The Latest News from VIGH

Aima Ahonkhai receives grant to improve HIV care in Tennessee

The Office of Minority Health announced phase one winners of The HIV Challenge, a national competition seeking innovative approaches to reduce HIV-related stigma and increase prevention and treatment among minority communities. The HIV Challenge provides an opportunity for individuals and organizations to develop novel, innovative approaches for implementat

Capacity Building Activities and New Curriculum Strengthen Medical Education in Liberia

After decades of civil unrest and the Ebola epidemic, Liberia's fragile health system is being strengthened through U.S.-Liberia partnerships focused on medical education and capacity building at the country's only medical school, A.M. Dogliotti (AMD) School of Medicine in the College of Health Sciences at the University of Liberia (ULCHS).

VIGH researchers to develop an interactive game to improve mental health among youth living with HIV in Nigeria 

Young people living with HIV (Y-PLWH) have poor adherence to antiretroviral therapy and engagement in HIV care, making HIV the leading cause of death for African adolescents. Depression and psychological distress are much more common among Y-PLWH than in the general population, and are associated with significantly worse adherence to care and treatment when compared to Y-PLWH without these co-morbid conditions. Thus, untreated depression and severe psychological distress are important contributors to poor HIV outcomes in this population.

New grant supports child neurology and epilepsy researchers in Nigeria

Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH) and Bayero University Kano (BUK) in Kano, Nigeria, and Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health (VIGH) have a long history of successful NIH-funded collaborations in childhood brain disorders. These three institutions are partnering on a new $1.2 million, five-year training program funded by the Fogarty International Center at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) under Fogarty’s Chronic, Non-Communicable Diseases and Disorders Across the Lifespan Training Program.

NIH support bolsters research on persistent microalbuminuria in Nigeria

The Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health (VIGH) and Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH) in Kano, Nigeria have received a federal grant to study the factors associated with microalbuminuria among participants in an ongoing clinical trial of genetically at-risk HIV-positive adult Nigerians. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) grant will provide $2.2 million over the next four years.

VIGH to partner with Yale University and University of Liberia on New Research and Teaching Center in Liberia

The Vanderbilt Institute of Global Health (VIGH) will join Yale University and the University of Liberia College of Health Sciences (ULCHS) to establish a public-private-academic hub for research utilization in the Liberian health sector and an academic network to strengthen Liberia’s education and health sectors as part of a five-year, $15 million federal project announced this week.

NIH Training Grant Enhances PhD and Postdoctoral Training Programs at the University of Zambia

In continuing longstanding training collaborations between the University of Zambia School of Medicine/University Teaching Hospital (UNZA/UTH) and the Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health (VIGH), UNZA/UTH is partnering with VIGH on a renewal of a five-year research training grant from the Fogarty International Center of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to strengthen H

The Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health Student Advisory Council Host Virtual Competition and Symposium

The Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health Student Advisory Council (SAC) is a student-led organization that brings together diverse students interested in global health with the goal of fostering cross-disciplinary student networking and collaboration. Although networking and collaboration often occur in person, this year, council leaders pivoted two key events to be held online. They welcomed a record attendance of Vanderbilt students, staff, faculty, and community members engaged in global health.

Vanderbilt Researchers Receive Award to Establish Research Ethics Education Program in Liberia

In collaboration with the University of Liberia College of Health Sciences (ULCHS), the Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health (VIGH) will develop a one-year research ethics education program for members of four institutional review boards (IRBs) in Monrovia, Liberia.

Mentor Training Program in Zambia Continues to Strengthen Mentorship Among University Faculty

In academia, mentors can provide valuable support and guidance to students in their professional and personal development. However, often mentors do not receive training in theories and practical strategies that could improve their mentorship. Faculty leaders at the University of Zambia (UNZA) are changing this trend to offer training in mentorship theory and effective techniques for faculty in masters and doctoral programs.

Developing Academic Leadership: A Faculty Professional Development Program in Zambia

Current and future faculty leaders at the University of Zambia (UNZA) and Mulungushi University are benefitting from a training program that promotes effective leadership and management in education and healthcare by guiding trainees to strengthen their competencies in effectively leading teams. The Strengthening Health Professional Workforce Education Programs for Improved Quality Health Care in Zambia (SHEPIZ) Leadership and Management Program was developed by faculty and students from UNZA, Mulungushi University, and the Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health (VIGH). Drs.

Training the Trainers in Ethiopia

Effective teaching, mentorship, and leadership skills are essential for faculty success in academic medicine, but these skills are rarely taught in medical school and residency training programs, particularly in low-resource settings. To address this gap among anesthesia educators in Ethiopia, a 13-week course was developed and piloted in a virtual platform from September 2020-January 2021.

NIH Training Grant Enhances Research Administration in Nigeria

In continuing, longstanding research collaborations between the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH) and Bayero University Kano (BUK) in Kano, Nigeria, and the Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health (VIGH), the three institutions are partnering on a new Infrastructure Development Training Program from the Fogarty International Center of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The project will strengthen infrastructure capacity in research administration and research ethics in Nigeria.