBChB Fall International Mentored Scientist Award
Optimizing Nevirapine Dosing in Patients Co-infected with Tuberculosis and HIV in Harare, Zimbabwe Luther Gwaza, PhD Spring International Mentored Scientist Award
Examining Sexual Concurrency and Sexual Networks among Married Fishermen Couples in Kisumu District, Kenya Zachary Kwena, PhD(c), MA Fall International Mentored Scientist Award
Family Planning Use Among Female Clients Attending The HIV/AIDS Clinic In Mbarara University Teaching Hospital Winnie Muyindike, MBChB, MMed, DPAM Spring International Mentored Scientist Award
Frequency and evolution of HIV-1 drug resistance among Ugandan children receiving antiretroviral therapy Jane Achan, MBChB, MMed, MSc Spring International Mentored Scientist Award
Perioperative Exposure to Blood and Body Fluids: Incidence, Causes and Attitudes in Uganda Timothy Kimuli, MBChB, MMed Spring International Mentored Scientist Award
Contacts
  • Potential for Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra cycle threshold values to monitor early response to anti-TB treatment in HIV co-infected patients on antiretroviral therapy

    Potential for Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra cycle threshold values to monitor early response to anti-TB treatment in HIV co-infected patients on antiretroviral therapy

    Abstract

    Despite steady improvements over time, TB treatment success rate remains lower among HIV-coinfected patients (77%) compared to 86% of the general TB population globally. Successful treatment of TB in HIV co-infected individuals is limited by varying levels of immunosuppression, drug-drug interactions, increased pill burden, in addition to a poor quality of life in the psychological domain.

  • Prevalence and outcomes associated with SARS-COV-2 antibody seropositivity among persons at risk for tuberculosis in a high HIV-burden setting: a cohort study in Lusaka, Zambia

    Prevalence and outcomes associated with SARS-COV-2 antibody seropositivity among persons at risk for tuberculosis in a high HIV-burden setting: a cohort study in Lusaka, Zambia

    Abstract

    Despite catastrophic predictions of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in Sub-Saharan Africa, SARS-CoV-2 transmission levels unexpectedly appeared to remain low across several variant waves. However, recent evidence from several African countries has demonstrated that as much as 50-80% of individuals have been infected with SARS-COV-2. Such persons are at risk for post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC, e.g., “Long COVID”), which may contribute to a decreased quality of life and productivity.

  • Adaptation of a Mindfulness based intervention to support Adherence to Antiretroviral Therapy among adolescents in Uganda

    Adaptation of a Mindfulness based intervention to support Adherence to Antiretroviral Therapy among adolescents in Uganda

    Abstract

    Adolescents represent a growing share of people living with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), yet they have lower engagement in care, poor adherence to medication and viral suppression (VS) compared to adults. We postulate that to achieve optimal adherence, interventions that are tailored to the dynamic social and cognitive needs of adolescents as they pass through life-stages need to be culturally adapted and promoted. Mindfulness and acceptance based interventions are slowly gaining traction as appropriate for adolescents.

  • Prevalence, clinical and immunological predictors of frailty among older adults with HIV in Kampala

    Prevalence, clinical and immunological predictors of frailty among older adults with HIV in Kampala

    Abstract

    People with HIV (PWH) in sub- Saharan Africa are living longer due to increased access to anti-retroviral therapy (ART). Nevertheless, there are high rates of age-related complications in adults with HIV partly due to persistent low-grade chronic inflammation. HIV is associated with premature onset of frailty, which occurs earlier and more frequently than in people without HIV. There is a paucity of published data on frailty in sub-Saharan Africa among persons with HIV, with studies reporting a wide range of prevalence estimates and few have focused on older adults.

  • Willingness and Feasibility of Using Injectable Antiretroviral Therapy among Women who Retained and Disengaged from Prevention of Mother to Child HIV Transmission Programs in Uganda

    Willingness and Feasibility of Using Injectable Antiretroviral Therapy among Women who Retained and Disengaged from Prevention of Mother to Child HIV Transmission Programs in Uganda

    Abstract

    One-third of women who initiate or continue antiretroviral treatment (ART) during pregnancy are lost to follow up with in six months [1, 2]. ART tablets and pill containers a potential for HIV status disclosure and stigma [1-4] which has stimulated interest in alternate modes of administration including long-acting injections [3, 5] Willingness to use injectable antiretroviral therapy (ART) among women in prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) programs in Uganda is unknown.

  • Changes in insulin kinetics in HIV infected patients diagnosed with dolutegravir associated diabetes in Uganda

    Changes in insulin kinetics in HIV infected patients diagnosed with dolutegravir associated diabetes in Uganda

    Abstract

    There has been improved survival of HIV patients globally and very importantly in sub-Saharan Africa where the HIV incidence and prevalence is notably high. This could be attributed to the scale up of anti-retroviral therapy (ART) programs and improved ART efficacy and tolerability over time. With aging and cumulative side effects of ART, the burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in people living with HIV (PLHIV) has been on the rise.

  • Impact Evaluation of a Primary Care Health System Strengthening Intervention on HIV and TB services in Kono and Kailahun Districts, Sierra Leone

    Impact Evaluation of a Primary Care Health System Strengthening Intervention on HIV and TB services in Kono and Kailahun Districts, Sierra Leone

    Abstract

    The overall objective of the parent study led by PIH is to evaluate the impact of a comprehensive primary care health systems strengthening intervention in Kono District, Sierra Leone. PIH’s evaluation compares 4 intervention with 7 non-intervention clinics in Kono District. The PIH intervention is a health-systems strengthening intervention that will horizontally integrate clinical and related services in a highly vertical donor-driven system; this includes infrastructure, mentorship, training, and supply chain management.

  • Effect of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) subtype C transactivator of transcription (Tat) P21A variant on nuclear levels of active positive transcription elongation factor b (P-TEFb) and viral latency

    Effect of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) subtype C transactivator of transcription (Tat) P21A variant on nuclear levels of active positive transcription elongation factor b (P-TEFb) and viral latency

    Abstract

    In human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1)-infected patients treated with combination antiretroviral therapy (cART), the persistence of latent viral reservoirs remains the major barrier to virus eradication1. The molecular mechanisms that govern HIV-1 latency at the transcriptional level are not well characterized, but a key player is the HIV-1 Transactivator of transcription (Tat) protein, which promotes viral gene transcription. The sequence of Tat can vary within and between viral subtypes2,3, and this has been shown to translate into differential Tat activity4,5.

  • Investigating into the social, health and economic vulnerabilities and resilience of children of women at high risk of HIV in Kampala

    Investigating into the social, health and economic vulnerabilities and resilience of children of women at high risk of HIV in Kampala

    Abstract

    In Uganda, children below 18 years of age have been estimated to be 55% of the Uganda population. Many women who engage in high risk sexual behaviour (WHR) for money and commodities are mothers and they have to manage childcare and their maternal identity at the same time as sex work. One of their most significant challenges is supporting their children emotionally, financially and developmentally. Children of WHR are seldom talked about in discussions around key populations, yet they are as equally affected as their mothers.

  • Evaluation of an African specific Donor Health Questionnaire for HIV screening in Cameroonian blood services

    Evaluation of an African specific Donor Health Questionnaire for HIV screening in Cameroonian blood services

    Abstract

    The high risk of transfusion-transmitted HIV infection is partially due to inadequate deferral of potential blood donors because of inappropriate risk behavior questionnaires. This is unfortunate because pre-donation medical screening is the least expensive and one of the most effective strategies for the blood-borne HIV infection in limited resources countries.