Waimar Tun, Ph.D.
Associate
Waimar Tun is an associate with the HIV and AIDS program at the Population Council. She is responsible for providing technical assistance and directly managing the implementation of operations research and bio-behavioral surveillance activities on HIV and AIDS in Africa and Asia. Her research focuses on HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among at-risk populations, including men who have sex with men, sex workers, injection drug users, and mobile populations. To meet these aims, she utilizes both qualitative and quantitative methodologies, integrating behavioral research with epidemiology. From 2004 to 2005 she worked with Family Health International and undertook program monitoring and evaluation and HIV/STI biological and behavioral surveillance utilizing time-venue-based and respondent-driven recruitment methods. From 2002 to 2004 she served in the US Public Health Service at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as an epidemic intelligence service officer, where she was involved in health services research related to STIs and in investigations of outbreaks.
Tun received a Ph.D. and M.H.S. in epidemiology from Johns Hopkins University. Her undergraduate studies were completed at Haverford College in Pennsylvania and the University of Oxford, UK. She is a member of the Delta Omega Society.
Waimar Tun, Ph.D.
Associate
The AVHI Project: A Peer-driven Approach to Providing Injecting Drug Users with HIV Prevention Services in New Delhi, India (more)
Council researchers aim to avert HIV infections among injecting drugs users (IDUs) and their sexual and injecting partners in Delhi and increase the coverage and uptake of HIV prevention services, including counseling and testing, through an innovative, peer-driven strategy that recruits and enrolls IDUs into a comprehensive HIV prevention program.
(6/2010 - 2/2013)
Topics: Behavior change; HIV prevention; Injecting drug users; Vulnerable populations
Countries: India
A Simulated Clinical Trial to Explore Willingness to Participate and Methods for Improving Reporting of Adherence Among a Sex-worker Cohort in Nellore, India (more)
A simulated microbicides clinical study is being conducted in India to develop and test strategies for improving recruitment, adherence, and the reporting of adherence for future microbicides clinical trials.
(1/2008 - 1/2012)
Topics: Microbicides; Sex workers
Countries: India
Biological and Behavioral Surveillance of Most-at-risk Populations in Kenya (more)
In collaboration with the Kenyan government and partners, Council researchers are implementing the first HIV biological and behavioral surveillance surveys to facilitate, inform, and evaluate the impact of HIV preventive interventions for most-at-risk populations (men who have sex with men, sex workers, and injecting drug users).
(7/2010 - 2/2012)
Topics: HIV prevention; Injecting drug users; Men who have sex with men; Sex workers; Vulnerable populations
Countries: Kenya
Formative Assessment and Mapping of Female Drug Users in Kano, Kaduna, Ogun, and Lagos, Nigeria (more)
Using social media and mobile technology, Council researchers are collecting data on female drug users in Nigeria to increase visibility of and services for this hidden yet highly vulnerable population.
(12/2010 - 5/2011)
Topics: HIV prevention; Injecting drug users; Vulnerable populations
Countries: Nigeria
Knowing Myself First: Assessing the Feasibility of HIV Self-testing Among Health Workers in Kenya (more)
This study evaluated the feasibility and acceptability of HIV home self-testing (HST) among health workers and their partners in Kenya. The study also provided an understanding of operational structures that need to be in place to successfully implement HIV HST for health workers.
(3/2007 - 3/2011)
Topics: HIV care, support, and treatment; HIV prevention
Countries: Kenya
Waimar Tun, Ph.D.
Associate
An evaluation of methods to improve the reporting of adherence in a placebo gel trial in Andhra Pradesh, India (abstract) (HTML)Abbott,Sharon; Friedland,Barbara A.; Sarna,Avina; Katzen,Lauren L.; Rawiel,Ulrike; Srikrishnan,Aylur K.; Shalini,C.S.; Tun,Waimar; Kelly,Christine A.; Solomon,Suniti; Mensch,Barbara S.
