Overview

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.

Eligibility

Inclusion Criteria:

• age ≥ 18 years old
• disclose a reactive point-of-care (POC) test on the day of their traditional healer visit
• Either report no prior HIV diagnosis OR have prior HIV diagnosis and be either ART-naive or have suboptimal ART use (defined by CASE Adherence Index <10)

Exclusion Criteria:

• Unwilling or unable to participate in study procedures or provide written informed consent