Research Methodologies for HIV/AIDS

Research Methodologies for HIV/AIDS 

I. CERTIFICATE PROGRAM IN RESEARCH METHODOLOGY APPLIED TO HIV/AIDS (STRATEGIC INFORMATION IN SUPPORT OF IMPROVED HIV/AIDS PROGRAMMING) 

Program academic supervisor: Dr Laura Haas 

1. Objectives: 

• Build strategic information capacity in relation with HIV/AIDS prevention, care, and treatment programming in the health sciences sector.
• Develop a research cadre to provide direct support to MOH implementing agencies through rapid, applied research of HIV/AIDS prevention, care, and treatment programs.
• Strengthen the ability of educators in the health sciences to more effectively disseminate their skills and competencies to the large body of health personnel in Rwanda through pre-service training and continuing education.
• The ultimate goal is to link research expertise from Rwanda’s institutions of higher learning in the education sector with actual MOH (Ministry of Health) program planners and implementers to provide timely feedback on best practices and lessons learned and improve delivery of HIV/AIDS prevention, care, and treatment programs.

2. Target group and entry profile 

The target audience of this training program consists of select NUR (National University of Rwanda) faculty, ideally those who have prior pedagogic and/or research experience in HIV/AIDS and educators in the health sciences from institutions of higher learning such as KHI (Kigali Health Institute), KIE (Kigali Institute of Education), and KIST (Kigali Institute of Science and Technology), UNILAK (Université Laïque Adventiste de Kigali), and ULK (Université Libre de Kigali). 

3. General organization 

The Certificate Training Program offers a flexible, executive format through intensive, short courses or through evening and weekend sessions. The entire program will be completed within a five-month period inclusive of classroom and field components. The program heavily emphasizes the use of information technology and students are required to have basic computing skills prior to entering the program. A cohort of thirty students will be selected from candidates among faculty members of institutions of higher learning identified above to encourage collaboration and team-building across sectors and among entities of higher education.  

Graduate level credit from either the SPH/NUR or Tulane University will be awarded upon successful completion of both the course modules and the applied research field component. 

4. Course Program 

The Certificate Training Program comprises four courses and a field component totalling nine credit hours at the graduate level. The field component allows students to immediately demonstrate their acquired competencies through the conduct of an applied research study. 

Table: Certificate Program Modules