Harnessing male peer networks to boost HIV testing and PrEP use
Official title: Harnessing male peer networks to enhance engagement with HIV prevention: A largescale cluster randomized trial to increase HIV self-testing and PrEP uptake
Funded at Stellenbosch University · NIH-11421461 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A large community study in South Africa tests if giving HIV self-test kits through male peers, with support by phone, can increase HIV testing and PrEP uptake among men.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stellenbosch University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stellenbosch, SOUTH AFRICA) |
| Project start | August 3, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $216,850 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH133488-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11421461 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Men at risk for HIV who are connected to peer networks and able to use self-testing and phone support.
✕Less likely to help
Men without access to mobile phones or who are not in peer networks may derive less benefit.
What this research studies
This project uses real-world communities to see if distributing HIV self-test kits via male peer networks, plus phone-based support, can help more men start and stay on PrEP. It builds on a long-running HIV surveillance program to measure outcomes in 44 clusters over six months, aiming to detect a meaningful rise in PrEP initiation. The approach focuses on practical delivery in men’s social networks to overcome barriers to testing and prevention. Results could show how peer-led distribution fits into existing HIV care pathways and how cost-effective it is in a high-burden setting.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the study could lead to more men getting tested and starting PrEP, reducing new HIV infections in the community.
How similar studies have gone: Prior studies suggest peer-based distribution can improve testing and prevention uptake, but large-scale proof in this context is needed.
Where this research is happening
-
Stellenbosch University
Stellenbosch, South Africa Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tanser, Frank Courteney — Stellenbosch University
- Study coordinator: Tanser, Frank Courteney
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Harnessing male peer networks to boost HIV testing and PrEP use
A large clinical trial in South Africa tests whether giving HIV self-test kits through male peer networks, with phone support, increases PrEP uptake among men.
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Harnessing men's peer networks to boost HIV self-testing and PrEP use
A large project in South Africa tests whether giving HIV self-test kits through men’s social networks, with phone support, can lead to more men starting PrEP and using HIV testing.
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TB PrEP: Bringing HIV prevention to households affected by TB in Uganda
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Nurse-led group program to boost PrEP use for women at risk of HIV
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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.