Reducing stigma to improve HIV testing and care for trans women in Nepal
Official title: Sweekar - Multi-level intersectional stigma reduction to increase HIV testing and care engagement among trans women in Nepal
Funded at Public Health Foundation Enterprises · NIH-10871688 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working to help trans women in Nepal get better access to HIV testing and care by tackling the discrimination they face and providing support and education to encourage them to seek the health services they need.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Public Health Foundation Enterprises NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (City of Industry, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2022 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $160,956 |
| NIH project number | 5R01TW012397-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10871688 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are trans women living in Nepal who are at risk for or affected by HIV.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not identify as trans women or who are not residing in Nepal may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to address the significant barriers faced by trans women in Nepal regarding HIV testing and care engagement. By focusing on the intersectional stigma that these individuals experience, the project will implement a multi-level intervention designed to reduce discrimination and improve access to health services. The approach includes community engagement and educational components to empower trans women and encourage them to seek HIV testing and treatment. The study builds on previous findings that highlight the urgent need for tailored interventions in low- and middle-income countries.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to increased HIV testing rates and better health outcomes for trans women in Nepal.
How similar studies have gone: While there is limited research specifically targeting intersectional stigma in low- and middle-income countries, similar approaches have shown promise in other contexts.
Where this research is happening
-
Public Health Foundation Enterprises
City of Industry, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Meek, Erin Catherine — Public Health Foundation Enterprises
- Study coordinator: Meek, Erin Catherine
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.