Targeted HIV self-test distribution to engage high-risk men in Kenya
Official title: Reaching the last 20%: a targeted HIV self-test secondary distribution intervention to engage high-risk men in Kenya
Funded at Research Triangle Institute · NIH-11536631 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study tests whether giving HIV self-test kits through women who sell sex can help high-risk men in Kenya learn their status and get care.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Research Triangle Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Research Triangle Park, United States) |
| Project start | June 6, 2022 |
| Project end | April 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $122,763 |
| NIH project number | 3R01MH127955-05S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11536631 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are men in high HIV prevalence regions who purchase sex and are currently unlikely to use standard HIV testing or services.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals not at high risk or not engaged in sexual networks with female sex workers may see limited or no direct benefit.
What this research studies
This project tests a new approach in Kenya to reach men at high risk for HIV, especially those who buy sex. It uses self-test kits distributed by women who sell sex and follows a stepped-wedge trial to see if this increases testing, prevention, and linkage to care. The goal is to identify HIV infections earlier and connect men to services in real-world clinic settings. The design involves clusters of government-supported clinics that receive the intervention in a staggered order. Researchers will measure how well the distribution works and whether it translates into more people getting tested and entering care.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could improve HIV testing and access to prevention and care for high-risk men who may not engage with traditional services.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary data from similar secondary distribution models suggest acceptable feasibility and safety with high partner testing, though the exact approach in this study is being tested.
Where this research is happening
-
Research Triangle Institute
Research Triangle Park, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Montgomery, Elizabeth Trask — Research Triangle Institute
- Study coordinator: Montgomery, Elizabeth Trask
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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.