Are Services Meeting The Holistic Family Planning Needs Of Female Sex Workers Living With Hiv In Tanzania?,
2018
Population Council
Are Services Meeting The Holistic Family Planning Needs Of Female Sex Workers Living With Hiv In Tanzania?, Project Soar
HIV and AIDS
Women of reproductive age living with HIV need access to comprehensive, voluntary family planning (FP) services to support their decisions about whether and when to have children. Contraceptive need is particularly acute among HIV-positive female sex workers who are often socially and economically disadvantaged. Furthermore, many HIV-positive female sex workers intend to have children some day, but may not be aware of strategies to minimize the risk of HIV transmission to infants and partners (i.e., “safer conception”). This activity brief describes a Project SOAR study in Tanzania that will contribute to the evidence base by conducting research that describes these …
Assessing The Feasibility, Acceptability, And Costs Of Diagnosing Hiv At Birth In Lesotho And Rwanda,
2018
Population Council
Assessing The Feasibility, Acceptability, And Costs Of Diagnosing Hiv At Birth In Lesotho And Rwanda, Michelle M. Gill, Heather Hoffman, Majoalane Mokone, Lynne Mofenson, Michel Tchuenche, Steven Forsythe
HIV and AIDS
Infant HIV diagnosis as early as possible in a child’s life followed by immediate antiretroviral treatment (ART) could stem the progressive rise in infant mortality among HIV-positive infants, particularly as several studies have suggested that an increased proportion of perinatal infections may occur in utero when maternal ART is received during pregnancy. This Project SOAR study leveraged two existing cohort studies to address some critical questions related to very early infant diagnosis. The objective was to determine the feasibility, acceptability, and costs associated with the addition of birth HIV testing to the routine testing algorithm for infants born to HIV-positive …
Benchmark Assessment Of Orphaned And Vulnerable Children In Areas Of The Zambia Family (Zamfam) Project—Brief,
2018
Population Council
Benchmark Assessment Of Orphaned And Vulnerable Children In Areas Of The Zambia Family (Zamfam) Project—Brief, Michael Mbizvo, Paul C. Hewett
HIV and AIDS
The US Agency for International Development and US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) are supporting the Zambia Family (ZAMFAM) project to strengthen comprehensive, integrated service delivery and support to children living with, affected by, or vulnerable to HIV/AIDS (OVC) in the Lusaka, Copperbelt, Southern, and Central Provinces of Zambia. To inform that effort, Project SOAR conducted a benchmark survey among beneficiaries in the four provinces of the ZAMFAM program. The benchmark survey measured the status and conditions of OVC and their families. This brief provides a summary of the findings outlined in the final report on the needs …
Benchmark Assessment Of Orphaned And Vulnerable Children In Areas Of The Zambia Family (Zamfam) Project,
2018
Population Council
Benchmark Assessment Of Orphaned And Vulnerable Children In Areas Of The Zambia Family (Zamfam) Project, Michael Mbizvo, Paul C. Hewett, Nkomba Kayeyi, Lyson Phiri, Saziso N. Mulenga, Bwalya Mushiki, Mwelwa Chibuye
HIV and AIDS
The US Agency for International Development and US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) are supporting the Zambia Family (ZAMFAM) project to strengthen comprehensive, integrated service delivery and support to children living with, affected by, or vulnerable to HIV/AIDS (OVC) in the Lusaka, Copperbelt, Southern, and Central Provinces of Zambia. To inform that effort, Project SOAR conducted a benchmark survey among beneficiaries in the four provinces of the ZAMFAM program. The benchmark survey measured the status and conditions of OVC and their families. The findings provide a deeper understanding of the needs of OVC families and the gaps in …
Can Depression Screening Be Integrated Into Busy Hiv Clinics In Malawi? Early Results Demonstrate Its Feasibility And Acceptability,
2018
Population Council
Can Depression Screening Be Integrated Into Busy Hiv Clinics In Malawi? Early Results Demonstrate Its Feasibility And Acceptability, Project Soar—Malawi Mental Health
HIV and AIDS
Integration of depression screening and treatment into HIV care may prove critical to achievement of the 90–90–90 goals in Malawi and elsewhere in the region. Project SOAR has partnered with the Malawi Ministry of Health to implement and evaluate the integration of a depression management program into HIV care in Malawi. This brief focuses on initial results from the screening phase, which show that more than 90 percent of patients have been appropriately screened for depression. Based on a first round of qualitative interviews, the program has been well received by clinic staff and patients. The brief lists key lessons …
