Understanding and reducing HIV risk in older populations during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Official title: The changing face of HIV in the era of COVID-19: Maximising HIV incidence reduction through dynamic targeting of current and future distributions of acquisition risk.
Funded at Stellenbosch University · NIH-11001508 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how the COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way HIV spreads, especially among older people in South Africa, and aims to find new ways to help prevent infections in rural communities.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stellenbosch University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stellenbosch, SOUTH AFRICA) |
| Project start | March 1, 2023 |
| Project end | December 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $441,781 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH131480-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11001508 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals aged 65 and older living in rural areas of South Africa who may be at risk for HIV.
✕Less likely to help
Patients under the age of 65 or those not residing in the targeted rural communities may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected HIV transmission dynamics, particularly among older populations in South Africa. By analyzing data from a large population-based HIV cohort, the study aims to identify emerging vulnerable groups and develop targeted prevention strategies. The approach includes assessing the impact of new antiretroviral treatments and disruptions in healthcare services on HIV incidence. The goal is to create effective interventions that can be implemented in rural communities to reduce new infections.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective HIV prevention strategies tailored for older adults, ultimately reducing new infections in this vulnerable population.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in targeted HIV prevention strategies, but this specific approach focusing on older populations during the COVID-19 pandemic is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Stellenbosch University
Stellenbosch, South Africa Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tanser, Frank Courteney — Stellenbosch University
- Study coordinator: Tanser, Frank Courteney
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Structural factors linking minimum wage, COVID-19, and community violence
A long-term study will explore whether higher minimum wages and pandemic-related economic factors are connected to changes in violence in US communities.
-
COVID-19 healthcare disruptions and heart health inequities in NYC adults with multiple conditions
This project looks at how COVID-19-related gaps in care affected heart health in adults with several chronic conditions in New York City.
-
Modifying body fat to aid COVID-19 recovery through behavioral strategies
A study in veterans explores whether changing weight through lifestyle habits can improve recovery after COVID-19–related health problems.
-
Post-COVID Neuro-Cognitive Changes in Older African Americans
A study explores how COVID-19 affects thinking, memory, and daily life in older African American adults and what might be driving these changes.
-
How COVID school closures affected kids with or at risk for developmental differences
This NIH grant follows children aged 4 to 15 and their families to see how pandemic school closures impacted emotional well-being and parenting over three years.
-
Long-term COVID-19 effects in older Veterans and a rehabilitation approach
This project looks at how COVID-19 affects blood vessel health in older Veterans and tests a rehab strategy together with a mitochondria-targeted antioxidant to help recovery.
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.