Dr. Malinee Neelamegam receives prestigious Gilead Sciences HIV Scholar award
April 18, 2025 • News
Dr. Malinee Neelamegam, Assistant Professor at UNTHSC’s College of Public Health, has been awarded the distinguished Gilead Sciences HIV Scholar Award for her innovative research proposal titled “Peer-led Type II Diabetes Self-Management Program for Older Adults Living with HIV.”
This prestigious award from Gilead Sciences recognizes groundbreaking research aimed at addressing critical health challenges faced by communities affected by HIV. Dr. Neelamegam’s project specifically targets the intersection of aging, HIV, and chronic disease management with a focus on improving health outcomes for older adults living with both HIV and Type II diabetes.
“As the HIV population ages, we see increased instances of chronic comorbidities such as diabetes,” explained Dr. Neelamegam. “Our aim is to address the unique barriers older adults living with HIV face in managing these conditions through culturally tailored, peer-led interventions.”
Dr. Neelamegam’s project will utilize community-based participatory research methods to adapt and implement a diabetes self-management program specifically tailored for older adults living with HIV. The innovative program will leverage peer-led education to empower individuals to effectively manage their health and improve their quality of life.
Dr. Annie Nguyen, HIV and aging expert and Associate Adjunct Professor from the University of California San Diego, and Dr. Waridibo Allison, an infectious disease specialist and vice president of health policy at UNTHSC, will serve as mentors on this impactful project. Their combined expertise will guide the development and implementation of the program, ensuring it effectively meets the unique needs of this population.
“Our collaboration with local community partners, particularly the Tarrant County HIV Administrative Agency and the AIDS Outreach Center of Tarrant County, is key to the success of this initiative,” Dr. Neelamegam noted. “By actively involving the community in every stage of this project, we can create sustainable and accessible solutions.”
This award underscores Dr. Neelamegam’s ongoing commitment to address community health needs and improve outcomes for numerous populations through innovative research and community engagement.
“Receiving the Gilead Sciences HIV Scholar Award is not only an honor but a significant step forward in our mission to improve health outcomes for older adults living with HIV,” Dr. Neelamegam said. “This work will lay a strong foundation for future research and interventions aimed at enhancing the quality of life among aging populations with HIV.”
The Gilead Sciences HIV Scholar Award is part of the company’s broader commitment to advancing innovative research that addresses unmet medical needs and promotes improved health outcomes in communities disproportionately affected by HIV.
Social media