Improving HIV prevention for pregnant and postpartum women in South Africa

Stepped care to optimize PrEP effectiveness in pregnant and postpartum women (SCOPE-PP) in South Africa

NIH-funded research University of California Los Angeles · NIH-11193642

This study is looking to improve how well pregnant and new moms at high risk for HIV in South Africa can stick to taking their preventive medication, PrEP, by offering better support and easier access, so they can stay healthy and protect their babies.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of California Los Angeles NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Los Angeles, United States)
Project IDNIH-11193642 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on enhancing the effectiveness of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for pregnant and postpartum women at high risk of HIV in South Africa. It aims to address the challenges of low adherence to PrEP during and after pregnancy by implementing a stepped care approach that includes rapid PrEP initiation, enhanced counseling, and community delivery options. The study will evaluate the cost-effectiveness of these interventions through a randomized control trial, providing insights that could inform national health policies. By leveraging previous findings, the research seeks to optimize PrEP use among this vulnerable population.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are pregnant or postpartum women in South Africa who are at high risk for HIV.

Not a fit: Patients who are not pregnant or postpartum, or those who are not at risk for HIV, may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce new HIV infections among pregnant and postpartum women, thereby improving maternal and child health outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promise in integrating PrEP into antenatal care, indicating that this approach could be effective.

Where this research is happening

Los Angeles, 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 SyndromeAcquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome VirusAcquired Immunodeficiency SyndromeAcquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome Virus
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 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.