Key initiatives include the establishment of Community Advisory Boards to guide the design and implementation of the K01 study, a low-cost IPV and mental health intervention in informal settlements in Kenya. The Core has also convened community consultation workshops with survivors, clinic staff, and administrative stakeholders to inform intervention adaptation. Ongoing community team consultations have shaped data collection tools (e.g., survey design), contributed to data analysis through group discussions and collaborative lab spaces, and supported paper writing for interested team members. These efforts reflect a commitment to participatory processes at every stage of research.
The Future
Looking ahead, the Core will expand its efforts to employ, train, and empower community members as health champions, researchers, and climate adaptation experts across East Africa. Plans include establishing and strengthening Community Collaborative Boards in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda to ensure cultural relevance and local leadership in Center operations. The Core will also support communities in leading the translation, application, and dissemination of findings, reinforcing the role of community voice in shaping future research, education, and policy.
The Community Collaborative Core is dedicated to amplifying the voices and experiences of community members to shape the direction of climate change and health research, education, and action.