Key Populations Implementation Science: Leveraging Community and Peer-based Approaches to Optimize the HIV Treatment Cascade among MSM in South Africa

Project Dates: January 2016 – January 2018

Principal Investigators: PGDM; Stefan Baral; Nancy Phaswana-Mafuya; Patrick Sullivan

Co-Investigators: Travis Sanchez; Helen Savva

Description: This project will implement a package of interventions with the primary aim of improving retention to HIV care and viral load suppression among men who have sex with men (MSM) found to be living with HIV. Decentralized HIV testing will occur at six study venues throughout South Africa to diagnose MSM who are unaware of their HIV status, and local participating clinics will receive clinical and sensitization training on lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender issues before participant enrollment. For those who are found to be living with HIV, the intervention package will consist of point-of-care CD4 and creatinine testing to assess ART eligibility, onsite treatment initiation if eligible, and peer navigator support.

Partners: This project is conducted by the Human Sciences Research Council in collaboration with researchers from Desmond Tutu HIV Foundation, Emory University and Johns Hopkins University.

Funding Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of Global HIV/AIDS