Aaron Akpu Philip, a Nigerian public health expert/community development worker, with a keen focus on public health, has been awarded the prestigious QUT Postgraduate Research Award (International) Scholarship and a QUT HDR Tuition Fee Sponsorship to pursue a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) at the Queensland University of Technology (QUT). This significant achievement will support his research into the critical intersection of disability and HIV/AIDS in Nigeria.
Philip’s thesis, titled “Adherence to Antiretroviral therapy (ART) among Persons with Disability (PWDs) in Nigeria: A mixed methods study,” addresses a crucial, yet often overlooked, public health issue. The scholarship, awarded to students of “exceptional research potential,” provides an annual stipend of AU$27,596 to cover living costs. Additionally, the QUT HDR Tuition Fee Sponsorship will cover his tuition fees, compulsory Overseas Student Health Cover, research student allocation.
The scholarship and sponsorship are valid for three years, with a possible six-month extension. Philip’s PhD candidature will officially begin on July 31, 2019 and he will be undertaking this research in the school of public health and social work within the Faculty of Health.
This scholarship not only recognizes Philip’s academic excellence but also highlights the importance of his research in contributing to global public health discourse. By investigating the challenges faced by people with disabilities in adhering to life-saving antiretroviral therapy, Philip’s work is poised to have a significant and positive impact on public health outcomes in Nigeria and beyond.
