HEARD is celebrating the graduation of one of our students, Dr Olivier Mukuku, who was supported in his studies through the HEARD PhD Scholarship Programme. Below are a few insights on Dr Mukuku’s PhD journey.

Thesis topic:  Unsuppressed Viral Load Among HIV-Positive Children and Adolescents on Antiretroviral Therapy in Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of the Congo: Prevalence, Determinants, Barriers, and Facilitators.

What inspired me to start my PhD: It was my strong aspiration to advance my academic career and deepen my expertise in public health research. After completing my Master’s in Public Health and serving as a Senior Lecturer, I felt the need to strengthen my research competencies further, develop advanced methodological skills, and broaden my capacity to design and lead impactful studies. Pursuing a PhD represented an important step not only in growing my academic qualifications but also in positioning myself to contribute more effectively to knowledge generation, policy development, and capacity building within my field.

Main findings of my PhD: My research revealed that a significant proportion of HIV-positive children and adolescents in Lubumbashi remain with unsuppressed viral load despite being on antiretroviral therapy. Key determinants included treatment adherence challenges, caregiver support, and socio-economic barriers. The study also highlighted facilitators such as psychosocial support and health system strengthening measures that can improve viral suppression. These findings underscore the need for holistic interventions tailored to this vulnerable population.

My plans for the future: I plan to continue engaging in impactful and innovative research in the field of public health, with a particular focus on HIV, adolescent health, and health systems strengthening in sub-Saharan Africa. Beyond research, I aspire to collaborate with international organisations and NGOs to translate scientific evidence into practical interventions and policies that can improve health outcomes on a large scale. I am equally committed to making my expertise available for the training and mentorship of the next generation of researchers and health professionals, thereby contributing to sustainable capacity building in the region. Ultimately, my ambition is to establish myself as a leading researcher and global health practitioner who bridges academia, policy, and practice, and who plays a meaningful role in shaping resilient health systems and driving equitable access to care.

Quotation: “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” – Nelson Mandela

I would also like to sincerely thank HEARD and the Scholarship Programme team for their constant support and encouragement throughout my doctoral journey. The values of perseverance, scholarly excellence, and collaboration promoted by HEARD have been a real source of inspiration. I am proud to remain part of this academic community and look forward to contributing to future research collaborations and professional networks.