Study title: Community based interventions to improve HIV outcomes in adolescents: a cluster randomised trial in Zimbabwe

Lead researcher

Rashida Ferrand

Funders(s)

Wellcome Trust, UK Medical Research Council, Swiss Development Cooperation, Fogarty NIH

Partner(s)

Ministry of Health & Child Care, Harare City Health Services, Bulawayo City Health Services, Mashonaland East Provincial Health, Chitungwiza Health Department, Population Services Zimbabwe, Population Services International, Charlize Theron Africa Outreach Project, Foundation for Innovative Diagnostics, Swiss Development Corporation, Newlands Clinic Zimbabwe, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Afripads, Butterfly Cup

Background

Adolescents and young people aged 16-24 rarely visit healthcare facilities for help and advice about sexual and reproductive health. These facilities are often remote and therefore difficult or expensive to get to. Young people can also perceive them as intimidating places where they will be judged by health care staff, who may also not respect young people’s need for confidentiality.

Study aim(s)

To investigate the effectiveness of a community-based, youth-friendly approach that used mobile clinics to deliver sexual and reproductive health services.

Study design

A group of young Zimbabweans aged 16–24 helped design and configure the service, and the health team was trained in respect, confidentiality, and non-judgement. CHIEDZA was a cluster-randomised trial, meaning the new service was delivered in 12 randomly selected areas in Harare, Bulawayo, and Mashonaland East, while other areas continued accessing existing services only. In 2021, a survey was conducted to measure levels of HIV viral suppression in the population, and the results were compared to determine whether the youth-friendly service had made a difference.

Study dates

2019-June 2022