Econ major tracks HIV/AIDS in Africa
Ellen London
Issue date: 4/15/09 Section: Features
With the information they collect from the prescription bottles, Kahane and the team for which he works hope to "intervene and identify the main causes of treatment interruptions." Due to the wireless modem installed in the pill bottles, the researchers receive data within a few minutes of the pill container being opened, marking a huge gain in efficiency from the once-a-month data collection afforded by the old home visits. They are now able to track the information online and are working on setting up alerts to inform them when participants have not taken their medication for more than 48 hours. "Treatment interruptions, if allowed to last, can lead to viral rebound and drug resistance," Kahane said of the importance of his research. These interruptions lead to an increase in the likelihood of death, as well as an increase in the costs associated with drug therapy.
In addition to his work for the Ragon Institute, Kahane and a few of his friends volunteer in the local Ugandan school system.
They teach a Health and Lifestyle class with the hope to reinforce the importance of healthy habits, both physical and mental. "The class is much more interactive than the student's typical class setting and takes a different approach to ingraining these principles in the students' minds. We have received a lot of positive feedback and support so far," said Kahane. He also helps out with coaching a local girls' soccer team.
While his newfound environment is certainly different from his days of iPlay sports and the Entrepreneur's Club on Mayflower Hill, Kahane regularly draws upon the skills he acquired at the College. "While a college degree in the U.S. is pretty common, that degree goes a long way in developing countries," he said. "The work ethic and problem solving skills I developed at [the College] have definitely provided me with a leg up in many situations and have made me much more comfortable doing the work I am doing," he added.
Kahane cites the language barrier (English is the national language of Uganda, but the country is also comprised of over thirty regional dialects) and the fact that everything runs on "Africa time," or fifteen minutes to two hours late, as the most frustrating parts of his job. He has also had to tactfully manage several marriage proposals from African women, who see him as a "ticket out" to what they perceive as a better life in the U.S.
In addition to his work for the Ragon Institute, Kahane and a few of his friends volunteer in the local Ugandan school system.
They teach a Health and Lifestyle class with the hope to reinforce the importance of healthy habits, both physical and mental. "The class is much more interactive than the student's typical class setting and takes a different approach to ingraining these principles in the students' minds. We have received a lot of positive feedback and support so far," said Kahane. He also helps out with coaching a local girls' soccer team.
While his newfound environment is certainly different from his days of iPlay sports and the Entrepreneur's Club on Mayflower Hill, Kahane regularly draws upon the skills he acquired at the College. "While a college degree in the U.S. is pretty common, that degree goes a long way in developing countries," he said. "The work ethic and problem solving skills I developed at [the College] have definitely provided me with a leg up in many situations and have made me much more comfortable doing the work I am doing," he added.
Kahane cites the language barrier (English is the national language of Uganda, but the country is also comprised of over thirty regional dialects) and the fact that everything runs on "Africa time," or fifteen minutes to two hours late, as the most frustrating parts of his job. He has also had to tactfully manage several marriage proposals from African women, who see him as a "ticket out" to what they perceive as a better life in the U.S.
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
David Kahane
posted 7/08/09 @ 3:58 PM EST
Josh,
Great work! Be proud, and happy!
David K
Post a Comment