The CHOICE project, a collaboration between Partners in Hope, UCLA, Malawi Liverpool Wellcome Trust, and the Ministry of Health, addresses the critical challenge of repeat HIV treatment interruption in Malawi. The study tests whether offering long-term, dynamic choice of differentiated service delivery models can improve viral suppression among people living with HIV who experience treatment interruptions. The project combines person-centered counseling with flexible service options, empowering clients to choose and change their care delivery method based on their evolving needs over a 24-month period.

Quick Facts Section

• Number of participating facilities/districts: the trial is in 3 PIH supported districts of Nsanje, Mulanje, and Karonga at 12 facilities
• Target enrollment numbers: 800 in total, 400 in intervention sites and 400 in standard of care sites
• Study duration: Five years (March 2025 to February 2030) with 24 months of active intervention provision
• Primary outcomes being measured: Primary Outcome: Viral suppression at 12-months (study viral load)
• Secondary Outcomes: Viral suppression 24-months (routine viral load); Days covered with ART and repeat TI at 6-, 12- and 24-months
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Why This Matters

Brief statement on the public health

When clients have CHOICE, they have autonomy to contribute to their treatment plan. This leads to personalized conversation, kind and tailored conversations that enable clients identify DSDs that directly helps them overcome their treatment barriers.

Connection to national health priorities

Achieving viral load suppression (and retention) is key to reducing new HIV infection rates and ending AIDS by 2030

Potential impact on policy or practice

Provision of CHOICE will help clients navigate personal barriers by identifying DSDs that are responsive to their on-going and dynamic challenges. It allows health systems to provide targeted care.

Study Status

Intervention development almost complete

Training and client recruitment to start by end October

Contact Information

Misheck Mphande, MA id Devt Studies

mphandemisheck@pihmalawi.com, +265999097063

Directly talk to the coordinator