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

Your thesis topic: An analysis of the Integration of HIV and SRH Services to improve access and outcomes in Low-Income Countries with High Prevalence: A case study of Zimbabwe and Zambia.

What inspired you to start your PhD: My decision to pursue a PhD was deeply rooted in my extensive experience in sexual and reproductive health (SRH) and HIV/AIDS, where I spent over 15 years as a project manager. This background has equipped me with a profound understanding of the challenges and gaps in current service delivery, particularly the fragmentation between HIV and SRH programs. Witnessing the inefficiencies and duplication of efforts among NGOs and the Ministry of Health highlighted the urgent need for integrated approaches to improve health outcomes. My work with communities affected by HIV/AIDS ignited a passion for innovative solutions and reinforced the importance of collaboration between government and non-governmental organizations. Additionally, my involvement in research initiatives, such as the Zimbabwe Population-Based Impact Survey, revealed the critical role of data-driven insights in shaping effective health policies. These experiences fuelled my curiosity about the intersection of policy and practice, motivating me to explore how to enhance the integration of HIV and SRH services to maximize impact and efficiency in addressing these interconnected health issues.

The main findings of your PhD: The study revealed that the policy environment in both countries supports the integration of HIV and sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services. However, integration commitments are scattered across various policy and strategy documents related to HIV/AIDS and SRH, resulting in a lack of explicit strategies for execution. This ambiguity can lead to misinterpretations during implementation.

At the service delivery level, some integration of HIV and SRH services is occurring, but it is not structured due to operational challenges. These challenges stem from gaps in the health system, compounded by financial and technical constraints that hinder effective integration in Zambia and Zimbabwe.

While policy support for integration is strong, the technical and operational processes remain weak, negatively impacting implementation. To strengthen integration efforts in these countries, it is crucial to address the various policy, system, service delivery, and operational challenges. This includes enhancing national, provincial, and district health system functions. Successful integration outcomes will develop gradually as services become more cohesive and systemic barriers are addressed.

Your plans for the future: I am interested in a Postdoctoral position that will advance research on integrating sexual and reproductive health (SRH) and HIV services, addressing existing gaps in practice. I aim to translate my research findings into community initiatives and publish them to influence policy.

A quotation of your own or another that resounds with you: “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”

This quote reflects my belief in the transformative power of service and the importance of dedicating oneself to the betterment of communities, particularly in the context of health and well-being. It inspired me to pursue my research and advocacy work with the goal of making a meaningful impact on the lives of those affected by health disparities.