Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 18 and up

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.

More HIV Infections trials

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
Enrollment650 (estimated)
SponsorWeill Medical College of Cornell University
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Mbarara)
StatusRecruiting
StartedJuly 20, 2023
Main results expectedJanuary 2028
Study endsJanuary 2029
Registry record updatedApril 20, 2026
Trial IDNCT05943548 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

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.