Grant: Doctoral Award - Frederick Banting and Charles Best Canada Graduate Scholarships

The protracted conflict in Northern Uganda has lasted over twenty years, it has affected the whole population and its impact has been cross-generational. In August 2006, the signing of the landmark Cessation of Hostilities Agreement took place. Although the search for durable solutions is ongoing, several hundred thousand Internally Displaced Peoples have started to return to their home villages. Accordingly, the Government of Uganda is reinstating plans for resettlement as relative peace prevails. While NGOs have consistently reported grave concern that HIV/AIDS may be devastating the region, epidemiological data describing the legacy of the conflict is scarce. Without this data it is difficult for donor agencies and NGOs to prioritize effective responses. Given the identified gap in evidence and the potential for rapid progression of HIV infection post conflict, it is vital that a deliberate approach to evidence-based research and program design be developed as the previously encamped resettle. The purpose of the proposed research is to examine HIV vulnerabilities of young people surviving displacement and abduction in Northern Uganda in order to make evidence-based recommendations on prevention and treatment policy as people move home. This proposed research aims to combine quantitative and qualitative methodologies. Quantitative data will be collected through a cross-sectional demographic and behavioral survey, which will be administered to an estimated cohort of 600 participants with a follow-up at six months. Qualitative data will be collected through in-depth interviews and life history interviews with former abductees. Biological specimens for HIV and selected STIs will be collected from participants who are willing to provide samples. Study findings will provide evidence for regional and municipal planners in post peace accord transition, which will be crucial in guiding the delivery of effective HIV prevention and treatment models in the post-conflict era.