AIDS and Behavior 17(6): 2222-2236
Publication date: 2013
Characteristics of female sex workers in southern India willing and unwilling to participate in a placebo gel trial (abstract) (HTML)
Mensch,Barbara S.; Friedland,Barbara A.; Abbott,Sharon; Katzen,Lauren L.; Tun,Waimar; Kelly,Clifton A.; Sarna,Avina; Srikrishnan,Aylur K.; Solomon,Suniti
AIDS and Behavior 17(2): 585-597
Publication date: 2013
Effectiveness of a community-based positive prevention intervention for people living with HIV who are not receiving antiretroviral treatment: A prospective cohort study (abstract) (PDF)
Sarna,Avina; Luchters,Stanley; Musenge,Eustasius; Okal,Jerry; Chersich,Matthew F.; Tun,Waimar; Mall,Sabine; King'ola,Nzioki; Kalibala,Sam
Global Health: Science and Practice 1(1): 52-67
Publication date: 2013
High HIV prevalence among men who have sex with men in Nigeria: Implications for combination prevention (abstract) (HTML)
Vu,Lung; Adebajo,Sylvia; Tun,Waimar; Sheehy,Meredith; Karlyn,Andrew; Njab,Jean; Azeez,Aderemi; Ahonsi,Babatunde
Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes 63(2): 221-227
Publication date: 2013
High levels of bisexual behavior and factors associated with bisexual behavior among men having sex with men (MSM) in Nigeria (abstract) (HTML)
Sheehy,Meredith; Tun,Waimar; Vu,Lung; Adebajo,Sylvia; Obianwu,Otibho; Karlyn,Andrew
AIDS Care Published online ahead of print, 6 June
Publication date: 2013
High levels of unprotected anal intercourse and never testing for HIV among men who have sex with men in Nigeria: Evidence from a cross-sectional survey for the need for innovative approaches to HIV prevention (abstract) (HTML)
Vu,Lung; Andrinopoulos,Katherine; Tun,Waimar; Adebajo,Sylvia
Sexually Transmitted Infections Published online ahead of print, 12 July
Publication date: 2013
High uptake of HIV testing in a cohort of male injection drug users in Delhi, India: Prevalence and correlates of HIV infection (abstract) (HTML)
Sarna,Avina; Tun,Waimar; Sharma,Vartika; Sebastian,Mary Philip; Madan,Ira; Yadav,Amita; Sheehy,Meredith; Lewis,Dean; Thior,Ibou
AIDS and Behavior Published online ahead of print, 10 March
Publication date: 2013
Implementing incentive-based HIV interventions in Zambia: The COMPACT model (PDF)
Kalibala,Sam; Tun,Waimar; Kangale,Chabu; Keesbury,Jill; Handema,Ray; Monze,Mwaka
Baseline evaluation report
Publication date: 2013
Population-based prevalence of hepatitis B and C virus, HIV, syphilis, gonorrhoea and chlamydia in male injection drug users in Lagos, Nigeria (abstract) (PDF)
Tun,Waimar; Vu,Lung; Adebajo,Sylvia; Abiodun,Lolade; Sheehy,Meredith; Karlyn,Andrew; Njab,Jean; Ahonsi,Babatunde; Issa,B.Kawu; Idogho,Omokhudu
International Journal of STD and AIDS Published online ahead of print, 19 July
Publication date: 2013
Sexually transmitted infections and reproductive health morbidity in a cohort of female sex workers screened for a microbicide feasibility study in Nellore, India (abstract) (HTML)
Sarna,Avina; Friedland,Barbara A.; Srikrishnan,Aylur K.; Katzen,Lauren L.; Tun,Waimar; Abbott,Sharon; Rawiel,Ulrike; Kelly,Christine A.; Shalini,C.S.; Solomon,Suniti; Mensch,Barbara S.
