Using Medical Drones to Deliver HIV Medication and Samples in Kalangala District, Uganda A Cluster Randomized Trial Comparing Drone Delivery to Usual Care

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are investigating whether delivering antiretroviral therapy ART using medical drones can improve viral suppression in people living with HIV PLHIV in the islands of Kalangala District, Uganda. This cluster randomized trial compares drone delivery to the standard of care SOC delivery methods in a fisherfolk community, aiming to see if drones increase the proportion of participants who achieve an undetectable HIV viral load. The study also evaluates costs, retention in care, and acceptability of drone delivery over 24 months. The trial involves 64 landing sites and 18 health facilities, with each landing site randomized to receive either ART delivery by fixed-wing drones or the usual delivery methods such as boat or facility pick-up. This approach prevents contamination between groups. The study includes cost-effectiveness and carbon analyses, plus a qualitative assessment of drone delivery acceptability and potential additional uses. Participants will be followed every 6 months for 24 months, with blood draws to measure viral load and questionnaires to assess experiences. Researchers will track viral suppression rates, retention in care, and delivery costs. The primary outcome is the proportion of participants with an HIV RNA viral load below 200 copiesmL at 12 months. Safety monitoring and continued follow-up are part of the study protocol.

Use of Unmanned Air Vehicles (Medical Drones) to Overcome Geographical Barriers to Delivery of Anti-Retroviral Therapy and Biological Samples