The Buddy Project

Background

Research on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has been concentrated to China, Europe, and the US. In low resource settings across sub-Saharan Africa where the epidemic is newly emerging, the potential impact of SARS-CoV-2 may be far more severe. This project will examine the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of a novel remote service delivery model implemented among young people living with HIV (YPLHIV) who have initiated ART across three clinics in Cape Town, South Africa. The impact of lock-down orders on HIV care and multi-level factors that may affect HIV treatment engagement and foster infection with SARS-CoV-2 will also be assessed. Lastly, COVID-19 incidence among YPLHIV and the impact of COVID-19 and prevention guidelines on access to care, health, and well-being will be documented.

CMI Booklet image two guys hailing cab

Design

A pilot individual randomized control trial will be conducted among 360 YPLHIV across three clinics in Cape Town’s Klipfontein health district. This trial will examine the feasibility, acceptability and preliminary efficacy of a remote service delivery model to facilitate engagement in HIV care during the COVID-19 pandemic. All individuals will have the option to select to receive courier versus facility-based HIV treatment and/or other sexual and reproductive health services at enrolment and during follow-up. At enrolment, participants will be randomized to receive or not receive additional SMS support. The SMS intervention includes SMS check-ins from study staff and access to two-way messaging capabilities to obtain continuous support for adherence to ART and COVID-19 prevention guidelines. Data will be collected via monthly telephone interviews.

Primary Objectives

  • Examine the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of a remote service delivery model for YPLWH that will include a monthly service needs assessment and optional delivery of HIV treatment and sexual and reproductive health services.
  • Determine the impact of lock-down orders on HIV care and identify multi-level factors that affect both engagement in HIV care and compliance with COVID-19 prevention guidelines.

Collaborators

Linda-Gail Bekker Desmond Tutu Health Foundation

Settings

Three HIV clinics in Cape Town Location South Africa

Duration

Oct 2020 – June 2022

Category

Adherence and Retention in Care

ViiV study lead and contact

Nanlesta Pilgrim

Director of Global Implementation Science

Contact

RELATED STUDIES

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NP-GBL-HVX-WCNT-220049 October 2023

Report an adverse event

Adverse events should be reported. Reporting forms and information can be found at yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk or search for MHRA Yellowcard in the Google Play or Apple App store. Adverse events should also be reported to GlaxoSmithKline on 0800 221441.

If you are from outside the UK, you can report adverse events to GSK/ViiV by selecting your region and market, here.