Global Journal of Health Science 5(3): 139-149
Publication date: 2013
Assessment of unsafe injection practices and sexual behaviors among male injecting drug users in two urban cities of India using respondent driven sampling (abstract) (PDF)
Sarna,Avina; Tun,Waimar; Bhattacharya,Aruna; Lewis,Dean; Singh,Yummam Shashikumar; Apicella,Louis
The Southeast Asian Journal of Tropical Medicine and Public Health 43(3): 652-667
Publication date: 2012
HIV-related conspiracy beliefs and its relationships with HIV testing and unprotected sex among men who have sex with men in Tshwane (Pretoria), South Africa (abstract) (HTML)
Tun,Waimar; Kellerman,Scott E.; Maime,Senkhu; Fipaza,Zukiswa; Sheehy,Meredith; Vu,Lung; Nel,Dawie
AIDS Care 24(4): 459-467
Publication date: 2012
Levels and correlates of internalized homophobia among men who have sex with men in Pretoria, South Africa (abstract) (HTML)
Vu,Lung; Tun,Waimar; Sheehy,Meredith; Nel,Dawie
AIDS and Behavior 16(3): 717-723
Publication date: 2012
Attitudinal and behavioral factors associated with extramarital sex among Nigerian men: Findings from a national survey (abstract) (PDF) (HTML)
Vu,Lung; Tun,Waimar; Karlyn,Andrew; Adebajo,Sylvia; Ahonsi,Babatunde
International Journal of Sexual Health 23(4): 258-268
Publication date: 2011
'Knowing myself first': Feasibility of self-testing among health workers in Kenya (PDF)
Kalibala,Sam; Tun,Waimar; Muraah,William; Cherutich,Peter; Oweya,Erick; Oluoch,Patricia
Publication date: 2011
HIV vulnerability of men who have sex with men in developing countries: Horizons studies, 2001-2008 (abstract) (PDF)
Geibel,Scott; Tun,Waimar; Tapsoba,Placide; Kellerman,Scott E.
Public Health Reports 125(2): 316-324
Publication date: 2010
Looking back, moving forward: Understanding the HIV risk and sexual health needs of men who have sex with men, Horizons studies 2001 to 2008 (PDF)
Geibel,Scott; Tun,Waimar; Tapsoba,Placide; Kellerman,Scott E.
Horizons Synthesis Background Papers
Publication date: 2010
Assessment of risk factors for HIV infection among men who have sex with men in the metropolitan area of Campinas City, Brazil, using respondent-driven sampling (PDF)
de Mello,Maeve; de Araujo Pinho,Adriana; Chinaglia,Magda; Tun,Waimar; Barbosa Junior,Aristides; Ilario,Maria Cristina F.J.; Reis,Paulo; Salles,Regina C.S.; Westman,Suzanne; Diaz,Juan
Horizons Final Report
Publication date: 2008
Assessment of risk factors for HIV infection in female sex workers and men who have sex with men in Ciudad del Este, Paraguay (PDF)
Chinaglia,Magda; Tun,Waimar; Mello,Maeve; Insfran,Magdalena; Diaz,Juan
Horizons Final Report
Publication date: 2008
Factors associated with self-reported unprotected anal sex among male sex workers in Mombasa, Kenya (abstract) (HTML)
Geibel,Scott; Luchters,Stanley; King'ola,Nzioki; Esu-Williams,Eka; Rinyiru,Agnes; Tun,Waimar
Sexually Transmitted Diseases 35(8): 746-752
Publication date: 2008
Sexual risk behaviours and HIV seroprevalence among male sex workers who have sex with men and non-sex workers in Campinas, Brazil (abstract) (HTML)
Tun,Waimar; de Mello,Maeve; Pinho,Adriana A.; Chinaglia,Magda; Diaz,Juan
Sexually Transmitted Infections 84(6): 455-457
Publication date: 2008
An analysis of respondent driven sampling with injection drug users (IDU) in Albania and the Russian Federation (abstract) (PDF) (HTML)
Stormer,Ame; Tun,Waimar; Guli,Lisa; Harxhi,Arjan; Bodanovskaia,Zinaida; Yakovleva,Anna; Rusakova,Maia; Levina,Olga; Bani,Roland; Rjepaj,Kodian; Bino,Silva
Journal of Urban Health 83(suppl 1): 73-82
Publication date: 2007
Assessment of sexual behaviours and sexual networks of injecting drug users in Delhi and Imphal, India
Sarna,Avina; Tun,Waimar; Bhattacharya,Aruna; Mahendra,Vaishali Sharma; Apicella,Louis; Selhore,Neville; Singh,Arjun
Publication date: 2007
Building the capacity of faith-based organizations to promote mutual monogamy in South Africa (PDF)
Tun,Waimar; Sohaba,Nathi; Malinzi,Unathi; Nqono,Bp.Matthew; Mzilikazi,Pstr.Osborne; Mgujulwa,Pstr.Bonisiwa; Madywabe,Rev.Moses; Fatyeni,Mbulelo; Fontecchio,Christine
Horizons Research Summary
Publication date: 2007
Injecting drug users in India: Understanding sexual behaviours and sexual networks to design effective behaviour change strategies (PDF)
Sarna,Avina; Tun,Waimar; Bhattacharya,Aruna; Mahendra,Vaishali Sharma; Selhore,Neville; Singh,Arjun; Apicella,Louis
Update, (April)
Publication date: 2007
Waimar Tun, Ph.D.
