Bridges2Scale: Testing how to spread an economic empowerment program for teens affected by AIDS
Official title: Bridges2Scale: Testing implementation strategies for an intervention among young people affected by AIDS
Funded at New York University · NIH-11484457 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A 2-year project in Sub-Saharan Africa tests how to scale an economic empowerment program to help adolescents and young people affected by HIV improve their health, finances, and well-being.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | New York University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | February 3, 2026 |
| Project end | January 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $241,276 |
| NIH project number | 7R01HD112323-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11484457 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal participants are adolescents and young people affected by HIV in Sub-Saharan Africa, including those living with HIV and those orphaned by AIDS, who can engage in savings, financial literacy, and income-generating activities.
✕Less likely to help
Patients not interested in financial-empowerment approaches or not in settings where Bridges-like components can be implemented may see no direct benefit.
What this research studies
This project builds on years of work showing that saving-led financial programs, family income support, and financial literacy can reduce HIV risk and improve ART adherence and mental health for young people affected by AIDS. It will test implementation strategies to take the Bridges program from earlier trials and make it work in broader, real-world settings. The team will partner with local communities to adapt training, savings, and income activities, and measure how well these components are adopted and sustained in low-resource environments. The goal is to identify practical steps that programs and clinics can use to reach more AY affected by HIV and improve their outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the program could help more adolescents and youths affected by HIV access and maintain care, improve mental health, and reduce risky behaviors.
How similar studies have gone: Previous Bridges trials in Uganda showed positive effects on HIV-related outcomes, supporting potential benefits of scaling this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
New York University
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ssewamala, Fred M — New York University
- Study coordinator: Ssewamala, Fred M
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.