Improving depression care for people living with HIV in Malawi

Integrating a Stepped Care Model of Screening and Treatment for Depression into Malawi's National HIV Care Delivery Platform

NIH-funded research Rand Corporation · NIH-10884305

This study is looking to improve mental health care for people living with HIV in Malawi by adding a new way to treat depression right in the HIV clinics, making sure everyone gets the support they need without extra costs.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionRand Corporation NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Santa Monica, United States)
Project IDNIH-10884305 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research aims to integrate a stepped care model for depression treatment into Malawi's national HIV care system. By collaborating with local health authorities and utilizing existing HIV clinics, the project seeks to provide effective and cost-efficient mental health care to individuals living with HIV. The approach involves evaluating the model's effectiveness and cost-effectiveness, ensuring that patients receive appropriate mental health support alongside their HIV treatment. The research builds on previous successful pilot programs in similar settings, aiming to address the high prevalence of untreated depression among this population.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals aged 21 and older who are living with HIV and experiencing symptoms of depression.

Not a fit: Patients who are not living with HIV or who do not have symptoms of depression may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve mental health outcomes for individuals living with HIV in Malawi.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research in similar contexts, such as Uganda, has shown success in integrating depression care into HIV services, indicating a promising approach.

Where this research is happening

Santa Monica, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome VirusAcquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome Virus
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.