Keeping youth-friendly HIV self-testing and prevention services available in Nigeria
Sustaining Innovative Tools to Expand Youth-Friendly HIV Self-Testing (S-ITEST)
This project brings and sustains youth-friendly HIV self-testing, PrEP, and STI testing options for Nigerian teens and young adults.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11181326 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Youths will help design and lead HIV prevention services using methods like crowdsourcing, designathons, and participatory learning so services fit their needs. The team builds on a successful 4YBY program and a randomized trial across many local government areas to move proven approaches into routine care. Researchers will use implementation science methods to find practical ways to maintain HIV self-testing, PrEP uptake, STI testing, and linkage to youth-friendly clinics over time. The goal is to adapt and scale these services in diverse Nigerian settings so more adolescents and young adults can access them consistently.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adolescents and young adults in Nigeria (roughly ages 14–24) who are at risk for HIV or interested in HIV prevention and testing would be the primary candidates.
Not a fit: People living outside Nigeria, those older than the target age range, or individuals already stably engaged in HIV care are unlikely to be eligible or to benefit directly from this program.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could make it easier for Nigerian adolescents and young adults to get and keep using HIV self-tests, PrEP, STI testing, and youth-friendly clinical services.
How similar studies have performed: Related 4YBY pilot work and interim data from a larger randomized trial have shown promising results using these participatory, youth-led approaches.
Where this research is happening
Saint Louis, United States
- Washington University — Saint Louis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Iwelunmor, Juliet — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Iwelunmor, Juliet
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.