Improving access to HIV prevention for people who use drugs in Uganda
Implementation science research on PrEP delivery and costing within MAT andNSP services for PWUD in Uganda
This study is looking at how to make it easier for people who use drugs in Uganda to get and stick with HIV prevention medication, by combining it with other support services they already use, so they can stay healthy and safe.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Alabama at Birmingham NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Birmingham, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10843832 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing the delivery of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for people who use drugs (PWUD) in Uganda, where there is a high risk of HIV transmission due to shared injection equipment. The approach involves integrating PrEP services into existing medication-assisted treatment (MAT) and needle-syringe exchange programs (NSP) to increase access and uptake. The study will assess how well these integrated programs work in terms of patient retention and adherence to PrEP, while also evaluating the costs involved to inform future policy decisions. By addressing the unique needs of PWUD, the research aims to create a more effective HIV prevention strategy.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals in Uganda who actively use drugs and are at risk of HIV infection.
Not a fit: Patients who do not use drugs or are not at risk of HIV infection may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce HIV transmission rates among people who use drugs in Uganda.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown success in integrating HIV prevention strategies within drug treatment programs, suggesting this approach could be effective.
Where this research is happening
Birmingham, United States
- University of Alabama at Birmingham — Birmingham, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Heffron, Renee a. — University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Study coordinator: Heffron, Renee a.
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.