Characterizing The Unmet Hiv Prevention Needs And Hiv Risk Vulnerabilities Of Adolescent Girls And Young Women In Ethiopia,
2018
Population Council
Characterizing The Unmet Hiv Prevention Needs And Hiv Risk Vulnerabilities Of Adolescent Girls And Young Women In Ethiopia, Project Soar
HIV and AIDS
Adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) in Ethiopia, as well as across Eastern and Southern Africa, experience a disproportionate level of new HIV infections. AGYW who are out of school face a particular set of vulnerabilities, especially those living away from parents. Unfortunately, data characterizing unmet HIV prevention needs and risk vulnerabilities among AGYW, especially out-of-school AGYW, are lacking given the challenges in reaching and studying this population. To address this gap, Project SOAR is conducting an integrated HIV biobehavioral survey focused on out-of-school AGYW in three high HIV prevalence settings of Ethiopia. Study findings will inform HIV prevention and …
Does A Community-Based, Hiv Service Delivery Model Improve Female Sex Workers’ Care And Treatment Outcomes In Tanzania?,
2018
Population Council
Does A Community-Based, Hiv Service Delivery Model Improve Female Sex Workers’ Care And Treatment Outcomes In Tanzania?, Project Soar
HIV and AIDS
Female sex workers living (FSWs) with HIV face significant challenges in accessing HIV care and, once started on antiretroviral therapy (ART), remaining in care and adhering to treatment. These challenges include attending regular medical appointments because of time and cost constraints, providers’ stigmatizing attitudes, and poor service quality due to crowded ART clinics, long waiting times, and a lack of clinicians. This brief describes a community-based model of ART delivery THAT Project SOAR, Sauti, the National AIDS Control Programme, and the National Institute of Medical Research are designing, implementing, and evaluating, in order to help mitigate the barriers HIV-positive FSWs …
Female Sex Workers Living With Hiv In Tanzania Have Both A Need For Contraception And A Desire To Have Children In The Future,
2018
Population Council
Female Sex Workers Living With Hiv In Tanzania Have Both A Need For Contraception And A Desire To Have Children In The Future, Project Soar
HIV and AIDS
HIV-positive women often have critical family planning (FP) needs in addition to HIV-related care, treatment, and prevention concerns. In sub-Saharan Africa, unintended pregnancy is common among HIV-positive women. At the same time, many women living with HIV want to have children some day, and there are various “safer conception” strategies available to help HIV-affected individuals and couples get pregnant while minimizing the risk of HIV transmission to seronegative partners and the baby. This brief describes the fertility-related needs and desires of female sex workers living with HIV in Tanzania, highlighting results indicating that health services should help women meet both …
Health And Socioeconomic Well-Being Of Young People Living With Hiv In Zambia: Evaluating The Zamfam Project,
2018
Population Council
Health And Socioeconomic Well-Being Of Young People Living With Hiv In Zambia: Evaluating The Zamfam Project, Project Soar
HIV and AIDS
The US Agency for International Development and US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief are supporting the Zambia Family (ZAMFAM) project to strengthen comprehensive, integrated service delivery and support to children living with, affected by, or vulnerable to HIV/AIDS in the Lusaka, Copperbelt, Southern, and Central Provinces of Zambia. Project SOAR is conducting a three-year prospective cohort study of young people living with (YPLHIV) and their primary caregivers/guardians in Central Province where the ZAMFAM project is being implemented, and in Eastern Province where there are no ongoing ZAMFAM activities for comparison. The information collected in the study focused on key …
Implementing The Hiv “Treat All” Guidelines In Namibia: Patient And Health Provider Perspectives,
2018
Population Council
Implementing The Hiv “Treat All” Guidelines In Namibia: Patient And Health Provider Perspectives, Project Soar
HIV and AIDS
In late 2015, the World Health Organization announced new treatment guidelines recommending that anyone who has tested positive for HIV should begin antiretroviral therapy (ART) as soon as possible. In light of this policy, the government of Namibia included “treat all” in the 2016 National Guidelines for ART, and began nationwide implementation in April 2017. Project SOAR is generating evidence on how the national rollout of the treat all guidelines and decentralization of ART services affect client-level treatment outcomes, quality of ART services, and treatment costs in Namibia. This brief summarizes the perspectives of clients and providers regarding ART service …
