The Rakai Health Sciences Program (RHSP), in collaboration with The Johns Hopkins University (JHU), is proud to announce the launch of the Integrated Female Sexually Transmitted Infection Testing for HIV Epidemic Control through PrEP (INSTEP) study. This important initiative represents a significant step forward in the fight against HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in Africa, specifically targeting the health outcomes of women and girls in Uganda.
The INSTEP study will engage over 5,000 participants, all of whom will contribute to a greater understanding of how integrated STI testing can influence HIV prevention strategies. By focusing on improving reproductive and sexual health outcomes, this randomized trial seeks to identify whether incorporating diagnostic STI testing into the existing pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) screening methods can lead to better PrEP uptake and adherence among women. This study is particularly crucial given the high rates of undetected STIs, which often go untreated due to their asymptomatic nature.
The preparation for this study has been thorough and meticulous. The team, under the guidance of the US Principal Investigator, Kate Grabowski, has conducted extensive discussions to finalize the study procedures and tools. These discussions have been instrumental in aligning all team members with the study's goals and ensuring that the research is conducted to the highest standards.
One of the core motivations behind the INSTEP study is the recognition that many STIs remain asymptomatic, making them challenging to diagnose and treat. This study aims to bridge that gap by incorporating diagnostic STI testing into the current PrEP screening processes. By doing so, the study hopes to significantly enhance HIV prevention efforts, particularly among women who are at high risk of both STIs and HIV. The outcomes of this trial have the potential to inform public health policies and practices, leading to broader, more effective interventions that could be scaled up to improve health outcomes on a larger scale.
The study is being co-led by Dr. Ronald Galiwango and Ms. Josephine Mpagazi from RHSP, both of whom bring extensive expertise and commitment to this vital project. Their leadership is pivotal in driving the study forward and ensuring that the findings contribute meaningfully to the global fight against HIV and STIs.
As the INSTEP study progresses, we will continue to share updates and insights from this impactful project. Stay tuned for more information on how this research is shaping the future of HIV and STI prevention in Africa.