Improving screening for sexually transmitted infections in South Africa

Screening strategies for sexually transmitted infections in a high HIV incidence setting in South Africa

NIH-funded research Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-10915022

This study is looking at better ways to test for treatable sexually transmitted infections in young people living in rural South Africa, to help catch infections that often go unnoticed and reduce the risk of HIV.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionMassachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Boston, United States)
Project IDNIH-10915022 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on developing and evaluating effective screening strategies for curable sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among adolescents and young adults in rural South Africa, a population at high risk for HIV. The study aims to address the limitations of current diagnostic methods, which often miss asymptomatic infections, by implementing new diagnostic tests and screening protocols. By rigorously assessing these strategies, the research seeks to inform future public health initiatives aimed at reducing the incidence of STIs and HIV transmission in this vulnerable population.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adolescents and young adults living in rural South Africa who are at risk for sexually transmitted infections.

Not a fit: Patients who are not in the targeted age group or geographic area, or those who do not have a risk of STIs, may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce the rates of STIs and HIV among young people in South Africa, leading to better health outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that improved screening strategies for STIs can lead to better health outcomes, suggesting that this approach has the potential for success.

Where this research is happening

Boston, 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 Syndrome VirusAcquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome Virus
Last reviewed 2026-06-14 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.