Reducing stigma for women with HIV in Blantyre, Malawi

Multi-level stigma mitigation intervention for women living with HIV in Blantyre, Malawi

NIH-funded research Johns Hopkins University · NIH-11002849

This project will use clinic, community, and personal supports to help women with HIV in Blantyre, Malawi stay on antiretroviral therapy and keep their viral load low.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionJohns Hopkins University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Baltimore, United States)
Project IDNIH-11002849 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

You would be offered a package of supports adapted to local needs that works at the clinic, community, and family levels. The package includes training for healthcare staff, community outreach to reduce stigma, peer support and counseling, and activities to improve economic stability and mental health. The team will deliver these components in participating clinics and neighborhoods in Blantyre and follow women over time to see if they stay on ART and achieve viral suppression. Local partners and women living with HIV will help tailor the program so it fits different ages and life situations.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Women living with HIV in Blantyre, Malawi who receive care at participating clinics and community sites across the lifespan.

Not a fit: People who live outside Blantyre, are not enrolled at participating clinics, or cannot access the intervention components may not receive direct benefit from this project.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, it could help more women stay on ART, reduce stigma they face, and increase rates of viral suppression.

How similar studies have performed: Related stigma-reduction, peer-support, and economic-support programs in parts of sub-Saharan Africa have shown improvements in ART adherence and viral suppression, but bundled multi-level packages like this have been less commonly tested.

Where this research is happening

Baltimore, United States

Researchers

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 below.
Conditions Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome VirusAcquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome Virus
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.