Support from traditional healers to improve HIV care in rural Uganda
Omuyambi: Traditional Healer Support to Improve HIV Viral Suppression in Rural Uganda
This study tests whether training traditional healers to provide support and counseling can help people with HIV in rural Uganda stick to their treatment and improve their health.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 650 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Weill Medical College of Cornell University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Mbarara) |
| Trial ID | NCT05943548 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study tests a new approach to enhance HIV care in rural Uganda by training traditional healers to provide counseling, testing, and support for patients starting antiretroviral therapy. The traditional healers will work alongside existing healthcare services to help patients adhere to their treatment and achieve viral suppression. The study aims to determine if this community-based support can lead to better health outcomes for people living with HIV in these areas.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18 and older living with HIV in the Mbarara or Rwampara districts who have a viral load greater than 200 copies/mL.
Not a fit: Patients who are unwilling or unable to participate in the study procedures or provide informed consent may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve HIV viral suppression rates among rural populations in Uganda.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results using community health approaches, but this specific integration of traditional healers is a novel approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * age ≥ 18 years old * reactive point-of-care (POC) oral swab rapid HIV self-test (ex. OraQuick© HIV1/2 antibody testing) at the TH location or previously diagnosed with HIV (verified by the HIV clinic), and CASE adherence index score ≤10 * baseline viral load measurement of \>200 copies/mL * primary residence in Mbarara or Rwampara district * agrees to study procedures, including that PLWH will go to one of the five pre-determined HIV clinics if they choose to receive HIV care, and in-person visits at baseline, 12- and 24-months with study nurse Exclusion Criteria: * Unwilling or unable to participate in study procedures or provide written informed consent
Where this trial is running
Mbarara
- Mbarara University of Science and Technology — Mbarara, Uganda (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Radhika Sundararajan, MD — Weill Medical College of Cornell University
- Study coordinator: Radhika Sundararajan, MD
- Email: ras9199@med.cornell.edu
- Phone: 646-962-4654
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.