Jabula Uzibone Study

Jabula Uzibone Study: Transgender-specific Differentiated HIV Care Models – An Implementation Science Study

Study Rationale

Transgender people (TGP) in South Africa face severe healthcare challenges, including disproportionately high HIV rates due to stigma, discrimination, and limited access to appropriate healthcare services. Traditional service delivery models are often not tailored to meet the specific needs of this population. In response, the World Health Organization (WHO) has recommended Transgender-specific Differentiated Service Delivery (TG-DSD) models that aim to improve the accessibility, quality, and coverage of HIV services for TGP, while also reducing costs. The Jabula Uzibone Study seeks to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and cost-effectiveness of TG-DSD models compared to standard care (SSD).

Study Aim

The Jabula Uzibone Study aims to assess the effectiveness of TG-DSD models in improving HIV outcomes for transgender people by:

1. Identifying barriers and facilitators to TG-DSD implementation.
2. Comparing HIV viral suppression rates and prevention adherence between TG-DSD and SSD participants.
3. Estimating the cost and budgetary requirements for the potential national implementation of TG-DSD models in South Africa.

This study aims to provide critical insights into enhancing HIV care for the transgender community in South Africa. It is funded by the US National Institutes of Mental Health and has been approved by ethics committees at the University of Witwatersrand and Duke University.

Latest Update

September 2024

Wits RHI’s Jabula Uzibone Study Highlights Progress at WPATH Conference

For more details about the Jabula Uzibone Study, please email: rhicomms@wrhi.ac.za.

Click here for additional information regarding the study.