My research experience focused on community-centered and equitable access to diagnostic systems, particularly for HIV, diabetes, and Ebola .Because this is a long-term project that will continue beyond this year, being part of the team during its beginning stages gave me the opportunity to contribute to the early development of the research while also learning how a project like this takes shape over time.
I became more familiar with the technical and diagnostic systems underlying the project, including point-of-care testing, rapid diagnostic tests, self-testing platforms, sample collection and processing workflows, and the pathways through which test results are communicated and linked to care. Considering these systems helped me understand that diagnostic access involves more than whether a test is accurate. It also depends on factors such as sensitivity and specificity, usability, turnaround time, affordability, supply chains, quality assurance, data reporting, confirmatory testing, and referral mechanisms.
Working with colleagues from the different countries in the global south strengthened my qualitative and mixed-methods research skills while also helping me think more critically about how diagnostic performance is evaluated in real-world settings. The experience showed me the value of combining rigorous research with community knowledge and helped me better understand how diagnostic systems, community engagement, and public health interventions interact to shape long-term health equity and well-being.
Through this work, I gained a deeper appreciation for research that is collaborative, contextually grounded, and responsive to the needs of underserved communities.