Support from traditional healers to improve HIV care in rural Uganda
Official title: Omuyambi: Traditional Healer Support to Improve HIV Viral Suppression in Rural Uganda
Run by Weill Medical College of Cornell University · NCT05943548 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 650 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Weill Medical College of Cornell University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Mbarara) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | July 20, 2023 |
| Main results expected | January 2028 |
| Study ends | January 2029 |
| Registry record updated | April 20, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT05943548 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a 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.
✕Probably 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.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
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.
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 gone: Other studies have shown promising results using community health approaches, but this specific integration of traditional healers is a novel approach.
Who can join: the full rules
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 it's running
-
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
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.