Putting the choice in the hands that matter
- Wits University
A new study has been launched that will harness real-world data to maximise the impact of PreP products on reducing HIV infections.
MOSAIC South Africa is excited to announce the official launch of the CATALYST (Catalyzing Access to New Prevention Products to Stop HIV) Study after months of preparation and anticipation.
The launch was held at the Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute (Wits RHI) Key Populations clinic in Johannesburg on 11 August 2023 and was attended by clients seeking services, representatives from the civil society organization, Sisonke, the Department of Health, and the USAID South Africa Mission.
Speaking during the launch, Dr Letitia Robinson, Acting USAID Bilateral Health Office Director, emphasised the importance of having real-world actionable data to maximise the impact that new PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) products may have on reducing new HIV infections.
Participants were engaged through interactive activities including the ‘Drive with Sasha’ and a game called ‘pop it’ that allowed participants to showcase their HIV prevention knowledge prowess. The first two study participants were enrolled whilst the launch event was underway. The team looks forward to enrolling more participants in the coming weeks.
CATALYST is implemented through the MOSAIC (Maximizing Options to Advance Informed Choice for HIV Prevention) project, a five-year global project funded by the US President’s Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) through the US Agency for International Development (USAID).
As part of CATALYST, women in six PEPFAR sites in Johannesburg and Lejweleputswa will have the choice of taking oral PrEP, the PrEP ring, and later CAB PrEP (once it has been approved for use in South Africa).
The study is designed to generate evidence to accelerate access to a choice-based HIV prevention package that supports PrEP choice; addresses needs at the individual, provider, facility, and community levels; and uses quality improvement methods to refine the components of the services provided.
Learn more about CATALYST Study.