HIV prevention and treatment for teens and young adults in South Africa
Adolescent-tailored HIV treatment and prevention strategies in South Africa: projecting clinical benefits and value
This project looks at how long-acting HIV prevention and treatment options could help adolescents and young adults in South Africa stay healthy and avoid new infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11160656 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will use a computer simulation model designed for adolescents to compare different HIV prevention and treatment options, including new long-acting injectable medicines that don't require daily pills. They will combine data on diagnosis timing, treatment adherence, stigma, and medication safety to project health outcomes and costs for people aged about 10–24. By running multiple scenarios, the team will identify which strategies prevent the most infections and reduce deaths among South African youth. The results are meant to guide policymakers and clinics about which approaches could make care easier and more effective for adolescents.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adolescents and young adults (roughly 10–24 years old) in South Africa who are living with HIV or at high risk of infection.
Not a fit: People outside the adolescent/young-adult age range or those living in regions with very different HIV epidemics may not see direct benefits from these findings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could identify strategies that save lives, prevent new infections, and make HIV care easier for South African adolescents.
How similar studies have performed: Clinical trials have shown long-acting HIV medicines can be effective, and prior modeling has helped shape HIV policy, but applying these approaches specifically to South African adolescents is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Massachusetts General Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Neilan, Anne — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Neilan, Anne
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 below.