This Project Grant award from the National Institute of Mental Health (CFDA 93.242 Mental Health Research Grants) provides $547,321 to Makerere University College of Health Sciences in Uganda to develop and pilot test an intervention called "Kayungirizi" to promote pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) initiation and persistence among male clients of female sex workers in Kampala, Uganda.
The key products and services to be delivered under this award include: 1) Qualitative research to inform the adaptation and integration of the Kayungirizi intervention, which will involve secondary distribution of HIV self-testing kits by female sex workers to their male clients as an entry point to generate demand for PrEP, along with FSW-led interventions to address barriers to PrEP uptake and adherence; 2) An initial small pilot of the intervention, followed by a larger pilot trial to assess the acceptability, feasibility, and preliminary effectiveness of the intervention compared to a control group; and 3) Findings to guide the development of a subsequent larger clinical trial proposal. This research aims to address HIV disparities among key populations in Uganda.