Federal Project Grant Award Summary

The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) awarded The Johns Hopkins University a Project Grant of $749,752 on July 9, 2026, under the Allergy and Infectious Diseases Research program (CFDA 93.855) to support the SENTINEL study through June 30, 2031. This longitudinal, population-based research initiative leverages the Rakai Health Sciences Program (RHSP), one of the world's longest-running HIV population studies, to investigate evolving HIV transmission dynamics and emerging threats to epidemic control in Africa. The research directly addresses gaps in understanding how historically generalized HIV epidemics are concentrating in key and priority populations as overall incidence declines, the long-term effects of multi-component biomedical interventions, and emerging threats such as HIV drug resistance and declining HIV testing knowledge among young populations.

The deliverables under this award include epidemiological data, scientific findings, and programmatic guidance generated through longitudinal surveillance and analysis at sentinel sites. Research outputs will inform optimal HIV intervention strategies, resource allocation, and future U.S. government HIV response investments. Johns Hopkins' unique position as host institution for RHSP, combined with its exceptional research infrastructure and expertise, enables generation of evidence-based insights that will advance the NIAID mission of limiting and eventually eradicating HIV infection while optimizing public health resources across sub-Saharan Africa.