Helping people with HIV stay in care after being released from prison in South Africa

Structured Peer-delivered ART and Reentry Community Strategy (SPARCS) to overcome barriers to HIV care continuity during community reentry from incarceration in South Africa

NIH-funded research Johns Hopkins University · NIH-10916548

This study is all about helping people with HIV who have just been released from jail in South Africa stay on track with their treatment and support, using friendly peer-led groups to make it easier for them to adjust back into the community.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionJohns Hopkins University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Baltimore, United States)
Project IDNIH-10916548 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on improving the continuity of HIV care for individuals who have recently been released from incarceration in South Africa. It utilizes a peer-delivered approach to provide antiretroviral therapy (ART) and support, helping participants navigate the challenges of reentering the community. The program includes group sessions led by peers to enhance behavioral skills and build social support, addressing barriers to accessing healthcare services. The goal is to increase the percentage of individuals who remain engaged in HIV care after their release.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals aged 21 and older who have recently been released from incarceration and are living with HIV.

Not a fit: Patients who are not recently released from incarceration or those who do not have HIV may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve health outcomes for individuals with HIV by ensuring they receive continuous care after incarceration.

How similar studies have performed: Previous pilot studies have shown promising results with similar peer-led interventions, indicating potential for successful scale-up.

Where this research is happening

Baltimore, 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.