Male Partners Of Adolescent Girls And Young Women: Relationship Characteristics And Hiv Risk—Findings From Dreams Implementation Science Research,
2018
Population Council
Male Partners Of Adolescent Girls And Young Women: Relationship Characteristics And Hiv Risk—Findings From Dreams Implementation Science Research, Population Council
HIV and AIDS
Adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) in South Africa, as in many countries, are particularly vulnerable to HIV for a variety of reasons, including economic disadvantage and unequal power dynamics in sexual relationships with their male partners—many of whom are older and engage in high-risk behaviors. In an effort to learn more about men’s relationships with AGYW and how HIV services can better engage them, the Population Council is conducting implementation science research in KwaZulu-Natal Province. This brief reports findings from a 2017 baseline survey with nearly 1,000 men. An endline survey is planned for mid-late 2018, and will focus …
Optimizing Implementation Of Universal Hiv Treatment Coverage For People Living With Hiv In Senegal,
2018
Population Council
Optimizing Implementation Of Universal Hiv Treatment Coverage For People Living With Hiv In Senegal, Project Soar
HIV and AIDS
Senegal plans a rapid scale up of HIV treatment for all people living with HIV (PLHIV), regardless of CD4 count or viral suppression. However, limited data exist on how to achieve sustained viral suppression among PLHIV in real world contexts where significant barriers to effective antiretroviral therapy (ART) delivery, uptake, and adherence persist. This brief describes a universal coverage ART intervention Project SOAR is conducting among PLHIV who are not virally suppressed. The findings from this study will inform the rollout of Senegal’s national test and treat strategy.
Reducing Provider-Held Stigma And Improving Young Client Satisfaction In Strengthening Integrated Delivery Of And Access To Comprehensive Hiv And Sexual/Reproductive Health And Support Services For Msm In Lagos, Nigeria,
2018
Population Council
Reducing Provider-Held Stigma And Improving Young Client Satisfaction In Strengthening Integrated Delivery Of And Access To Comprehensive Hiv And Sexual/Reproductive Health And Support Services For Msm In Lagos, Nigeria, Population Council
HIV and AIDS
Riding on the success of the one-stop shop community health center, in 2016 the Elton John AIDS Foundation engaged the Population Council to implement an integrated model providing comprehensive HIV and sexual and reproductive health and support services to men who have sex with men (MSM) in Lagos, Nigeria. The two-year project was designed to deploy a “hub and spoke” peer-led (or peer navigation) model to integrate comprehensive MSM-friendly HIV and sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services in public health facilities in Lagos state. This brief summarizes findings from the study which sought to reach 9,500 MSM with HIV testing …
Strengthening Capacity To Prevent Hiv Among Adolescent Girls And Young Women: Supporting Dreams-Like Programming,
2018
Population Council
Strengthening Capacity To Prevent Hiv Among Adolescent Girls And Young Women: Supporting Dreams-Like Programming, Project Soar
HIV and AIDS
Many adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) lack opportunities and access to resources, and experience the harms of discriminatory gender norms. Despite decades of investment in HIV prevention, many AGYW remain invisible, underserved, and at disproportionate risk of HIV infection. The DREAMS (Determined, Resilient, Empowered, AIDS-free, Mentored, and Safe) Partnership aims to significantly reduce HIV infections among AGYWs. DREAMS originally launched in 2014 focusing on 10 high-burden countries in sub-Saharan Africa. In 2017, five additional countries known as DREAMS-Like countries—Botswana, Cote d’Ivoire, Haiti, Namibia, and Rwanda—received support for DREAMS activities. This brief describes the technical assistance Project SOAR is providing …
Understanding The Dynamics Of Hiv Testing Services In South African Primary Care Facilities,
2018
Population Council
Understanding The Dynamics Of Hiv Testing Services In South African Primary Care Facilities, Tonderai Mabuto, Bhakti Hansoti, Salome Charalambous, Christopher Hoffmann
HIV and AIDS
Facility-based HIV testing services remains underutilized in many settings, including South Africa—even in the context of opt-out testing. Additionally, linkages to care are often not made in a timely manner after an HIV diagnosis, limiting access to ART and the possibility of viral suppression. This brief summarizes findings from formative research conducted by Project SOAR and The Aurum Institute to understand the dynamics of HIV testing services and the key constraints to its optimal delivery.
