Phales Milimo
Academic interests
Phales’ research is centered on HIV prevention among young adults, with a strong focus on the role of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) as an effective biomedical intervention.
Her work examines the structural, behavioral, and social factors that influence PrEP uptake and adherence, particularly among populations that are disproportionately affected by HIV such as young women in sub-Saharan Africa.
Through a comparative analysis of PrEP implementation in Zambia and Kenya, she explores both the barriers such as stigma, limited access, and low awareness and the facilitators, including youth-friendly services and national policy integration, that shape prevention outcomes.
By combining advanced epidemiologic methods with a global health perspective, her research aims to generate insights that can inform culturally responsive, evidence-based interventions designed to reduce new HIV infections and contribute to achieving the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets.