Self-collected HPV screening for cervical cancer risk in women with HIV in West Africa
West Africa Self-Sampling HPV Based Cervical Cancer Control Program (WA-SS-HCCP) for WLWHA: Barriers, challenges, and needs
This program offers self-collected HPV tests to women living with HIV in West Africa to find high-risk HPV that can lead to cervical cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwestern University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11396455 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would be offered a simple kit to collect your own vaginal/cervical sample for HPV testing, which can be done at home or in a clinic. The program works through existing HIV clinic networks in West Africa (including partners in Mali and Nigeria) to deliver kits, collect samples, and arrange follow-up for positive results. Researchers will document barriers, challenges, and needs so services can be made easier to use and expanded. The effort aims to connect more women living with HIV to screening and timely care for cervical precancer.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Women living with HIV in West Africa (for example those attending HIV clinics in Mali or Nigeria) who are due for cervical screening would be ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Women who do not have HIV, live outside the study regions, or cannot access follow-up care may not receive direct benefit from this program.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this program could increase early detection and timely treatment of cervical precancer among women living with HIV in West Africa.
How similar studies have performed: Self-sampling HPV tests have shown good accuracy and increased screening uptake in some settings, but implementation among women living with HIV in West Africa has been less tested.
Where this research is happening
Chicago, United States
- Northwestern University — Chicago, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hou, Lifang — Northwestern University
- Study coordinator: Hou, Lifang
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.