Improving STI treatment for young women using rapid testing and partner therapy
Integrating Expedited partner STI Therapy During prep Delivery for young women
This study is helping young women in South Africa who are at risk for HIV by offering quick tests and treatment for sexually transmitted infections, so they can stay healthier and better protect themselves from HIV.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Wits Health Consortium (Pty), LTD NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Parktown, South Africa) |
| Project ID | NIH-10894222 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on adolescent girls and young women in South Africa who are at high risk for HIV-1 and often have untreated sexually transmitted infections (STIs). The project aims to implement point-of-care STI testing and expedited partner therapy (EPT) to improve health outcomes for these women. By providing immediate testing and treatment options, the study seeks to reduce the incidence of STIs and enhance the effectiveness of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV prevention. The approach emphasizes the importance of addressing asymptomatic STIs, which are common in this population.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adolescent girls and young women in South Africa who are at risk for HIV and may have undiagnosed STIs.
Not a fit: Patients who are not at risk for HIV or do not have STIs may not receive any benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce the rates of STIs among young women, improving their overall reproductive health and decreasing the risk of HIV acquisition.
How similar studies have performed: While few studies have evaluated the use of expedited partner therapy in low and middle-income countries, similar approaches have shown promise in other contexts, indicating potential for success.
Where this research is happening
Parktown, South Africa
- Wits Health Consortium (Pty), LTD — Parktown, South Africa (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Palanee, Thesla — Wits Health Consortium (Pty), LTD
- Study coordinator: Palanee, Thesla
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 below.