Building Research Capacity at Kairuki University to Study Oropharyngeal Complications Among HIV-Infected patients in Tanzania with the Goal of Improving Quality of Services and Quantity of Life

Hubert Kairuki Memorial University, Dar Es Salaam

Investigators

Abstract

Project Abstract This D71 Planning Application for Research Training will address gaps in knowledge of the pathogenesis of HIV infection, HPV infection and associated clinical conditions in the oropharynx and dental health among persons with HIV (PWH) in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. To date, research in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) on these topics is in its relative nascency, despite the common occurrence of oropharyngeal and dental complications. In the preparation of this D71 application, we performed a scoping literature review and found no publications on the intersection of oral health, HPV and HIV in Tanzania. Among the partnering Institutions, Kairuki University (KU) will lead and support consultants from the Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS), the Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College (KCMU Co) and Duke University (Duke), the planning process will address current gaps and expected scientific opportunities, prioritizing these opportunities according to in-country needs, identifying appropriate trainings to provide the needed research skills, and lead to the design of a D43 research training program which will provide trainees with the research knowledge and skills to fill the gaps. We will engage and leverage the HIV clinical science expertise of KU, access to a large population of PWH and oropharyngeal and dental expertise of the MUHAS School of Dentistry, and the scientific, clinical and training expertise of Duke, MUHAS, and KCMUCo to create a portfolio of multidisciplinary training opportunities, resulting in a highly competitive D43 application in 2025/2026. The D43 application will ultimately enable KU to assemble an interdisciplinary expert research team to perform state-of-the-art studies on HIV and its oropharyngeal and dental manifestations.