ResearchProjects

There is an urgent need for effective and sustainable HIV prevention and care approaches for the unprecedented numbers of perinatally HIV-infected (PHIV+) youth in South Africa (These are young people who were infected at birth). This study will increase our understanding of behavioral and health risk in these youth and examine the impact of a family/household-level intervention, called the VUKA Family Program (VUKA), to promote their overall health and mental health, and to reduce behavioral risk.  VUKA is a cartoon-based intervention that was developed with South Africa investigators, graphic artists, medical staff, adult caregivers and HIV+ adolescents. Understanding the impact of HIV on PHIV+ youth and their families, and creating interventions tailored to their needs will help to improve their health outcomes.

Dr. Mary McKay is currently affiliated with Washington University in St. Louis. Questions regarding this project may be sent to Dr. McKay.