Promoting HIV prevention among high-risk men in Uganda through self-testing and counseling
Official title: Secondary distribution of HIV self-testing by FSW, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) starter packs and brief counseling to promote PrEP initiation and persistence among high-risk men in Uganda
Funded at Makerere University College of Health Sciences · NIH-10839271 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking to help men who are partners of female sex workers in Uganda by giving them easy access to HIV self-testing kits and PrEP starter packs, along with some friendly advice, to encourage them to know their HIV status and stay safe.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Makerere University College of Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Kampala, Uganda) |
| Project start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $547,321 |
| NIH project number | 1R34MH132479-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10839271 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are high-risk men, particularly those who are clients of female sex workers in Uganda.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not at high risk for HIV or those who are already engaged in effective HIV prevention strategies may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to improve HIV prevention efforts in Uganda by distributing HIV self-testing kits from female sex workers (FSWs) to their male partners. The project will also provide pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) starter packs and brief counseling to encourage these men to start and continue using PrEP. By addressing barriers such as stigma and access to healthcare, the intervention seeks to increase awareness of HIV status and promote safer sexual behaviors. The study will focus on understanding how these strategies can enhance PrEP uptake and adherence among high-risk populations.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce HIV transmission rates among high-risk men in Uganda.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using self-testing and peer-led interventions to improve HIV prevention, indicating that this approach may be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
Makerere University College of Health Sciences
Kampala, Uganda Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Buregyeya, Esther — Makerere University College of Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Buregyeya, Esther
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
mChoice: Boosting PrEP Use and Adherence for Black and Latino MSM with Tailored Training and Support
A national study to help Black and Latino men who have sex with men start and stick with PrEP through culturally matched provider training and patient support.
-
Harnessing male peer networks to boost HIV testing and PrEP use
A large clinical trial in South Africa tests whether giving HIV self-test kits through male peer networks, with phone support, increases PrEP uptake among men.
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Harnessing men's peer networks to boost HIV self-testing and PrEP use
A large project in South Africa tests whether giving HIV self-test kits through men’s social networks, with phone support, can lead to more men starting PrEP and using HIV testing.
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Participatory system dynamics to improve PrEP access in the Bronx
A community-driven project in the Bronx will use system dynamics to identify practical ways to help people at risk for HIV start and stay on PrEP.
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TB PrEP: Bringing HIV prevention to households affected by TB in Uganda
Aims to help people in households with TB in Uganda access HIV PrEP as part of a combined prevention approach.
-
CARES: A practical program to help adolescent girls and young women use PrEP in Africa
A program called CARES helps young women in South Africa and Zimbabwe use different PrEP options better, with counseling, reminders, and options for support.
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.