Research Highlights
Dr. A. Oveta Fuller Earns Fulbright Scholar Award Medical School microbiologist Professor A. Oveta Fuller was one of approximately 1,100 US faculty and professionals who received a Fulbright US Scholar Award to pursue international studies in 2012 and 2013. Dr. Fuller’s research focuses on the Copperbelt region of Zambia, where she and colleagues have been working with networks of religious leaders for several years to address HIV/AIDS in their communities. Dr. Fuller, a former pastor who has long focused on outreach for science-based understanding of HIV and AIDS, has spent her scientific career examining viruses like herpes simplex virus and HIV/AIDS under a microscope. The perspectives she brings to her research—from the laboratory, the ministry, and the community arenas—provide a balanced approach in assessing how biological insights can transform what religious leaders and their communities do to address HIV/AIDS. In an effort to reframe perspectives, prevent HIV infection, and increase screening, she and team members work with networks of clergy and officers to Dr. Fuller (above left) visits a church-run school for provide in-depth science education and connection to available orphans and vulnerable children. The school’s pastor resources for serving community members more effectively. She has recently completed two of three Trusted Messenger Intervention (TMI) workshops of the Copperbelt Validity Study, which is the focus of her Fulbright-supported work. Outcomes of TMI are measured in surveys, site visits, and focus groups to document impact of how religious leaders address HIV/AIDS stigma, the increase in understanding of HIV/AIDS, and the increase in completion of HIV voluntary counseling and testing (VCT). VCT is key in stopping virus transmission and reducing the incidence and death from AIDS and other preventable diseases.
“Trying to do an educational intervention like this without the help of a trusted network, like clergy leaders, can be very difficult. We want to know if and how well the biomedical science training empowers these influential leaders to mobilize their communities for reducing stigma and changing common perceptions about HIV/AIDS AIDS prevention and management. My background as a scientist and as a ministry leader, may help in achieving the long-term goals of the project with clergy members in Zambia. They appreciate that I understand both responsibilities, from theology and helping the community, to the science as well.” —Oveta Fuller Page 8
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(right) was one of the first TMI participants in 2007, and has since started or increased capacity of two African Methodist Episcopal Church-run community schools. Church buildings and/or grounds are used as schools during the week for vulnerable children from the surrounding communities. Zambian statistics note that 65% of the current population is under 16 years old.
Dr. Fuller is shown speaking on a popular health show of the public Zambia National Broadcast Network (ZNBC) regarding the effectiveness of bridging science- and faith-based interventions to stop HIV/AIDS.