NIH-funded research R21 grant

Increasing HIV testing for young children in rural Uganda

Official title: Improving HIV testing among Children under five in Rural Uganda

Funded at University of California, San Francisco · NIH-10839225 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is working to help more young children in rural Uganda get tested for HIV by teaming up with trusted local healers, so they can find out about any barriers to testing and make it easier for families to access these important health services.

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of California, San Francisco
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (San Francisco, United States)
Project startAugust 1, 2024
Project endJuly 31, 2026
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$431,712
NIH project number1R21MH135815-01A1
Project IDNIH-10839225 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 18 months to 5 years living in rural Uganda who may be at risk for HIV.

Less likely to help

Patients outside the age range of 18 months to 5 years or those not residing in rural Uganda may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research aims to improve HIV testing rates among children aged 18 months to 5 years in rural Uganda by collaborating with traditional healers who are trusted figures in the community. The study will identify barriers to testing and adapt a previously successful program that increased testing among adults. By engaging traditional healers, the project seeks to facilitate access to HIV testing for young children, ensuring that more cases are diagnosed and treated early. The approach will involve interviews and community engagement to tailor the program effectively.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier diagnosis and treatment of HIV in young children, significantly improving their health outcomes.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in increasing HIV testing rates through partnerships with traditional healers in similar contexts.

Where this research is happening

  • University of California, San Francisco
    San Francisco, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Hooft, Anneka M — University of California, San Francisco
  • Study coordinator: Hooft, Anneka M

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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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.