What Do We Know About The Hiv Risk Characteristics Of Adolescent Girls And Young Women In Kenya? Findings From Dreams Implementation Science Research,
2018
Population Council
What Do We Know About The Hiv Risk Characteristics Of Adolescent Girls And Young Women In Kenya? Findings From Dreams Implementation Science Research, Population Council
HIV and AIDS
The Population Council is conducting implementation science research in Kenya to build needed evidence to inform community-based, girl-centered interventions. DREAMS programs in Kenya are implementing a core package of interventions in the highest HIV-burden areas to address HIV risk among adolescent girls and young women (AGYW)—a population in which AIDS is the leading cause of death in the region. This brief summarizes key findings from a survey of 1,778 AGYW, more than half of whom are enrolled in DREAMS programming.
What Do We Know About The Hiv Risk Characteristics Of Adolescent Girls And Young Women In Zambia? Findings From Dreams Implementation Science Research,
2018
Population Council
What Do We Know About The Hiv Risk Characteristics Of Adolescent Girls And Young Women In Zambia? Findings From Dreams Implementation Science Research, Population Council
HIV and AIDS
The Population Council is conducting implementation science research in Zambia and other countries across sub-Saharan Africa to build needed evidence to inform community-based, girl-centered HIV-prevention programming. Critical to this process is understanding adolescent girls’ and young women’s (AGYWs’) knowledge, attitudes, sexual behaviors, and characteristics of their sexual partnerships that may put them at risk of HIV acquisition. This results brief summarizes key findings from a cross-sectional survey of 1,915 AGYW, half of whom were 15–19 years old and the other half 20–24 years old, residing in urban districts of Lusaka and Ndola. The findings in this brief were shared at …
Preparing For A Northwest Passage: A Workshop On The Role Of New England In Navigating The New Arctic,
2018
The University of New Hampshire
Preparing For A Northwest Passage: A Workshop On The Role Of New England In Navigating The New Arctic, Katharine A. Duderstadt, Catherine M. Ashcraft, Jennifer F. Brewer, Elizabeth Burakowski, Jaed M. Coffin, Jack E. Dibb, Lawrence C. Hamilton, Nancy E. Kinner, Larry A. Mayer, Jennifer L. Miksis-Olds, Joseph Salisbury, Kerri D. Seger, Ruth K. Varner, Cameron P. Wake
All Materials
Preparing for a Northwest Passage: A Workshop on the Role of New England in Navigating the New Arctic (March 25 - 27, 2018 -- The University of New Hampshire) paired two of NSF's 10 Big Ideas: Navigating the New Arctic and Growing Convergence Research at NSF. During this event, participants assessed economic, environmental, and social impacts of Arctic change on New England and established convergence research initiatives to prepare for, adapt to, and respond to these effects. Shipping routes through an ice-free Northwest Passage in combination with modifications to ocean circulation and regional climate patterns linked to Arctic ice melt …
Insights And Evidence Gaps In Girl-Centered Programming: A Systematic Review,
2018
Population Council
Insights And Evidence Gaps In Girl-Centered Programming: A Systematic Review, Nicole Haberland, Katharine Mccarthy, Martha Brady
Poverty, Gender, and Youth
Increased attention to the needs of adolescent girls has led to a growing number of programs in low- and middle-income countries. Questions remain, however, about what aspects of program design are most effective. This hinders efforts to effectively allocate resources, scale up programs, and replicate results across settings. This review looks at how the number of program components, involvement of supporting actors who influence the lives of girls, supplemental “booster” activities, intervention exposure level, and community saturation level influenced outcomes for girls. While findings suggest the importance of multicomponent programs and longer program exposure, each area requires further rigorous research …
Delivering Impact For Adolescent Girls: Emerging Findings From Population Council Research,
2018
Population Council
Delivering Impact For Adolescent Girls: Emerging Findings From Population Council Research, Population Council
Poverty, Gender, and Youth
Despite numerous global commitments to invest in improving the lives of adolescent girls, questions remain as to what package of interventions can deliver the best outcomes. This report synthesizes findings from nine recent Population Council impact evaluations, conducted around the world, which indicate that empowerment and asset-building interventions for adolescent girls can improve education, health, economic, social capital, gender-equitable attitude, and violence outcomes for girls. The report includes implications for programs and investment, and identifies open questions for further research and evaluation.
