The UCSF/UC Hastings Consortium would like to invite you to our upcoming event featuring a presentation by Craig Cohen, MD, MPH, titled: "Addressing HIV/AIDS in Kenya and Nairobi." Lunch will be provided so please RSVP tofreya@uchastings.edu if you plan to attend. As always, these events are open to the public and we encourage all interested individuals to join!

Event Description: In 1994, Dr. Cohen and his colleague Dr. Elizabeth Bukusi at the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) established the Research Care and Treatment Program (RCTP) a collaboration with projects in Nairobi and Kisumu, Kenya.  In addition to conducting research, the goal of the program is to enhance local capacity to conduct biomedical research through training and infrastructure development. RCTP employs over 200 full-time staff in Kenya including epidemiologists, physicians, nurse-counselors, laboratory technologists, field workers, data managers, biostatisticians and administrative staff.

Today's presentation will highlight the partnership between UCSF and Kenya Medical Research Institute  (KEMRI), their accomplishments and plans for the future to address some of the most important health issues affecting Kenya and throughout sub-Saharan Africa.

About the Speaker: Craig Cohen, MD, MPH, is a Professor In-Residence in the UCSF Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences and an Attending Physician at San Francisco General Hospital.  He conducts medical research in two major areas: HIV and sexually transmitted infection prevention and HIV/AIDS care and support in developing countries.

Dr. Cohen has been the Director of the Family AIDS Care and Education Services (FACES) since its creation in 2004.  FACES is a CDC PEPFAR-funded HIV/AIDS care and treatment program in Western Kenya and Nairobi.  As part of FACES, Dr. Cohen has also developed the Student Training Elective Program (STEP), which allows medical students and residents to do clinical and research electives at FACES sites.

Additionally, Dr. Cohen directs the UCSF Reproductive Infectious Disease (RID) Fellowship, which aims to provide Ob/Gyn and post-doctoral trainees with the tools and experience necessary to develop into independent investigators and launch productive careers in the field of RID.  He also began the Infectious Disease Research Training Program (IDRTP), a program for Kenyan masters and doctoral students and a joint effort between KEMRI and UCSF.  IDRTP students receive training in STI clinical, epidemiological, or basic sciences research through theUCSF Sandwich Certificate Program.  Overall, Dr. Cohen has directly mentored more than 50 predoctoral students, residents and post-doctoral fellows, most of who have conducted research in Kenya.