University of Pennsylvania and University of Botswana develop research careers of investigators 

The University of Botswana in collaboration with University of Pennsylvania held a two days course on Grant Writing and Research Training with emphasis on Cancer in HIV Subjects as well as building research capacity in Botswana through a strong emphasis on mentoring and education on September 11, 2018 at UB Library Auditorium.

The training brought together experienced investigators from UB and UPenn with expertise in mentoring, research methodology, viral oncology, cancer therapeutics, and behavioral studies with the overall objective to help junior faculty at UB develop research skills. Mentoring/Career Development Core (Core D) holds an annual course at UB to discuss recent issues in HIV and cancer in Botswana. Candidates interested in applying for pilot grant funding are mentored on how to write a pilot grant and how to design and implement a research study. The Core D led by University of Botswana Madison Department Head Dr Oathokwa Nkomazana and UPenn Medicine/Infectious Disease Professor Harvey Friedman. 

University of Botswana Head of the Department of Medicine Dr Oathokwa Nkomazana said UB, the Government of Botswana and UPenn have worked together for 13 years to build capacity in health care, education and research in Botswana. She further stated that the Core will build upon the strong ties between UB and UPenn to help develop the research careers of investigators at UB.

“Through this Core, we will introduce two novel programs at UB, including year-out options for medical students to participate in mentored research projects, and career mentoring for those UB trainees and faculty that are interested in biomedical research. We also offer pilot grant funding for two mentored research pilot projects annually at P125, 000 each that links a UB Faculty member with a scientific mentor from UB and UPenn,” said Dr Nkomazana

Biomedical research participants were trained on the following topics: Ethical Conduct of Research, Protection of Human Subjects, Manuscript and Grant Writing Skills, Research Methodology, Data Analysis, and Biostatistics. Other activities that unfolded during the event include review of research methodology for UB staff membered that has been offered the grant by UPenn to conduct the study on cancer in HIV Subjects in Botswana.

Highlighting the on the background of Cancer and HIV Botswana, UB Faculty of Medicine, Department of Family Medicine and Public Health Lecture Mr Billy Tsima said   Risk of cancer is not only seen in immunosuppressed HIV patients but also in organ transplant patient. He added that HIV may not necessarily be the direct cause of the cancers as it is not known to be oncogenic, however the virus is known to induce the production of various cytokines and growth factors, which can act as growth promoters.

He also said HIV immunosuppressed patients seem to have higher rates of virus-associated cancers (compared to general population). HIV immunosuppression reduces patient’s ability to fight other viruses including oncogenic virus and thus leading to cancers such as cervical cancer and liver cancer.