CIDRZ is excited to announce a newly funded research project that will be among the first to explore the impact of combined exercise and nutrition interventions among women in low-income communities in Zambia and Alabama, U.S.

As obesity continues to rise globally, affecting women disproportionately, this project represents a critical step in generating evidence that can inform practical, community‑based solutions.

Through this work, CIDRZ strengthens its commitment to innovative research addressing the growing obesity epidemic, particularly in underserved communities where access to preventive health services is limited.

Project title: Sisters in Motion: A pilot evaluation of a community- based lifestyle program for Black women with HIV and cardiometabolic risk in Zambia and Alabama.

Team: Dr. Belinda V. Chihota (MPI – Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia (CIDRZ)), Dr. Raymond Jones (MPI – UAB), Dr. Anjali Sharma (CIDRZ), Dr. Amy Goss (UAB), & Dr. Sula Mazimba (University of Virginia). Community partners- David Chitundu & Jai Nathanson (FitCity Foundation Zambia).

We look forward to collaborating with international partners and local communities to generate insights that can shape healthier futures for women.