In the 1980s and 1990s, the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) epidemic caused global concern. The disease was not well understood, and there were no treatments available at this time. Growing up in Tanzania, I witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of HIV on my community. Friends, relatives, and neighbours — people I knew and loved—were lost to the disease. These experiences shaped my path long before I knew I would become a researcher.
This personal connection led me to pursue medicine, and later, to specialise in HIV research. During my clinical internship, I encountered the harsh realities of HIV in Tanzania. It was then that I realised I wanted to do more than treat patients—I wanted to contribute to long-term solutions.
Tackling HIV drug resistance with innovation
While antiretroviral therapy (ART) has significantly reduced HIV-related deaths, drug resistance has emerged as a challenge. This is especially concerning in Sub-Saharan Africa, where 70% of the global HIV population resides, and where resources for monitoring resistance are limited.
My current research project aims to address this gap. By using existing viral load data and next-generation sequencing, I hope to develop a cost-effective method for detecting HIV drug resistance mutations. This method is expected to be efficient and contribute towards increased testing coverage in Tanzania.
Building bridges for healthier futures
The Africa Oxford Initiative (AfOx) Visiting Fellowship has been instrumental in advancing this work. At the University of Oxford, I’ve had access to cutting-edge laboratory facilities at the Centre for Immuno-Oncology, as well as opportunities to engage with leading scientists in HIV research.
I’ve been able to connect and network with renowned scientists in Oxford through seminars and conferences. I have presented my project to researchers at the Nuffield Department of Medicine and received valuable feedback.
One of the most exciting outcomes has been my collaboration with Professor Sarah Rowland-Jones, a leading HIV immunologist. Together, we’ve developed a research proposal on the drivers of HIV drug resistance, which we plan to submit for funding.
Looking ahead
My goal is to strengthen HIV drug resistance surveillance in Tanzania and across the region. By improving our understanding of resistance patterns, we can inform national treatment guidelines and ultimately improve outcomes for people living with HIV. This work contributes to AfOx’s broader theme of Healthy People—ensuring that communities across Africa have access to effective, evidence-based healthcare solutions.
Dr Doreen Kamori from Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, was an AfOx fellow based at the Nuffield Department of Medicine and was affiliated with Christ Church College at the University of Oxford.