Meet Pearson Mmodzi
Pearson Mmodzi is a member of the HPTN 084 Community Working Group and the HPTN 112 protocol team. He works as a community activities coordinator at the UNC Project Lilongwe in Malawi. With 19 years of experience in community engagement, he also serves on the steering committee of the HPTN Community Working Group and co-chairs the Community Partners (CP) within the HIV/AIDS Network Coordination (HANC) group.
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Q: What attracted you to a career in HIV prevention research?
A: Growing up in Malawi, I witnessed firsthand the profound impact of HIV on our society. For many, this may have seemed like just a story or narration from those personally affected by the epidemic. However, I lived in communities severely impacted by the pandemic; HIV was a constant presence in our homes and neighborhoods, leading to a general sense of hopelessness. Coffin-making workshops thrived around us, attending funerals became a common part of life, and the sounds of grief were ever-present.
Q: What aspect of your role do you enjoy the most?
A: I enjoy working with communities and breaking down complex scientific concepts into protocols to help diverse audiences better understand them. It energizes and motivates me to see people's perspectives shift towards complicated ideas. When I hear individuals or groups say, “Oh, now I get it,” it reinforces the importance of my role. I am driven by the challenge of simplifying intricate concepts for the community, tailoring my presentations to enhance understanding, and ensuring they are equipped to make informed decisions about participating in studies. I love collaborating with global communities and sharing insights with peers on how to effectively engage our communities.
Q: What would you say most motivates you to do what you do?
A: The realization that we can perform at such high standards and compete with international sites inspires me to keep doing what we are doing. Participating in numerous HPTN studies and consistently meeting our accrual and retention targets fills me with pride and motivates me to continue our efforts.
Q: What has surprised you most about working in HIV prevention research?
A: I am continually amazed by how community perspectives are sought and integrated into the decisions made regarding our HPTN protocols. When I first began working on HPTN studies, I believed that the community would have little influence on how we implemented the studies at the site or even at the network level. I was surprised to discover the extent of community engagement and how much their insights have shaped the implementation of our studies. I am grateful to the leadership at both the site and network levels for their openness to my ideas and for providing the support needed to think creatively about designing and implementing our engagement activities.
Q: What inspires you?
A: I am inspired by the positive outcomes that have emerged from the studies conducted by the network. Witnessing the improvement in community research literacy has been truly motivating. When I first started working in the community department, I often attended stakeholders' meetings. During discussions about research, I noticed that many people seemed disinterested. Most community members believed that research was aimed at using them as guinea pigs. However, over time, literacy has improved, and people now view research as a valuable tool for identifying better methods and products to combat diseases. The fact that products undergo research phases and ultimately become standard practices has helped communities appreciate the important role that research plays. Having participated in several HPTN research studies, I am driven to continue working on innovative research that has a global health impact.
Q: What advice do you have for new HPTN members?
A: Your contribution to HPTN research is significant. Together, we are conducting impactful research to create positive changes in the lives of others. View challenges as chances to learn and develop within the HPTN community.