Improving HIV services in emergency care settings in South Africa

Universal Test and Connect: A Pilot Study of Comprehensive HIV Service Delivery in Emergency Care Settings in South Africa

NIH-funded research Johns Hopkins University · NIH-11009366

This study is working to make it easier for people in South Africa to get tested for HIV and receive treatment right in emergency rooms, so that those who might not usually seek help can get the care they need quickly and easily.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionJohns Hopkins University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Baltimore, United States)
Project IDNIH-11009366 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research aims to enhance access to HIV prevention and treatment services for vulnerable populations in South Africa by implementing a Universal Test-and-Connect strategy in emergency departments. The approach involves integrating HIV assessments into routine emergency care, allowing for immediate testing and linkage to care for patients who may not otherwise seek these services. By focusing on high-volume emergency departments, the study seeks to identify and support individuals at risk of HIV, ensuring they receive necessary preventative and therapeutic interventions.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who present to emergency departments in Cape Town and are at risk for HIV.

Not a fit: Patients who are not at risk for HIV or those who do not seek care in emergency departments may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly increase the number of individuals receiving timely HIV prevention and treatment services, ultimately reducing the burden of HIV in South Africa.

How similar studies have performed: Similar approaches have shown promise in other regions, indicating potential for success in integrating HIV services within emergency care settings.

Where this research is happening

Baltimore, 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 2026-06-13 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.