Employing institution: University of the Witwatersrand
Host institution: Institute of Global Health at University College London (UCL)
Project title:
Advancing an inter-professional model of care for adolescents living with perinatal HIV: An integrated approach in African healthcare
Dr Nicolette Comley-White is a senior lecturer in the Department of Physiotherapy at the University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa. She recently (2022) completed her PhD entitled “The physical sequelae of perinatally acquired HIV in adolescents” and her special interest lies is the late effects of perinatal HIV. During 2023 she was a fellow in the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative and Desmond Tutu Health Foundation (IAVIxDTHF) programme, which provided mentorship and guidance resulting in her successful application to AREF.
AREF Fellowship research project
An emerging area of health concern is adolescents living with perinatal HIV, a growing and
vulnerable population globally, but especially so in many African countries. Adolescents living with perinatal HIV often confront unique emotional, social, and healthcare-related issues, which can have a profound impact on their overall well-being. My research seeks to understand the extent of the physical sequelae that they face and the resultant challenges.
By gaining insights into these complex challenges, the ultimate impact of my research on health in Africa lies in the potential to enhance the quality of life and long-term health outcomes for adolescents living with perinatal HIV, improving the health and prospects of a generation living with, and ageing into adulthood with, the virus.
Dr Comley-White’s placement will take place at the Institute of Global Health at University College London (UCL), under the mentorship of Prof Shahmanesh, a NIHR Professor of Global Health and clinical director on the executive committee of the Africa Health Research Institute. Prof Sher, a clinical psychologist and prominent HIV researcher at UCL, will provide additional mentorship; both developing Dr Comley-White in her inter-professional experience in HIV research, grant-writing, and project leadership. Returning home to South Africa, she will bring her improved skill set, collaborative opportunities and research experiences back into her current workplace and country.
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“AREF is launching my career as an HIV researcher: the exposure, experience and mentorship provided by the fellowship present great opportunities for professional growth and for expansion of HIV healthcare in Africa.”
Dr Nicolette expects to start her fellowship in December 2024