Scaling a savings and family-support program for young people affected by HIV in sub‑Saharan Africa
Bridges2Scale: Testing implementation strategies for an intervention among young people affected by AIDS
This project tries different ways to deliver a program of savings accounts, financial training, and family support to help adolescents and young people affected by HIV in sub‑Saharan Africa.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11158774 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would be offered a multi‑component program called Bridges that includes financial literacy training, mentorship, family income activities, and a matched youth savings account. The team will test different ways to deliver and expand that program across communities and clinics so more young people can join. If you take part, you may attend training sessions, meet with mentors, and receive incentives to save while researchers track health, adherence, schooling, and family outcomes. The work builds on prior trials in Uganda and Kenya and focuses on adolescents and young adults affected by HIV.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adolescents and young adults in sub‑Saharan Africa who live with HIV or have been orphaned/affected by HIV and who face household economic hardship are the ideal participants.
Not a fit: People who are not adolescents or young adults, who live outside participating sub‑Saharan African communities, or whose challenges are purely medical rather than economic may not benefit directly from this program.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could help young people affected by HIV stick to treatment, lower risky behaviors, and improve mental health, education, and family finances.
How similar studies have performed: Previous randomized trials of the Bridges intervention in Uganda and Kenya have shown robust benefits for risk behaviors, ART adherence, mental health, school outcomes, and family economics.
Where this research is happening
Saint Louis, United States
- Washington University — Saint Louis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ssewamala, Fred M — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Ssewamala, Fred M
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.