SUSTAIN 2: A patient-centered plan to keep people with HIV in care in South Africa
Official title: The SUSTAIN 2 study - SUStained HIV Treatment for Adherence After Interruption in Care
Funded at Yale University · NIH-11556548 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A program tests a patient-centered care model to help people with HIV in South Africa stay connected to care and keep their virus under control.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Yale University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Haven, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2026 |
| Project end | March 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $267,429 |
| NIH project number | 3R01MH138297-03S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11556548 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with HIV in South Africa who have had gaps in care or unsuppressed viral load and are at high risk of disengagement.
✕Less likely to help
People who are already consistently in care and virally suppressed may not experience additional benefit from this model.
What this research studies
If you’ve had gaps in HIV care or your virus wasn’t fully suppressed, SUSTAIN‑2 tests a six‑month medicine dispensing and nurse-led support system designed to keep you engaged with care. Participants are randomly assigned to this new differentiated service delivery model or to enhanced standard care, with tracking of viral load, retention, and how well medicines are taken. Researchers will also talk with participants and healthcare workers to understand what helps or hinders staying in care. The study is conducted in partnership with City of Cape Town health services to see if this approach could be scaled up if effective.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the program could make ongoing HIV care easier to follow and improve long‑term viral suppression for people who had care gaps.
How similar studies have gone: Previous findings showed engagement gaps in a substantial portion of people in care, and this study builds on a proven adherence club approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Yale University
New Haven, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Katz, Ingrid T. — Yale University
- Study coordinator: Katz, Ingrid T.
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.