Six scholars part of the HIV Science Training Program for Underrepresented Investigators (HISTP) will be presenting in a Special Session at the The Society for the Scientific Study of Sexuality 2021 Annual Conference.
Addressing Disparities and Inequities in HIV in the U.S. and Globally through Innovative Technologies and Community-Driven Initiatives
The symposium will highlight the lessons learned from the groundbreaking epidemiologic, implementation, and community-engaged research led by scholars of color. Innovative mHealth collaborative partnerships will be featured, as well as novel methodological approaches to develop culturally-tailored HIV prevention and intervention strategies for communities disproportionately burdened by HIV.
The interventions developed by underrepresented scholars have addressed and incorporated social and structural determinants of HIV prevention and treatment, including structural racism and discrimination, stigma, medical mistrust, and anti-immigration rhetoric and policies. Addressing these social and structural determinants in underrepresented communities is critical in the quest to end the HIV epidemic.
Scholars will also highlight research initiatives and collaborative approaches responsive to the concurrent HIV and COVID-19 pandemics. Opportunities that respond at the intersection of HIV and COVID-19 prevention and treatment are urgently needed, including capacity building for community-based organizations engaged in serving communities that are directly impacted by systematic racism and other forms of oppression.
Of the event, HISTP consultant and symposium participant Dr. Omar Martinez shares, "I am thrilled that this symposium will highlight homegrown interventions and programs led by and developed by BIPOC scholars to address disparities and inequities in HIV prevention and care among key populations including immigrants, sexual and gender minorities and black and brown youth."
Presenters
Omar Martinez, JD, MPH, MS; Temple University’s School of Social Work
Aima Ahonkhai, MD, MPH; Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Keosha T. Bond, EdD, MPH, CHES; CUNY School of Medicine
Donaldson Conserve, PhD; George Washington University
Caroline Kingori, PhD, MPH; Ohio University
Peter Memiah, DrPH, MSc; University of Maryland School of Medicine
Co-authors of the abstract and presentation include the following researchers from nine universities across the country:
- Temple University’s School of Social Work: Omar Martinez, JD, MPH, MS
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center: Aima Ahonkhai, MD, MPH
- CUNY School of Medicine: Keosha T. Bond, EdD, MPH, CHES
- George Washington University: Donaldson Conserve, PhD
- Ohio University: Caroline Kingori, PhD, MPH
- University of Maryland School of Medicine: Peter Memiah, DrPH, MSc
- Trinity Washington University: Wairimu Mwangi, PhD, MBA
- University of Illinois at Urban-Champaign: Ryan Wade, PhD, MSW
- Columbia University: Nabila El-Bassel, PhD
- Columbia University: Elwin Wu, PhD, LMSW
