Improving HIV care for newly diagnosed individuals in refugee settlements in Uganda
Official title: Achieving HIV viral suppression in refugee settlements in Uganda with Head StART: a cluster randomized trial evaluating the effectiveness of community ART delivery for people newly diagnosed with HIV
Funded at University of Washington · NIH-11015020 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how giving HIV treatment right in refugee communities in Uganda can help people who are newly diagnosed start and stick with their medication, making it easier for them to stay healthy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Washington NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $548,859 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH130216-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11015020 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals newly diagnosed with HIV living in refugee settlements in Uganda.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not newly diagnosed with HIV or those living outside of refugee settlements may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how community-based delivery of antiretroviral therapy (ART) can improve the initiation and adherence to treatment for people newly diagnosed with HIV in refugee settlements in Uganda. It addresses the unique barriers faced by refugees, such as long travel distances to clinics and social stigma, by providing ART directly within the community. The study evaluates the effectiveness of this approach through a cluster randomized trial, aiming to enhance viral suppression rates among participants. By focusing on individuals at the critical time of their HIV diagnosis, the research seeks to improve overall health outcomes in this vulnerable population.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly increase the rates of ART initiation and viral suppression among newly diagnosed individuals in refugee settlements.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary findings from a pilot study suggest that community ART delivery may enhance viral suppression, indicating potential success for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Washington
Seattle, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: O'laughlin, Kelli Nicole — University of Washington
- Study coordinator: O'laughlin, Kelli Nicole
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.