Learning from Women in Sub-Saharan Africa: The MATRIX Journey to Integrating End-User Insights Early in the HIV Prevention Product Development Process
Chelsea Solmo
Health Science Specialist, Research Division, Office of HIV/AIDS, Global Health Bureau, USAID
Presentation overview:
In this presentation, we explore the MATRIX Research and Development Project, a $125 million, five-year initiative funded by USAID emphasizing the integration of socio-behavioral research by collecting end-user and stakeholder inputs to inform the design and development of new biomedical prevention products for Sub-Saharan African women. In this talk, Chelsea will share key activities that focus on collecting end-user design inputs, socio-behavioral research in clinical trials, and stakeholder engagement, with insights into product preferences and user acceptability. This participatory approach incorporates end-user and stakeholder perspectives and preferences at the earliest stage of research and development to tailor product development towards the needs of the community, ultimately advancing acceptable and scaleable HIV prevention solutions for women in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Speaker bio:
Chelsea Solmo is a health professional with over a decade of expertise conducting health surveys and clinical trials in Africa. Currently serving as a Health Science Specialist at USAID, she plays a vital role in guiding the development of innovative biomedical HIV prevention technologies. Her work with USAID spans multiple countries in sub-Saharan Africa with most of her work in Kenya, Zimbabwe and South Africa ensuring alignment with PEPFAR priorities and the effective dissemination of evidence-based HIV prevention interventions. With a background in epidemiology and a track record of success in program management and research, Chelsea is dedicated to advancing public health and improving healthcare access for women and girls in the fight against HIV.