CONTRIBUTORS
Emily Abuonji
CDAE Fellow
Topistar Karani
Communications Officer
By Emily Abuonji, CDAE Fellow and Topistar Karani, Communications Officer, APHRC
The journey of a researcher is often shaped by curiosity, passion, and an unwavering commitment to solving public health challenges. For Emily, the decision to pursue a Master’s degree in Epidemiology and Biostatistics was driven by a deep interest in research methods, data analysis, and the role they play in shaping healthcare policies. Coming from a medical background and working in a research institution, she recognized the need to enhance her statistical and analytical skills to remain relevant in the ever-evolving landscape of public health.
Through the fellowship program, Emily gained an in-depth understanding of epidemiology and biostatistics that went beyond theory. Practical experiences in data collection, analysis, and interpretation enriched her knowledge, equipping her with skills essential for real-world applications. The program’s structure – joint seminars, financial support, and hands-on training – played an integral role in shaping her academic and professional growth.
Emily’s research project focused on adolescents living with HIV (ALHIV), investigating the impact of household and hospital-level support on antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence and viral suppression in Uasin Gishu County, Kenya. Her findings revealed that while adherence (76.4%) and viral suppression (85.6%) rates were relatively high, they still fell short of the ambitious 95% target set for 2030. This underscored the need to integrate both the household and institutional level support systems into care to improve health outcomes for adolescents on ART. Such insights are invaluable in shaping policies aimed at enhancing adherence strategies and empowering caregivers to support young individuals in their treatment journey.
Beyond conducting the research, Emily had the opportunity to present her findings at the Conference on Public Health in Africa (CPHIA) in Lusaka, Zambia. Her study was also published in the African Journal of Health Sciences, further cementing her contribution to the field. These achievements not only validated her efforts but also opened doors for future collaborations and discussions on improving ART adherence among adolescents.
The pursuit of advanced studies came with its fair share of challenges. Balancing work and academics was no easy feat, particularly with courses that required physical presence, such as biostatistics. prioritizing tasks and setting a structured schedule became the key to managing responsibilities effectively. Another hurdle was the long process of journal publication, which, at times, risked delaying research dissemination. Yet, perseverance and a structured approach allowed her to overcome these obstacles, ensuring that neither her studies nor her work suffered.
The fellowship experience was enriched by exposure to statistical tools such as Stata, Nvivo, and Excel, which were instrumental in data analysis and management. These tools provided a robust foundation in both quantitative and qualitative research, preparing her for future work in epidemiology. Looking ahead, Emily envisions a career that merges public health research and academia. In the short term, she aims to deepen her expertise in data analysis and public health research/ She also plans to pursue a PhD in Public Health to strengthen her skills and ability to contribute to academia by mentoring the next generation of researchers.
Reflecting on her experience in the CDAE program, Emily appreciates the program’s well-structured seminars, timely financial support, and the wealth of learning resources provided. However, she believes that extending the duration of joint seminars would further enhance knowledge-sharing and provide deeper insights into research methodologies.
Emily’s work is not just a milestone; it’s a launchpad. Armed with sharpened skills and crucial insights, she is poised to continue making waves in public health, directly impacting the lives of adolescents living with HIV and shaping future research in the field.