Harnessing men's peer networks to boost HIV self-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-11621078 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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.
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) | $131,143 |
| NIH project number | 3R01MH133488-04S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11621078 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are men at risk of HIV infection within the study communities who can receive HIVST kits and participate in distributor networks.
✕Less likely to help
Men who are not engaged in HIV testing or PrEP decisions or who do not interact with peer-distributor networks may see limited benefit.
What this research studies
This project uses real-world community networks to spread HIV self-testing kits through male peers and provides phone-based support to help men recognize risk and take preventive actions. It will be implemented across 44 clusters with about 3,591 men followed for six months to see if PrEP initiation increases. The study builds on two decades of local HIV surveillance data to maximize impact and cost-effectiveness in a high-burden setting. Results will inform scalable strategies to engage men in testing, prevention, and PrEP uptake.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the approach could significantly increase PrEP initiation and HIV testing among men, helping reduce new infections.
How similar studies have gone: Prior studies have shown peer-led distribution can improve access to HIV testing and prevention services in other settings, but this exact peer-distribution model for HIVST and PrEP initiation in men is being tested.
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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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.