Helping people who inject drugs with HIV by reducing stigma through quick treatment access

Reducing Stigma in People Who Inject Drugs with HIV Using a Rapid Start Antiretroviral Therapy Intervention

NIH-funded research Yale University · NIH-11129140

This study is looking to help people in Malaysia who inject drugs and are living with HIV by making it easier for them to get the treatment they need without facing judgment, so they can feel supported and stick to their care plan.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionYale University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New Haven, United States)
Project IDNIH-11129140 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on addressing the stigma faced by people who inject drugs (PWID) living with HIV in Malaysia, a country experiencing rising HIV rates. The project aims to implement a rapid start antiretroviral therapy intervention that encourages healthcare providers to offer treatment without discrimination. By utilizing behavioral design strategies, the research seeks to change how physicians make decisions regarding ART prescriptions, ultimately improving access to care for PWID. The study will evaluate the effectiveness of these interventions in reducing stigma and increasing treatment adherence among this vulnerable population.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who inject drugs and are living with HIV, particularly in Malaysia.

Not a fit: Patients who do not inject drugs or are not living with HIV may not receive any benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved access to HIV treatment for people who inject drugs, ultimately reducing HIV transmission rates.

How similar studies have performed: While stigma-reducing interventions have been explored, this approach using behavioral design strategies is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in similar contexts.

Where this research is happening

New Haven, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome VirusAcquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome Virus
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.