Associate
Burden of HIV and sexual behavior among men who have sex with men and male sex workers in Nairobi, Kenya (PDF)Poster presentation at the XIX International AIDS Conference, Washington, DC, 23 July
Muraguri,Nicholas; Tun,Waimar; Okal,Jerry; Broz,Dita; Fisher Raymond,H.; Kellogg,Timothy; Dadabhai,Sufia; Mutua,Helgar; Sheehy,Meredith; Kuria,David; Kaiser,Reinhard; Geibel,Scott
Publication date: 2012
Effectiveness of a community health worker delivered HIV prevention intervention for people living with HIV not receiving ART: A prospective cohort study (PDF)
Poster presentation at the XIX International AIDS Conference, Washington, DC, 24 July
Sarna,Avina; Luchters,Stanley; Musenge,Eustasius; Okal,Jerry; Chersich,Matthew F.; Tun,Waimar; Mall,Sabine; King'ola,Nzioki; Kalibala,Sam
Publication date: 2012
Uptake of HIV testing and HIV prevalence in a cohort of injecting drug users in Delhi, India (PDF)
Poster presentation at the XIX International AIDS Conference, Washington, DC, 26 July
Sarna,Avina; Sharma,Vartika; Sebastian,Mary Philip; Dhingra,Neeraj; Yadav,Amita; Sheehy,Meredith; Madan,Ira; Thior,Ibou; Lewis,Dean; Tun,Waimar
Publication date: 2012
HIV and STI prevalence among female sex workers in Nairobi: Results from a respondent-driven sampling study
Presentation at First National Biennial HIV and AIDS Research Conference, Nairobi, 17-20 May
Okal,Jerry; Tun,Waimar; Sheehy,Meredith; Broz,Dita; Mutua,Helgar; Muraguri,Nicholas; Fisher Raymond,H.; Mundia,B.; Kim,A.; Kaiser,Reinhard; Dadabhai,Sufia; Kimani,J.; Geibel,Scott
Publication date: 2011
HIV and STI prevalence among men who have sex with men in Nairobi: Results from a respondent-driven sampling study
Presentation at First National Biennial HIV and AIDS Research Conference, Nairobi, 17-20 May
Geibel,Scott; Tun,Waimar; Sheehy,Meredith; Broz,Dita; Mutua,Helgar; Muraguri,Nicholas; Fisher Raymond,H.; Mundia,B.; Kim,A.; Kaiser,Reinhard; Dadabhai,Sufia; Kimani,J.; Okal,Jerry
Publication date: 2011
Levels and correlates of unprotected anal intercourse and not testing for HIV among men who have sex with men in Abuja, Lagos and Ibadan, Nigeria (abstract) (PDF)
Poster presentation at the 6th International AIDS Society Conference, Rome, Italy, 17-20 July
Vu,Lung; Adebajo,Sylvia; Sheehy,Meredith; Tun,Waimar; Karlyn,Andrew; Anene,Oliver; Sangowawa,Segun; Toyese,Akinade; Ankomah,Augustine; Balami,Wada; Ahonsi,Babatunde
Publication date: 2011
Men who have sex with men research in Africa
Presentation at TOP2BTM: Prevention, Treatment and Care for MSM, Cape Town, 23-25 May
Fipaza,Zukiswa; Karlyn,Andrew; Mbizvo,Elizabeth; Tun,Waimar
Publication date: 2011
Population-based estimates of prevalence of HIV, HBV and HCV and HIV-related risk behaviors among male injecting drug users in Lagos, Nigeria (abstract) (PDF)
Presentation at the 6th International AIDS Society Conference, Rome, Italy, 17-20 July
Tun,Waimar; Adebajo,Sylvia; Abiodun,Lolade; Karlyn,Andrew; Vu,Lung; Anyanti,Jennifer; Issa,B.Kawu; Sheehy,Meredith
Publication date: 2011
The feasibility of using HIV post-test clubs (PTC) to provide ongoing alcohol risk reduction counseling to HIV counseling and testing (HCT) clients with alcohol dependence
Poster presented at First National Biennial HIV and AIDS Research Conference, Nairobi, 17-20 May
