1018- Senegal- PLHIV Stigma Index - Senegal

The overarching goal of the project is to implement the PLHIV Stigma Index 2.0 in countries all around the world. This position will primarily support implementations of the Stigma Index 2.0 across selected countries and will support comparisons across settings and time as well as support the assessment of the historical, present, and future impact of stigma mitigation interventions for people living with HIV (PLHIV). Stigma and discrimination faced by PLHIV are reported to diminish their ability to effectively engage in HIV prevention and treatment services. The proposed project is embedded in the PLHIV Stigma Index 2.0 project led by the Global Network of People Living with HIV (GNP+) in collaboration with the International Community of Women Living with HIV/AIDS (ICW) and the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), and will use intersectionality to investigate the barriers of accessing HIV related healthcare services in individual West African countries.
This study examines the intersectionality of key populations such as gay/bi/other men who have sex with men, transgender people, people who use drugs, people who exchange sex for remuneration, and people who are incarcerated, and how this impacts their ability to seek HIV treatment and care services. These populations have disproportionately higher rates of HIV due in part to their fear of accessing HIV services. Being identified as a key population prompts prejudicial and discriminating attitudes and behaviors such as exclusion from social groups and family, physical violence, and incarceration. The goal is to identify the causes and extent of these manifestations of stigma and discrimination in care services and the community in order to mitigate its effect on HIV treatment and prevention interventions.

The student will work collaboratively with JHSPH faculty and team members based in Baltimore as well as Enda Santé, the primary in-country collaborating organization, to ensure the successful conduct of the research project. The position will be based in Dakar, Senegal, with the potential for travel within Senegal or West Africa.
They will have the opportunity to engage with work aiming to understand stigma and discrimination among PLHIV and key populations living with HIV. The PLHIV Stigma Index was developed to be used by and for people living with HIV, thus empowering PLHIV networks to lead the full implementation of the PLHIV Stigma Index study. The main activities will consist in providing technical support to the Stigma index International Partnership and local implementers for a successful implementation of the project. Activities include supporting the development of research protocols and study reports, conducting data management, leading data analysis, and developing guidance for study implementation. Additionally, the student will have an opportunity to observe and engage in additional public health programs and interventions led by ENDA Santé, targeting the specific health needs of vulnerable populations in a middle-low-income country.
This project offers an intersection of professional and academic opportunities in driving evidence-based public health programming in a low-income country. Working in the field with local counterparts allows the applicant to observe current surveillance methods, what is efficient and effective, and critically analyze how they would design future projects. The ability to apply academic theory that the applicant is learning in epidemiology and biostatistics classes, to the practical application of developing evidence-based projects from epidemiological data will be an invaluable experience to the student.

The professional work environment at the site is positive and fosters productivity across team members, study and program staff. The workplace operates in a mature, respectful manner and collaboration and team work occurs across the study and program staff at ENDA Santé. The research team – both at ENDA Santé and here at Johns Hopkins – is supportive, unified, and communicative.

This placement would be a good fit for someone who is motivated, enjoys working as part of a team in a multicultural environment, and can take the lead on projects. Regular mentoring and supervision will be provided in perso and/or remotely by JHU faculty and team, however it will be the responsibility of the student to use the ideas and advice provided by the investigative team to move aspects of the project along, requesting additional support along the way when needed.

Epidemiology and biostats (620 series or above preferred); courses in design of community trials and/or cluster randomized trials and implementation science a plus, but not required.

Experience working with marginalized populations and on sensitive topics preferred.
A minimum of 20 weeks is required unless COVID-19 related travel restrictions prohibit this duration, although students who wish to stay longer are encouraged to do so and expenses will be covered to support this. Students who continue to work with the project for longer than 20 weeks will likely have more of an opportunity to assist with data analysis and manuscript development.

Name: Gnilane Turpin, Department of Epidemiology, gturpin@jhu.edu

I would describe my communication and mentorship styles as... 

I am very responsive, flexible, and open to all forms of communication including email, phone, and in-person. Our research team work closely with our in country partners, ensuring all our members are supported and are able to fully engage in this work in a productive and meaningful way. We work as a unified team and provide support and mentorship across multiple levels.

A complementary student would have a working style and mentorship expectations that are..

A complementary student will be interested in the work, hardworking, and able to work independently and collaboratively in a multicultural environment. We are looking for students that are excited about the work, willing to learn, and interested in integrating within the Global Network of People Living with HIV, as well as with ENDA Santé.

The monthly stipend is sufficient to cover housing, food and use of public transport if able to safely travel due to COVID-19. Students wishing to travel internally for personal reasons may incur out of pocket expenses.

We will work with the student to develop a budget to cover monthly expenses including housing, transportation, groceries, and other basic living expenses. Any living expenses not covered by the GHEFP grant will be covered by the project. Flights to and from Senegal will be covered by the project.