Improving HIV prevention for women who use drugs in Tanzania
Official title: Optimizing PrEP Engagement Among Women Who Use Drugs in Tanzania
Funded at Johns Hopkins University · NIH-10890024 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is all about helping women in Tanzania who use heroin to better access and stick with HIV prevention methods like PrEP, especially by providing support for those dealing with mental health challenges like depression and anxiety.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $259,488 |
| NIH project number | 5R34DA058566-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10890024 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are women over 21 years old who use drugs and are at risk of HIV infection.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not use drugs or are not at risk for HIV may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing the engagement of women who use drugs, particularly heroin, in HIV prevention strategies like pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in Tanzania. It recognizes that mental health issues such as depression and anxiety can hinder these women's ability to access and adhere to PrEP. The study will adapt motivational interviewing and cognitive-behavioral therapy techniques for use by trained paraprofessionals to support these women in overcoming barriers to PrEP engagement. By tailoring these interventions to the specific needs of this vulnerable population, the research aims to improve their health outcomes significantly.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to increased PrEP uptake and better health outcomes for women who use drugs in Tanzania, ultimately reducing the incidence of HIV.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in using motivational interviewing and cognitive-behavioral therapy to improve health outcomes in similar populations, indicating a promising approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Saleem, Haneefa Tasleem — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Saleem, Haneefa Tasleem
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.
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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.