Improving access to HIV prevention for young women selling sex in Zimbabwe
Official title: Pharmacy-based PrEP for Young Women who Sell Sex in Zimbabwe
Funded at Centre/sexual Hlth/hiv Aid Res/zimbabwe · NIH-10704134 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working to make it easier for young women who sell sex in Zimbabwe to get and keep using PrEP, a medication that helps prevent HIV, by providing them with personalized support to overcome challenges like stigma and lack of resources.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Centre/sexual Hlth/hiv Aid Res/zimbabwe NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Harare, Zimbabwe) |
| Project start | September 13, 2022 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $272,655 |
| NIH project number | 5R34MH129220-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10704134 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are young women aged 21 and older who are engaged in sex work in Zimbabwe.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not involved in sex work or are outside the age range may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing access to pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for young women who sell sex in Zimbabwe, a group at high risk for HIV infection. The project aims to develop and evaluate a pharmacy-based intervention that addresses barriers to PrEP continuation, such as stigma and lack of support. By leveraging psychosocial support and behavioral economics, the study seeks to improve the uptake and sustained use of PrEP among these women. Participants will receive tailored support to help them navigate challenges related to accessing and adhering to PrEP.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce HIV incidence among young women who sell sex in Zimbabwe.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that pharmacy-based interventions can be effective in increasing PrEP uptake and adherence among high-risk populations.
Where this research is happening
-
Centre/sexual Hlth/hiv Aid Res/zimbabwe
Harare, Zimbabwe Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sibanda, Euphemia Lindelwe — Centre/sexual Hlth/hiv Aid Res/zimbabwe
- Study coordinator: Sibanda, Euphemia Lindelwe
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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mChoice: Boosting PrEP Use and Adherence for Black and Latino MSM with Tailored Training and Support
A national study to help Black and Latino men who have sex with men start and stick with PrEP through culturally matched provider training and patient support.
-
Harnessing male peer networks to boost HIV testing and PrEP use
A large clinical trial in South Africa tests whether giving HIV self-test kits through male peer networks, with phone support, increases PrEP uptake among men.
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Harnessing men's peer networks to boost HIV self-testing and PrEP use
A large project in South Africa tests whether giving HIV self-test kits through men’s social networks, with phone support, can lead to more men starting PrEP and using HIV testing.
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Participatory system dynamics to improve PrEP access in the Bronx
A community-driven project in the Bronx will use system dynamics to identify practical ways to help people at risk for HIV start and stay on PrEP.
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TB PrEP: Bringing HIV prevention to households affected by TB in Uganda
Aims to help people in households with TB in Uganda access HIV PrEP as part of a combined prevention approach.
-
CARES: A practical program to help adolescent girls and young women use PrEP in Africa
A program called CARES helps young women in South Africa and Zimbabwe use different PrEP options better, with counseling, reminders, and options for support.
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.