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
AI summary: who the study is looking for
From the trial's eligibility criteria. Machine-read from the registry text on this page, so it can be wrong. The registry text below and the trial team decide who can take part.
The trial is looking for adults living with HIV in Mbarara or Rwampara district, Uganda, who have a detectable amount of virus. Traditional healers will give extra support alongside clinic care.
- Age
- 18 years or older
- Sex
- All sexes can join
- Disease stage
- HIV infection with a viral load of more than 200 copies/mL at the start
- Biomarker or test result
- A positive HIV rapid oral swab self-test at the traditional healer's location, or an earlier HIV diagnosis verified by the HIV clinic, and a CASE adherence index score of 10 or less
Main reasons for not taking part
- Unwilling or unable to take part in the study procedures
- Unwilling or unable to give written informed consent
Read by machine on 12 November 2026.
Where in Uganda
- Mbarara University of Science and TechnologyMbarara, UgandaContact: Juliet Mwanga-Amumpaire, MBChBTaking 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?
Contact the study team: see the registry record → Contacts and Locations
Print a page for my doctorTrial 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.