CHART-HIV study launched to advance heart health research in Africa

The Health Research Unit is excited to announce the launch of the CHART-HIV study, a Wellcome-funded project led by Dr Edith Majonga. The research aims to improve the understanding of heart disease in young people living with HIV in Africa. By carefully assessing heart structure and function, the study will generate crucial evidence to support better prevention, diagnosis, and management of cardiovascular disease.

As part of the study setup, a dedicated ultrasound machine has been acquired to conduct detailed and reliable heart assessments. This new equipment strengthens research infrastructure and will not only support CHART-HIV but also future cardiovascular research projects.

To build strong research partnerships, Dr Majonga recently hosted cardiologists Prof. Anoop Shah (London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine) and Dr Shirjel Alam (University of Bristol). Their visit provided hands-on, on-site support for preparing both CHART-HIV and an upcoming Cardiac-TB study, , which will explore the effects of tuberculosis on the heart.

Both studies are set to begin fieldwork in the first quarter of 2026, marking an important step forward in understanding and tackling heart disease in Africa.