Kalibala,Sam; Mukoma,Wanjiru; Sinkele,William; Tun,Waimar; Njeri,Inviolata; Evelia,Humphres
Publication date: 2011
Utilization of cell phones to follow up alcohol-dependent clients attending HIV counseling and testing (HCT) services
Presentation at First National Biennial HIV and AIDS Research Conference, Nairobi, 17-20 May
Njeri,Inviolata; Kalibala,Sam; Mukoma,Wanjiru; Sinkele,William; Tun,Waimar; Evelia,Humphres
Publication date: 2011
Building the capacity of church leaders to promote HIV prevention through mutual monogamy (abstract)
Poster presentation at the XVIII International AIDS Conference, Vienna, 20 July
Sohaba,Nathi; Mbizvo,Elizabeth; Mabena,Mhlahlandlela; Tun,Waimar
Publication date: 2010
Church leaders promoting partner reduction: An evaluation of an HIV prevention program in churches in the Eastern Cape, South Africa (abstract)
Poster presentation at the XVIII International AIDS Conference, Vienna, 21 July
Tun,Waimar; Sohaba,Nathi; Saliwa,Nancy; Gujulwa,Bonisiwa; Maroga,Edwin; Qwabaza,Mpumelelo
Publication date: 2010
Community approach increases identification of HIV-infected children in South Africa (abstract)
Poster presentation at the XVIII International AIDS Conference, Vienna, 22 July
Maphanga,Tonicah; Sheehy,Meredith; Kellerman,Scott E.; Tun,Waimar; Mini,Nomtandazo Patricia; Scorgie,Fiona; Mbizvo,Elizabeth
Publication date: 2010
Conspiracy beliefs about HIV, attitudes toward condoms and treatment, and HIV-related preventive behaviors among men who have sex with men in Tshwane (Pretoria), South Africa (abstract)
Poster presentation at the XVIII International AIDS Conference, Vienna, 20 July
Tun,Waimar; Kellerman,Scott E.; Maime,Senkhu; Fipaza,Zukiswa; Sheehy,Meredith; Lung Vu; Nel,Dawie
Publication date: 2010
Factors affecting internalized homophobia and its relationship with HIV risk behaviors among men who have sex with men in Pretoria, South Africa (abstract)
Poster presentation at the XVIII International AIDS Conference, Vienna, 20 July
Lung Vu; Tun,Waimar; Nel,Dawie; Sheehy,Meredith
Publication date: 2010
Feasibility and acceptability of HIV self-testing among healthcare workers: Results of a pilot program in two hospitals in Kenya (abstract)
Oral poster discussion at the XVIII International AIDS Conference, Vienna, 21 July
Kalibala,Sam; Tun,Waimar; Muraah,William; Cherutich,Peter; Bunnell,Becky; Oluoch,Patricia; Marum,Lawrence
Publication date: 2010
Missed opportunities to initiate pediatric HIV testing at ART sites (abstract)
Poster presentation at the XVIII International AIDS Conference, Vienna, 22 July
Sheehy,Meredith; Kellerman,Scott E.; Tun,Waimar; Mini,Nomtandazo Patricia; Scorgie,Fiona; Maphanga,Tonicah
Publication date: 2010
Where do men who have sex with men (MSM) go for health services in South Africa? (abstract)
Oral poster discussion at the XVIII International AIDS Conference, Vienna, 21 July
Sheehy,Meredith; Tun,Waimar; Nel,Dawie; Fipaza,Zukiswa; Lung Vu
Publication date: 2010
A family-centered approach increases HIV testing among family members of persons in care for HIV
(abstract) (PDF)
Poster presentation at 5th International AIDS Society (IAS) Conference on HIV Pathogenesis, Treatment and Prevention, Cape Town, 19-22 July
Sheehy,Meredith; Scorgie,Fiona; Mini,Nomtandazo Patricia; Tun,Waimar; Kellerman,Scott E.
