Traditional healer support for people with HIV in rural Uganda
Tests whether trained traditional healers can help adults with HIV in rural Uganda.
Plain-language title generated from the registry record
Registry title: Omuyambi: Traditional Healer Support to Improve HIV Viral Suppression in Rural Uganda
Key facts
- Where
- Mbarara, UgandaSee the site
Where in Uganda
- Mbarara University of Science and TechnologyMbarara, UgandaTaking people
Questions to ask the study team
- How often do I need to come in, and for how long each time?
- Are travel costs paid?
- Can I keep my own doctor?
- What happens if I want to stop?
Trial details
- Who runs it
- Weill Medical College of Cornell University
- Trial code
- NCT05943548
- Record updated
- 20 April 2026
- Original description
This study aims to test a new approach to support people living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) in Uganda. Traditional healers (TH) will be trained to provide counselling and testing for HIV, help patients start antiretroviral therapy quickly, and offer guidance on taking medications and staying in HIV care. This support will be given in addition to the regular care provided at clinics. The main goal of the study is to see if this new approach can help more people in rural areas achieve viral suppression.Read full original descriptionShow less
Omuyambi: Traditional Healer Support to Improve HIV Viral Suppression in Rural Uganda
This study aims to test a new approach to support people living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) in Uganda. Traditional healers (TH) will be trained to provide counselling and testing for HIV, help patients start antiretroviral therapy quickly, and offer guidance on taking medications and staying in HIV care. This support will be given in addition to the regular care provided at clinics. The main goal of the study is to see if this new approach can help more people in rural areas achieve viral suppression.
Inclusion: age ≥ 18 years old; reactive point-of-care (POC) oral swab rapid HIV self-test (ex. OraQuick© HIV1/2 antibody testing) at the TH location or previously diagnosed with HIV (verified by the HIV clinic), and CASE adherence index score ≤10; baseline viral load measurement of >200 copies/mL; primary residence in Mbarara or Rwampara district; agrees to study procedures, including that PLWH will go to one of the five pre-determined HIV clinics if they choose to receive HIV care, and in-person visits at baseline, 12- and 24-months with study nurse.
Exclusion: Unwilling or unable to participate in study procedures or provide written informed consent.