Using big data to better target HIV prevention and care in sub-Saharan Africa
Leveraging Big Data Science to Focus the HIV Response in Countries with Generalized HIV Epidemics
This project combines many large data sources to find where HIV prevention and treatment could help people in sub-Saharan Africa the most.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11099988 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From your perspective, researchers are putting together many kinds of information—health data, surveys, social media and search patterns, location and migration records, and socioeconomic data—to map where HIV risk is highest. They will build a central data warehouse and use modern data-science methods to spot hotspots and groups who face greater risk within countries that have widespread epidemics. The team aims to produce clear, local guidance so programs can focus prevention, testing, and treatment where they are most needed. Findings may help design better outreach and policy decisions that affect communities across the region.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People living with HIV and communities in sub-Saharan African countries with generalized epidemics are the most relevant populations for this work.
Not a fit: People outside the affected regions or those needing immediate individual clinical care may not directly benefit from this data-focused project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help health programs reach people at highest risk faster, lower new infections, and improve access to HIV care.
How similar studies have performed: Some mapping and data-driven approaches have improved service targeting in parts of Africa, but combining many diverse big-data sources at this scale is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
Baltimore, United States
- Johns Hopkins University — Baltimore, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Baral, Stefan David — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Baral, Stefan David
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.