Publication date: 2009
Multiple concurrent partnerships and gender power dynamics: Findings from a survey of church-goers in the Eastern Cape, South Africa
(abstract) (PDF)
Poster presentation at 5th International AIDS Society (IAS) Conference on HIV Pathogenesis, Treatment and Prevention, Cape Town, 19-22 July
Tun,Waimar; Sohaba,Nathi; Sheehy,Meredith
Publication date: 2009
Sexual risk behaviours of HIV-positive persons not receiving HIV treatment in Mombasa
(PDF)
Poster presentation at 5th International AIDS Society (IAS) Conference on HIV Pathogenesis, Treatment and Prevention, Cape Town, 19-22 July
Sarna,Avina; Chersich,Matthew F.; Luchters,Stanley; Pickett,Melissa; Tun,Waimar; Okal,Jerry; Rutenberg,Naomi; Temmerman,Marleen
Publication date: 2009
The Men's Health Network, Nigeria (MHNN): Social networking, social franchising, new technologies, and traditional prevention for high-risk men, including MSM (abstract) (PDF)
Poster presentation at 5th International AIDS Society (IAS) Conference on HIV Pathogenesis, Treatment and Prevention, Cape Town, 19-22 July
Karlyn,Andrew; Adebajo,Sylvia; Nwachukwu,Chukwuemeka; Darby,Heather; Tun,Waimar; Kellerman,Scott E.
Publication date: 2009
Do church members think that the church has a role to play in promoting mutual monogamy and HIV prevention in their own congregation? Insights from the Eastern Cape, South Africa (abstract)
Presentation at American Public Health Association 135th Annual Meeting and Exposition, Washington DC, 3-7 November
Tun,Waimar; Sohaba,Nathi; Esu-Williams,Eka
Publication date: 2007
Improving HIV programs for men who sell sex to men in Mombasa, Kenya
Presentation at Scaling Up Through Partnerships: 2007 HIV/AIDS Implementers' Meeting, Kigali, Rwanda, 16-19 June
Geibel,Scott; Luchters,Stanley; King'ola,Nzioki; Rinyiru,Agnes; Esu-Williams,Eka; Tun,Waimar
Publication date: 2007
Informing HIV and STI prevention programs for men who sell sex to men in Mombasa, Kenya
Presentation at American Public Health Association 135th Annual Meeting and Exposition, Washington DC, 3-7 November
Geibel,Scott; Luchters,Stanley; King'ola,Nzioki; Rinyiru,Agnes; Esu-Williams,Eka; Tun,Waimar
Publication date: 2007
Partnering with FBOs and church leaders to promote mutual monogamy in the Eastern Cape Province (abstract)
Presentation at 3rd South African AIDS Conference, Durban, 5-8 June
Sohaba,Nathi; Esu-Williams,Eka; Tun,Waimar
Publication date: 2007
Promotion of mutual monogamy in churches in the Eastern Cape, South Africa: Usefulness and acceptability of Making the Promise, Keeping the Promise: A Faith-based Curriculum for Promoting Mutual Monogamy (abstract)
Presentation at American Public Health Association 135th Annual Meeting and Exposition, Washington DC, 3-7 November
Tun,Waimar; Esu-Williams,Eka; Sohaba,Nathi
Publication date: 2007
Recruitment of injection drug users in two cities in India using respondent-driven sampling for an HIV-related behavioral survey (PDF)
Presentation at Second International Conference on Surveying Health in Complex Situations, Brussels, June
Tun,Waimar; Sarna,Avina; Bhattacharya,Aruna; Apicella,Louis
Publication date: 2007
Contact
E-mail: wtun@popcouncil.org
Address:
Waimar Tun
Population Council
4301 Connecticut Avenue NW
Suite 280
Washington, DC 20008 USA
+1 202 237 9400
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