Ofole Mgbako, MD

As Director of our HIV Equity Research Program at NYC Health+Hospitals/Bellevue, my current research focuses broadly on HIV and health equity. I am exploring the impact of structural racism, homophobia, stigma, as well as social determinants of health, on HIV-related outcomes for Black, Latino, and LGBTQ+ communities.

The primary objective of my research is to better understand the structural and psychosocial factors that drive disparities in HIV-related outcomes along the prevention and care continuum among racial, gender, and sexual minority populations. By focusing on these factors, I hope to leverage scientific advancements in HIV therapeutics such as long-acting injectable antiretroviral therapy, or advancements in policy such as rapid ART, to ensure patients with the highest risk of HIV acquisition benefit from these changes. I am also involved in community-engaged research with multiple community-based organizations with expertise in HIV, and am creating innovative care delivery models for hospitalized patients with HIV and substance use disorder.

Some notable studies include the EquiPrEP study, an implementation science study focused on a strategy to deliver long-acting injectable PrEP to Black and Latino cisgender men who have sex with men, Black and Latina cisgender women, and transgender/nonbinary individuals; a mixed-methods study utilizing Photovoice and in-depth interviews to understand motivations for HIV care disengagement and reengagement among young Black and Latino people with HIV who fall out of care; a study on intersectional stigma and substance use among people with HIV who were diagnosed with mpox during the 2022-23 outbreak. To date, my research has resulted in several significant contributions, including publications in major journals, conference presentations, collaborations with other researchers at NYU School of Global Public Health and the Center for Drug Use and HIV Research, and the AAMC Herbert Nickens Faculty Fellowship Award.