Improving screening for sexually transmitted infections in South Africa
Official title: Screening strategies for sexually transmitted infections in a high HIV incidence setting in South Africa
Funded at Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-10915022 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $195,569 |
| NIH project number | 5K23AI174917-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10915022 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adolescents and young adults living in rural South Africa who are at risk for sexually transmitted infections.
✕Less likely to help
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.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jarolimova, Jana — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Jarolimova, Jana
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.