Pharmacy-based HIV prevention for young women selling sex in Zimbabwe

Pharmacy-based PrEP for Young Women Who Sell Sex in Zimbabwe

Not applicable Interventional University of California, Berkeley · NCT06348069

This study is testing a new way to help young women selling sex in Zimbabwe stick to their HIV prevention medication by using pharmacies and offering gift vouchers.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment200 (estimated)
Ages16 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of California, Berkeley Academic / other
Locations1 site (Harare)
Trial IDNCT06348069 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to optimize and pilot a pharmacy-based intervention for providing pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to female sex workers in Zimbabwe. It is a cluster-randomized control trial designed to address low retention rates in PrEP programs among this vulnerable population. The intervention includes pharmacy-based medication refills and the provision of gift vouchers to encourage adherence. The study is co-led by experts in global health and epidemiology from notable institutions.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are young women aged 16 or older who have engaged in sex work in the past six months and are HIV negative.

Not a fit: Patients who are HIV positive or do not engage in sex work may not receive any benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve adherence to HIV prevention methods among female sex workers, reducing their risk of HIV infection.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in pharmacy-based PrEP interventions, indicating potential for success in this novel approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* 1) Exchanged sexual intercourse for money or gifts in past 6 months
* 2) Age 16 or older
* 3) HIV negative (via rapid test per national guidelines) at enrollment and no signs/symptoms of acute HIV infection

Where this trial is running

Harare

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Adherence, MedicationHIV PreventionHIVPrEPPeople who engage in sex work
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.