Promoting HIV-Related Behavioral and Social Science Research Training in Africa: A Case of Uganda

Abstract HIV/AIDS is a major contributor to morbidity and mortality in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Several gaps in HIV/AIDS care persist despite advancements in bio-medical care approaches. Socio-behavioral approaches have been identified to have the capacity to plug these gaps. This calls for HIV- related behavioral and social science research (BSSR) capacity building. Adopting BSSR in HIV may provide insights into the HIV care continuum that is contextual and cost-effective and reveal the missing layer in the fight against HIV on the African continent. The Makerere University Behavioral and Social Sciences Research (Mak-BSSR) program has responded to the call to strengthen capacity in BSSR. This commentary is a call to promote, support, and sustain the collaborations needed to integrate behavioral and social science research into HIV in SSA.