Improving access to sexual health services and PrEP for men
Official title: Male Access to Sexual Health Services and PrEP
Funded at Desmond Tutu HIV Foundation · NIH-10871831 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking for ways to help heterosexual men aged 15-49 in South Africa better access HIV prevention methods, like PrEP, by understanding what makes it easier or harder for them to get the care they need.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Desmond Tutu HIV Foundation NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cape Town, South Africa) |
| Project start | September 1, 2022 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $111,641 |
| NIH project number | 5K43TW012362-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10871831 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are heterosexual men aged 15-49 living in South Africa who are at high risk for HIV acquisition.
✕Less likely to help
Patients outside the age range of 15-49 or those who are already HIV positive may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing interventions to enhance HIV prevention among heterosexual men aged 15-49 in South Africa. It aims to understand the factors influencing the uptake of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) using behavioral economics. By identifying barriers and facilitators to accessing sexual health services, the project seeks to prototype evidence-based strategies that can effectively curb HIV acquisition in this high-risk population. The research is led by a behavioral scientist with experience in HIV endemic communities, supported by a team of experts in the field.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly increase PrEP uptake among men, leading to reduced HIV transmission rates.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in using behavioral economics to improve health behaviors, suggesting potential for this approach in HIV prevention.
Where this research is happening
-
Desmond Tutu HIV Foundation
Cape Town, South Africa Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Smith, Philip John — Desmond Tutu HIV Foundation
- Study coordinator: Smith, Philip John
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.