Improving HIV prevention for postpartum women in Malawi
Official title: Project 2 - Improving HIV prevention among postpartum women in Lilongwe, Malawi: the postpartum prevention package [Parent Title: PREVENTING INFANT INFECTIONS WITH IMPLEMENTATION SCIENCE IN MALAWI]
Funded at Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill · NIH-11063848 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at ways to help new moms in Malawi stay safe from HIV after giving birth by providing them with easy access to a prevention method called PrEP, along with support and education to make sure they can use it effectively for their health and their baby's health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chapel Hill, United States) |
| Project start | May 15, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $341,606 |
| NIH project number | 5P01HD112215-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11063848 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are postpartum women in Malawi who are at risk of acquiring HIV during the breastfeeding period.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not postpartum or those who are not at risk of HIV acquisition may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing HIV prevention strategies for women who have recently given birth in Malawi, where the risk of acquiring HIV during the postpartum period is notably high. The project aims to implement a postpartum prevention package that includes the use of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), which can significantly reduce the risk of HIV transmission. By addressing barriers to PrEP uptake and adherence, the research seeks to improve health outcomes for both mothers and their infants. The approach includes community engagement and education to ensure that women understand and can access these preventive measures effectively.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce the rates of HIV transmission from mothers to infants, improving health outcomes for families in Malawi.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in implementing PrEP for HIV prevention in various populations, indicating that this approach has potential for effectiveness in similar contexts.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rutstein, Sarah E. — Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
- Study coordinator: Rutstein, Sarah E.
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Better HIV prevention for new and breastfeeding mothers in Lilongwe, Malawi
This project compares daily oral and newer long‑acting injectable PrEP as part of a postpartum prevention package to help protect new and breastfeeding mothers and their babies from HIV in Lilongwe, Malawi.
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Making HIV prevention and care easier for Ugandan youth
A Ugandan study is testing ways to help adolescents and young adults (15–24) prevent HIV and stay healthy, using long-acting PrEP and youth-friendly services.
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Innovative HIV Prevention and Care Interventions for Adolescents and Young Adults in Uganda
A Ugandan research team is testing practical, youth-focused strategies to help 15-24 year-olds using HIV prevention or treatment services stay healthy and engaged in care.
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Improving HIV Prevention and Care for Ugandan Adolescents and Young Adults
A Uganda-based research effort aims to boost HIV prevention and care outcomes for 15-24 year-olds by testing practical, community-based strategies to increase PrEP use and viral suppression.
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Adolescent and Youth HIV Prevention and Care Improvements in Uganda
A UG1 grant is testing ways to help Ugandan teens and young adults (ages 15-24) prevent HIV and stay healthy if they have HIV, using new long-acting PrEP and community care approaches.
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Malkia Klabu: safer, youth-friendly pharmacies to boost HIV prevention for AGYW in Tanzania
A Tanzania-based project tests a youth-friendly pharmacy model to improve access to HIV prevention and sexual health services for adolescent girls and young women.
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.