Dr. Harriet Nuwagaba-Biribonwoha, an HPTN 084 and HPTN 104 study team member, is an assistant professor of Epidemiology at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, research director at ICAP in Eswatini, and CRS leader at the Eswatini Prevention Center Clinical Research Site (CRS). She oversees clinical research, program evaluations, implementation science, surveys, surveillance activities, training, mentorship, and research and surveillance health systems strengthening activities. As a local principal investigator, Dr. Nuwagaba-Biribonwoha has led several vital studies in HIV prevention with oral and injectable PrEP, COVID-19, and HPV vaccination among people living with HIV, and management of sexually transmitted infections.
What attracted you to a career in HIV prevention research?
I became a medical doctor before safe and effective HIV antiretroviral therapy was available. Being a clinician at this time was essentially a front-row seat to the devastation caused by this virus, and this piqued my interest in what could be done to prevent it. I readily joined professional groups working on the prevention of mother-to-child HIV transmission, conducted doctoral research on the same topic, and have been blessed with opportunities to continue this work through the HPTN.
What aspect of your role do you enjoy the most?
Engaging with people. It is always a pleasure to engage with our participants and their children. The sight of a carefree HIV-negative child enjoying our CRS play area while the mother accesses HIV prevention services is a joyful yet humble reminder of how far we have come in combating HIV. I also enjoy engaging with the research team at our CRS and within the network; there is so much to teach and learn in this field, and they cheerfully make the work go by.
What has been the biggest challenge working in HIV prevention research?
When we fail to prevent HIV. One of my most challenging moments is having to sit with a young person as they are informed of a new HIV diagnosis and as they navigate what that means for them. This can be a devastating process, but thanks to the work of many researchers, advocates, sponsors, and governments globally, there are readily available antiretroviral treatment options that allow people living with HIV to live out their lives fully and healthily.
Who has been the most significant influence in your career? Why?
I recall when a young girl wasn’t encouraged to pursue an education or career in science. I am incredibly motivated by women in science, especially having seen my mother break barriers in this area. Being surrounded by family that encourages and supports my aspirations is invaluable. I derive daily inspiration from working with some of the most remarkable women in the HIV field, such as Dr. Wafaa El Sadr, Dr. Jessica Justman, and Dr. Elaine Abrams.
What advice do you have for new HPTN members?
Make the best of the people, opportunities, and networks within the HPTN. The HPTN is a treasure trove of individuals with extensive knowledge and diverse experience, and they are always ready to share that and mentor others. The Network has decades of experience engaging with various populations across many countries, using multiple study designs, and evaluating diverse interventions. So, this is a golden opportunity for you to ask questions, learn from the best, and contribute your ideas, innovations, and solutions to ending the HIV epidemic.
What is your guilty pleasure?
Long walks with family members, both in person and virtually, are the most common way I unplug from work, and I value this uninterrupted extended engagement time. It is a great way to get some fresh air and easy exercise, and if I happen to catch a sunrise or sunset like this one, that is icing on the cake!