Dr. Stephen Moses

Chair

Dr. Stephen Moses is a physician and scientist who has made major contributions globally to understanding biological and behavioral risk factors for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), particularly HIV infection, and translating research findings into practice. He is currently a Professor in the Departments of Community Health Sciences and Medical Microbiology and Medicine at the University of Manitoba.

Dr. James Blanchard

Member

Dr. James Blanchard is an epidemiologist and public health specialist focusing on global health specifically how the characteristics of individuals, communities, and large populations contribute to the local and global distribution of communicable and non-communicable diseases. He is currently the director of the Institute of Global Public Health at the University of Manitoba. He has also provided leadership to the design and implementation of large public health programs related to HIV/AIDS and maternal, neonatal, and child health in India, other Asian and African countries.

Wanjiru Angela Nduati

Member

Wanjiru Angela Nduati is a qualified Advocate of the High Court of Kenya. She holds a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) Honours degree from the University of Leicester, UK, and has advanced certifications in trust creation law, company law, and trustee investment law. Wanjiru’s career includes pivotal roles in both legal practice and corporate governance. She is the Co-founder and managing partner of Havelock, Nduati & Company Advocates, she specializes in trusts, estate planning, and property structuring. With over two decades of experience, she held pivotal roles including Head of Governance & Control at Barclays Consumer Banking and Group Company Secretary & Legal Counsel at Barclays Bank of Kenya. Wanjiru is highly regarded for her expertise in legal practice and corporate governance, playing a pivotal role in shaping legal and financial strategies for individuals and institutions.

Dr. Nelly Mugo

Treasurer

Dr. Nelly Mugo is a reproductive health specialist and has led qualitative and quantitative studies of ART for HIV prevention, cervical intraepithelial lesions, PrEP, fertility intention, and contraceptives in collaboration with scientists from Kenya, Uganda, and the USA. She is currently a Senior Principal Clinical Research Scientist at the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) and Associate Professor at the University of Washington.

Dr. Keith Fowke

Member

Dr. Keith Fowke’s work has focused on studying HIV persistence and developing strategies towards a functional HIV cure. He has a particular interest in training young investigators and has led training programs in global health across multiple countries. He is currently the head of the Department of Medical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases and professor in the Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Manitoba.

Dr Fredrick Odhiambo Otieno

Member

Dr. Fredrick Odhiambo Otieno is a distinguished epidemiologist with over 20 years of experience in clinical, administrative, implementation, and research in Kenya. His expertise covers HIV/AIDS, STIs, infectious diseases, adolescent health, LGBTI health, and reproductive health. Dr. Otieno is a leader in project management, strategy development, and research, collaborating closely with national governments, NGOs, and donors across the region, including Partners for Health and Development in Africa (PHDA) on projects such as the Tatu Pamoja Study, URCHOICE and the Solidarity Vaccine Trial. Dr. Otieno is a dedicated public health leader, renowned for his expertise and contributions to health in Kenya and beyond. 

Dr. Marrianne Mureithi

Secretary

Dr. Marrianne Mureithi is a microbiologist by training and has been involved in research related to HIV cure and remission. She is part of a dynamic international scientific team in the Vaccine Immunology Science and Technology for Africa (VISTA) programme which is under IAVI. She is involved in designing and assessing the next generation of AIDS vaccine immune – candidates and making a unique contribution to the broader field of HIV vaccine and cure research. She is the Ag. Chair, Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, University of Nairobi.

Mr. Peter Mwaura

CEO

Mr. Peter Mwaura has 20 years of senior leadership experience in both the private and non-profit sectors. He has held roles such as Associate Director at Evidence Action, Head of Operations at Technoserve Tanzania, and senior management positions at Africa Now (now Self Help Africa) and Innovations for Poverty Action. His expertise spans corporate management, strategic management, management of grants, finance, and operations. He holds an MBA in Strategic Management from the United States International University-Africa (USIU-A), a postgraduate diploma in Human Resources Management, is a Certified Public Secretary (CS), and a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). Currently, he is the Chief Executive Officer at Partners for Health and Development in Africa (PHDA), supporting the board on corporate governance.

Doris Kuzma

Member

Doris Kuzma is a seasoned Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) with over 25 years of experience in financial management, administration, and project leadership. She has played a pivotal role in the strategic and financial oversight of major international projects, collaborating with universities, governments, NGOs, and global institutions. As the Director of Administration and Finance at the Institute for Global Public Health, University of Manitoba, Doris has overseen complex multi-location projects across Asia, Africa, and Europe. Her expertise spans financial reporting, strategic planning, contract negotiations, and budget management. In her extensive career, Doris has been instrumental in driving financial strategies, improving administrative systems, and ensuring compliance with international funding agencies. Doris is recognized for her leadership in financial governance, her ability to navigate complex financial landscapes, and her commitment to advancing public health through sound financial management.

Assessing Outcomes in HIV Prevention and treatment Programmes with Key Populations, in Nairobi, Kenya: enhanced Polling Booth Survey (ePBS)

The study aims to assess the HIV prevention outcomes in programmes with female sex workers (FSW) and men who have sex with men (MSM) in Nairobi, Kenya. The study will use polling booth method, a novel data collection tool used to collect behavioral data. It is a group interview method in which individuals provide responses through a ballot box in an unlinked and anonymous way. The sample size for the quantitative survey is 680 FSW and 379 MSM. Sampling procedure will use a two-stage i) random selection of participants ii) HIV rapid tests will be conducted for all consenting participants; urine rapid tests will be conducted for all those who report to be on PrEP to test for tenofovir and blood samples will be collected from all those who are positive to test for HIV recency and viral suppression.

Objectives

  • To estimate the incidence and prevalence of HIV among key populations (female sex workers and men who have sex with men) in Nairobi, Kenya
  • To assess biomedical (condom use, PrEP uptake, 95-95-95 cascade), behavioural (knowledge and risk behaviours) and structural outcomes (experience of violence, stigma and discrimination) of the KP programme in Nairobi, Kenya
  • To assess access and use of comprehensive package of HIV prevention and treatment services among key populations in Nairobi, Kenya
  • To understand the barriers contributing to gaps in access and utilization of services among key populations

Project Initiated 2023

The study was initiated in March 2023.

The study population includes two key population groups: female sex workers and men who have sex with men and will take place in 4 groups where a sample size of each group will be divided by an average of 10-12 respondents per Polling Booth Surveys (PBS) to arrive at the number of PBS to be conducted. The study will be using the list of locations and the population size estimation of mapping conducted in the year 2018 and a will take place in 17 sub-counties in Nairobi county.

Funders

This study is funded by Bill and Melinda Gate Foundation (BMGF)