HSRC - Integrated Annual Report 2016/2017

HSRC Annual Report 2016/17

Strategies to reduce pre-treatment loss to follow-up and improve successful patient outcomes in a TB hotspot

HAST is working with the NICD and the UK MRC in a study to early address loss of patients fromTB care. HAST is developing

and will test a set of standardised pre- and post-test counselling materials for TB patients. These materials will be used

together with a conditional grant in this project. The project will be conducted in Gauteng and will commence in

September 2017.

Programmatic Mapping and Size Estimation (PMSE) of Key Populations in South Africa

The PMSE study used the Priorities for Local AIDS Control Efforts (PLACE) methodology to identify sites where key

populations meet new sexual partners, complemented by formulas to estimate the size of hard-to-reach populations

such as sex workers, men who have sex with men (MSM), people who inject drugs, and transgender people. The study

achieved its aimof providing credible national size estimates for the identified key populations in South Africa. It estimated

that there were 237 717 sex workers, 1 095 527 MSM, 75 701 people who inject drugs and 139 666 transgender people.

The study was also able to map areas with a higher concentration of key populations in South Africa.

International AIDS Conference (AIDS 2016)

The HSRC participated in AIDS 2016, which was held from 18–22 July 2016 in Durban, South Africa. One of the key events

organised by the HSRC was a satellite session, titled“Insights from the field – HIV prevention research by the HSRC”. HAST

presented 15 research papers via oral and poster presentations at the conference.

Rapid Assessment Response and Evaluation (RARE) Methods to Understand HIV Vulnerability

HAST researchers used RARE methods to understand the HIV vulnerability of Black African women (aged 15–34) and

men (aged 25–9) living in urban informal settlements in three provinces of South Africa. Ethnographic interviews were

conducted with young women using photo voice. Black African men were identified using social mapping. Data were

analysed using an innovative triangulation system.

Key Population Implementation Science (Khanyisa Project)

HAST researchers are conducting the Khanyisa Project among men who have sex with men (MSM) in the urban and peri-

urban settings of South Africa, i.e. CapeTown, Letsitele, Moloto, Pietermaritzburg, Port Elizabeth and Springs. Khanyisa aims

to leverage community and peer-based approaches to enhance the continuum of HIV care. Furthermore, Khanyisa seeks

to launch an effectiveness-implementation trial to investigate the effectiveness of a package of innovative interventions to

reachMSMand link them to health services; improve programme delivery and uptake of services; linkmenwho test positive

for HIV into care; retain them in care; and support adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) to achieve viral suppression.

Sibanye Health or MP3 Project

HAST researchers conducted a longitudinal cohort study among MSM and trans women in Cape Town and Port Elizabeth,

South Africa. A cohort of 201 men, of whom approximately 20% were HIV infected, were followed up for one year. This

research evaluated the acceptability and uptake of a combination package of biomedical, behavioural and community-level

HIV prevention interventions and services. It demonstrated recruitment and retention methods for MSM; estimated the

incidence of key outcomes, includingHIV and STI incidence; and explored the HIV risk and prevention behaviours amongMSM.

What Works in HIV and AIDS and the World of Work Initiatives in South Africa

HAST researchers are involved in a three-year research project (2015–2017), funded by the Deutsche Gesellschaft fur

Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ). This study seeks to find what works in HIV and AIDS workplace initiatives being

implemented in South Africa. The results will contribute to improving approaches to addressing HIV and AIDS at and

through the workplace. The Department of Labour has partnered with HAST to conduct the research, which was

undertaken in 38 workplaces in eight South African provinces.

Transgender Study

The HAST Research Programme has received funding by the United States President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief

(PEPFAR), through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to implement a HIV prevalence survey amongst

trans women in South Africa. The first of its kind to determine the percentage of trans women who are HIV positive,