Projects and Publications
At BRIDGE, our commitment to driving socioeconomic growth and equity in Africa manifests through a diverse range of projects and publications. Our projects leverage innovative research methodologies and collaborative partnerships to address pressing challenges faced by communities in Africa. Our publications serve as a vital resource, disseminating insights, findings, and best practices drawn from our projects. Together, we are building a brighter future for Africa, one project and publication at a time.
Development and feasibility of the peer and nurse-led HIV Self-Testing Education and Promotion (STEP) intervention among social networks of men in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania: application of the ADAPT-ITT model
The 2016–2017 Tanzania HIV Impact Survey revealed that only 45% of men living with HIV were aware of their status. To boost HIV testing, the Tanzanian government enacted a law in December 2019 to incorporate HIV self-testing (HIVST) into national strategies. This paper conducted by Dr. Conserve, Dr. Mbita, and colleagues outlines the development and pilot assessment of the Self-Testing Education and Promotion (STEP) intervention, which features male peer education, demand creation for HIVST, and nurse-led distribution of HIVST kits in communities.
Willingness to Receive HIV Self-Testing Kits from Recent Sexual Partners Among Men in Dar Es Salam, Tanzania: Findings from the STEP Project Baseline Survey
Globally, men face significant barriers to accessing HIV services, highlighting the need to address these challenges within the context of the global response to HIV/AIDS. One promising approach is HIV self-testing (HIVST), which has demonstrated the potential to enhance HIV testing rates among men. This study aimed to assess and identify the factors that influence men in Tanzania regarding their willingness to receive HIVST kits from their sexual partners.
Implementation of an HIV Status-Neutral Nurse-Led Intervention to Increase Equity in Clinical Outcomes for Male HIV Self-Testers in Tanzania
This study examines strategies to enhance HIV care linkages after self-testing for Tanzanian heterosexual men, who test less frequently and seek follow-up care less often than women. Previous research indicates that community-based care, including PrEP and ART, can reduce barriers faced by heterosexual men in Sub-Saharan Africa when accessing traditional HIV care. Investigating innovative service delivery for HIV care in Tanzania is vital in combatting HIV/AIDS in Sub-Saharan Africa, where about 28.5 million individuals are affected.
Innovative Tools to Expand HIV Self-Testing and Long-Acting Injectables for HIV Treatment and Prevention Among Commercial Minibus Drivers (I-TEST LAIs)
Long-acting injectable antiretroviral therapy (LAI ART) and Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (LAI PrEP) can greatly improve HIV treatment and prevention, particularly for commercial minibus drivers who often have little access to regular health services. This project aims to encourage HIV self-testing, LAI ART, and LAI PrEP among these drivers in Nigeria through a culturally sensitive approach, involving them as peer educators and research facilitators.
HIV seroconversion among female sex workers: retrospective cohort study from a large-scale HIV prevention and sexual and reproductive health program in Tanzania
In 2016, UNAIDS aimed to cut global HIV infections by 75% by 2020 and 90% by 2030, starting from 2.1 million new cases in 2010. By 2022, new infections only fell by 38%, to 1.3 million, raising doubts about achieving the 2030 target. Female sex workers (FSWs) in sub-Saharan Africa are at high risk, contributing 5%–20% of new infections in various countries. Dr. Gaspar Mbita and colleagues examine HIV infection rates and influencing factors among FSWs, providing insights for effective prevention strategies to help end the HIV pandemic by 2030.
Consistent Condom Use and Dual Protection Among Female Sex Workers: Surveillance Findings from a Large-Scale, Community-Based Combination HIV Prevention Program in Tanzania
In Tanzania, HIV infection is significantly higher among female sex workers (FSWs) compared to other women. In addition to HIV, concerns about sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unintended pregnancies are critical for FSWs. In this study, Dr. Mbita and colleagues observed how well FSWs are protected against STIs/HIV and unintended pregnancies while participating in an HIV prevention program from January 2016 to September 2017, involving 119,728 FSWs.
Adverse Childhood Experiences and HIV-Related Stigma: A Quantitative Survey of Tanzanian Men
Experiencing adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) can influence personal opinions, attitudes, and judgments, leading to increased HIV-related stigma. This stigma can subsequently hinder HIV preventive measures, including testing, pre-exposure prophylaxis uptake, and condom use. BRIDGE Africa co-founders and colleagues investigate the relationship between ACEs and both perceived and interpersonal HIV-related stigma among HIV-negative men in Tanzania.
Development and promotion of a national website to improve dissemination of information related to the prevention of mother-to-child HIV transmission (PMTCT) in Tanzania
Websites addressing national public health challenges play a crucial role in enhancing health education and services, particularly in resource-constrained countries. This article, contributed to by BRIDGE Africa co-founder Sylvia Shirima, outlines the creation, promotion, and preliminary assessment of a national website aimed at improving access to information and resources concerning the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV (PMTCT) for healthcare professionals and stakeholders involved in PMTCT initiatives in Tanzania.