Support from Traditional Healers to Improve HIV Viral Control in Rural Uganda

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating a new approach to support people living with HIV in rural Uganda by training traditional healers to provide counseling, testing, and help with starting antiretroviral therapy quickly. This study aims to see if this additional support can help more people achieve viral suppression compared to standard clinic care. The study is interventional and randomized, focusing on improving health outcomes for people living with HIV in rural areas. Participants are divided into two groups one receives standard clinic care plus additional support from trained traditional healers using a tailored curriculum for medication adherence, one-on-one counseling, social support, and personalized adherence strategies. The other group receives standard clinic care with no extra linkage or psychosocial support. Both groups are referred to government-run HIV clinics for care. During the study, participants will have visits at baseline, 12 months, and 24 months with a study nurse and agree to attend one of five designated HIV clinics for care. Researchers will monitor viral load suppression at 12 months as the main outcome. Secondary outcomes include linkage to care, ART initiation within 7 days, adherence, retention in care, and quality of life measured at 12 months. The total study duration extends with follow-ups at 24 months and beyond to assess long-term effects.

Omuyambi: Traditional Healer Support to Improve HIV Viral Suppression in Rural Uganda