Reducing stigma to improve HIV care for transgender women
Official title: Ssimusango: Multi-level intervention for intersectional stigma reduction to improve HIV outcomes for transgender women
Funded at Infectious Diseases Institute · NIH-11095881 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking to help transgender women in sub-Saharan Africa by testing new ways to reduce stigma and improve access to HIV care and prevention, so they can stay healthy and feel supported.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Infectious Diseases Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Kampala, Uganda) |
| Project start | July 15, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $172,761 |
| NIH project number | 5R01TW012672-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11095881 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are transgender women living in sub-Saharan Africa who are at risk for HIV.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not identify as transgender women or who are not at risk for HIV may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on transgender women in sub-Saharan Africa, who face a significantly higher risk of HIV infection due to intersectional stigma and discrimination. The project aims to adapt and implement two evidence-based interventions that target stigma at both the health facility and individual levels. By combining the Health Policy Plus Total Facility Approach and the HIV Education, Empathy and Empowerment program, the study seeks to improve engagement in HIV care and adherence to preventive treatments like PrEP. Participants will be involved in a randomized controlled trial to assess the effectiveness of this multi-level intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved HIV prevention and treatment outcomes for transgender women.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success with similar stigma reduction interventions, but this specific adaptation for transgender women in sub-Saharan Africa is novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Infectious Diseases Institute
Kampala, Uganda Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mujugira, Andrew — Infectious Diseases Institute
- Study coordinator: Mujugira, Andrew
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.