Using male peer networks to boost HIV self-testing and PrEP use
Harnessing male peer networks to enhance engagement with HIV prevention: A largescale cluster randomized trial to increase HIV self-testing and PrEP uptake
['FUNDING_R01'] · STELLENBOSCH UNIVERSITY · NIH-11084525
Men in eastern Zimbabwe will be offered HIV self-tests through their social networks plus phone support to help them know their status and start PrEP if appropriate.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | STELLENBOSCH UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (Stellenbosch, SOUTH AFRICA) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11084525 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
If you join, a friend or peer in your community may give you an HIV self-test kit and you can get phone-based guidance on how to use it and what your results mean. The project works across 44 community clusters and follows about 3,591 men for six months to see whether these peer-distributed tests and support lead more men to start PrEP. The study uses existing local surveillance and clinic networks in the Manicaland area where PrEP is being rolled out. Participation focuses on men reachable by phone and linked to participating local clinics.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants are men living in the selected communities of eastern (Manicaland) Zimbabwe who are not currently on PrEP and who can be reached by phone.
Not a fit: People already living with HIV, those already reliably on PrEP or ART, women, or people living outside the targeted clusters are unlikely to benefit from this specific intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: This approach could help more men learn their HIV status and begin PrEP, lowering their risk of HIV and reducing onward transmission.
How similar studies have performed: Peer distribution of HIV self-tests in sub-Saharan Africa has been shown to be feasible and acceptable, while combining that approach with phone support to increase PrEP initiation is more novel.
Where this research is happening
Stellenbosch, SOUTH AFRICA
- STELLENBOSCH UNIVERSITY — Stellenbosch, SOUTH AFRICA (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: TANSER, FRANK COURTENEY — STELLENBOSCH UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: TANSER, FRANK COURTENEY
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.
Conditions: Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome Virus, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome Virus