Improving HIV Testing, Linkage, and Retention in Care for Men Through U=U Messaging

Launched by DESMOND TUTU HIV FOUNDATION · Oct 27, 2022

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying how a specific message, known as U=U (Undetectable = Untransmittable), can improve HIV care for men in South Africa. The U=U message means that men living with HIV who take their medication and achieve an undetectable viral load (which means the virus is so low it can't be passed on to others) can’t sexually transmit the virus. The study aims to see if this message helps more men get tested for HIV, start treatment, stay engaged in their care, and ultimately achieve better health outcomes.

To be eligible for the study, participants need to be male, at least 15 years old, and either new to treatment or returning after having missed care for six months. Participants will receive counseling and support related to the U=U message, and researchers will gather information on how well these efforts work. The trial is currently looking for volunteers in Buffalo City and Cape Town. If you join, you can expect to receive helpful information about HIV care and support, and your involvement will contribute to important research that could improve health services for men living with HIV in the future.

Gender

MALE

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• AIM 1:
• • 1. male
• • 2. aged ≥15 years
• • 3. present a study issued invitation card to site receptionist
• • 4. ability to provide informed consent.
• AIM 2:
• • 1. cis-gender men
• • 2. aged ≥15 years
• • 3. newly initiating ART (i.e., treatment naïve) or re-initiating ART after 6 months of being lost-to-care
• • 4. live in Buffalo City or Cape Town Metro Health Districts
• • 5. provide written informed consent