Fellowship Site: Kenya

The University of Washington International AIDS Research and Training Program (AITRP) has hosted 60 Kenyan investigators for advanced training in HIV/AIDS research since 1988 and the majority of trainees have returned to Kenya to continue in-country HIV/AIDS research. Training options include degree programs (MPH, MS, PhD) as well as medium and short-term training in epidemiology, biomedical ethics, biostatistics, and basic science disciplines.

The University of Nairobi works with the following teaching clinics of special interest:

• The Pediatrics Child Health Program - a clinic located in Nairobi's Kibera slum that addresses the primary care and immunization needs of children in this under-served area.
• The High Risk Adolescent Clinic - located in Kenyatta National Hospital, this clinic provided reproductive health care for adolescent girls.
• The Comprehensive Care Clinic - an adult HIV Clinic located in Kenyatta National Hospital that manages patients with HIV infection and AIDS
• Mathare North City Council Clinic - offers maternal child health services, maternity and outpatient clinic services.
• The couple counseling center in Kenyatta National Hospital - provides psycho social support to HIV discordant couples and links them to clinical care.
• Coptic Hospital Hope Clinic - offers comprehensive HIV AIDS Care.

The NIH-funded clinical research includes the following projects:

1. Grant Number: 5R01HD023412-17 Project Title: Optimizing pediatric HIV-1 therapy
2. Grant Number: 1K24HD054314-01 Project Title: Pediatric HIV-1 in Africa: Pathogenesis and Management
3. Grant Number: 5R01AI058698-03 Project Title: Antiretroviral Therapy and HIV-1 Infectivity in Women
4. Grant Number: 1R01AI068431-01A1 Project Title: Protective cellular immune responses in HIV-1 discordant couples
5. Grant Number: 5K23AI065222-02 Project Title: HAART Adherence Interventions in Africa: an RCT
6. Grant Number: 5K23AI069990-02 Project Title: Genital HIV-1 Shedding among Women Starting Second-Line Antiretroviral Therapy

More Project Details from the NIH/CRISP database

Housing Availability:
The Kenya program has two bedroom apartments available and while this housing is not specifically designated for students it is used by University of Washington affiliated researchers and trainees, many of whom are students. The apartments are less than ½ mile walk to the training site. In addition to walking, students may travel by project vehicle. The approximate cost for room and board is $1,000/month.

Immunizations Needed for this Site:
See the U.S. Centers for Disease Control Web site and The Yellow Book: Health Information for International Travel

The NIH/FICRS program mandates that all Scholars see a physician prior to their assignment abroad (hepatitis A, hepatitis B, yellow fever, typhoid).

Safety and Danger Issues:
See the U.S. State Department Web site for information.

Language Requirements Other than English:
None. Kiswahili would be useful and it is possible to have a private tutor or to take classes locally.

What is it like to live in Kenya?
The fellowship is based in Nairobi, which is a large metropolitan center. The altitude is approximately 3,000 feet and temperatures are moderate year-round.