*Recruitment is now closed. Thank you to everyone who took part!*

Ubuntu-Pamoja Study

Welcome to the Ubuntu-Pamoja Study, an initiative dedicated to enhancing culturally safe Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and sexually transmitted blood-borne infection (STBBI) testing for Black, African, and Caribbean migrants residing in Manitoba.

 

While traditional clinic-based testing has been effective for many, we recognize the need for tailored approaches to meet the unique needs of these communities. The Ubuntu-Pamoja Study aims to identify effective strategies to support culturally safe HIV and STBBI testing for the diverse Black, African, and Caribbean migrant communities in Manitoba.

We are committed to developing and evaluating a range of testing strategies, including HIV self-testing and HIV/STBBI dried blood spot (DBS) testing, to ensure a culturally safe and accessible approach for all.

The Ubuntu-Pamoja Study is a collaborative effort involving Black, African, and Caribbean migrant community members, community organizations, and academics. Our Community Guiding Circle, comprising ten community members, leads this project. As part of this project, we are committed to building capacity among African and Caribbean migrant community members in Manitoba as peer researchers.

Research Phases

  1. Qualitative Interviews: During the initial phase, we conducted qualitative interviews to understand concerns and barriers to HIV/STBBI testing within these communities. Explore the findings in our downloadable infographic.

  2. Online Survey: In the second phase, we're conducting a provincial online survey to learn about preferences for different testing methods. Learn more about the survey here. When participating in our online survey, participants have the option to request a take-home HIV self-testing kit, or if desired, request HIV or STBBI testing by a trained healthcare provider (we work in partnership with safe and reputable healthcare providers like Nine Circles Community Health Centre and Klinic Community Health to ensure the highest quality of care).

  3. Follow-Up Interviews: For participants who choose to get tested through our study, we'll conduct follow-up interviews to understand their testing experiences.

Impact

The Ubuntu-Pamoja Study will shape models of HIV/STBBI service delivery, paving the way for culturally safe testing, prevention, and care for African and Caribbean migrant communities in Manitoba.

The meaning of “Ubuntu-Pamoja”

The Ubuntu-Pamoja Study, deeply influenced by the Ubuntu ideology, aimed to foster communal responsibility and address HIV prevention within local Black, African, and Caribbean communities. Embracing Ubuntu's values of interconnectedness and shared humanity and incorporating the essence of Pamoja, meaning "together" or "togetherness" in Swahili (East African), the study emphasized collective unity and collaboration in combating HIV and STBBI within ACB communities.

Downloadable Infographic

 Check back soon for updates!

For inquiries or further details, please reach out to us. We value your participation and support.

This study is a collaboration between the following partners:

This study is funded by: