HIV prevention for pregnant and postpartum women in Botswana using STI testing and PrEP options
Improving PrEP outcomes among pregnant women in Botswana with an integrated STI testing and PrEP delivery model
['FUNDING_R01'] · THE BOTSWANA HARVARD HEALTH PARTNERSHIP · NIH-11181264
This project offers STI testing plus two HIV prevention choices—daily oral PrEP pills and a dapivirine vaginal ring—to help pregnant and postpartum women in Botswana avoid HIV.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | THE BOTSWANA HARVARD HEALTH PARTNERSHIP (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (GABORONE, BOTSWANA) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11181264 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
You would be offered diagnostic STI testing as part of routine antenatal care and then offered HIV prevention options tailored to your needs. The program compares starting or continuing daily oral PrEP versus using a dapivirine vaginal ring, with follow-up to track use, side effects, and infant safety. Researchers will collect information on who chooses which option, how long people stay on prevention, and whether STI testing changes perceived HIV risk and uptake. Safety monitoring during pregnancy and postpartum will be emphasized to inform future messaging and care.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Pregnant or postpartum women in Botswana who are HIV-negative and at higher risk for HIV (for example those with STIs, partners of unknown or positive status, or living in high-incidence areas) are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People who already have HIV or those who cannot or will not use oral PrEP or the vaginal ring are unlikely to benefit from this prevention-focused effort.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could help more pregnant and postpartum women use effective HIV prevention and lower new HIV infections.
How similar studies have performed: Previous programs integrating PrEP into antenatal care have increased uptake and the dapivirine ring has reduced HIV risk in trials, but sustained use and safety during pregnancy remain less well established.
Where this research is happening
GABORONE, BOTSWANA
- THE BOTSWANA HARVARD HEALTH PARTNERSHIP — GABORONE, BOTSWANA (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: MORRONI, CHELSEA — THE BOTSWANA HARVARD HEALTH PARTNERSHIP
- Study coordinator: MORRONI, CHELSEA
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.
Conditions: Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome Virus, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome Virus