HPTN 112 Study Team Prepares for Launch

HPTN 112 study team members recently met for several training days at the UNC Project Malawi clinical research site in Lilongwe, Malawi, to prepare for the upcoming launch. The study, also known as NJIRA (Navigated Journey to Improve Reduction of HIV in African Men), will evaluate the potential benefit(s), acceptability, and associated costs of a system navigator-delivered HIV prevention intervention in promoting and supporting persistent use of evidence-based HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis among heterosexual, cisgender men receiving care for sexually transmitted infections at the high-volume urban Bwaila STI Clinic in Lilongwe, Malawi. 

The training began on Friday, 26 January, with a motivational interviewing primer for key staff. The full protocol-specific study training was held on Saturday, 27 January, with staff from local implementing partner agencies (e.g., Lighthouse, MACRO, and Ministry of Health) attending, along with all staff who will be working on HPTN 112. The following week, 29 January to 2 February, was split into morning training for systems navigators and afternoon training for the clinical staff, including the nurses, coordinators, and lab staff. 

On 1-2 February, in preparation for local community engagement, HPTN 112 Community Advisory Board members and community engagement staff participated in training led by HPTN LOC Community Engagement Program staff. The training aimed to establish attendees' understanding of the study's purpose and potential impact in curbing new infections using a systems navigation approach. In addition to an overview of HPTN 112, the training agenda included a tour of the new STI clinic.  

The HPTN 112 study team is grateful to the site staff and community members who participated in the training. The study is anticipated to begin by the end of Q1 2024.