Overview

The CHOICE project, a collaboration between Partners in Hope, UCLA, Malawi Liverpool Welcome 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

Participating facilities and districts: 

The trial is in 3 PIH supported districts of Karonga, Mulanje and Nsanje at 12 health facilities

Project Reach

Enrollment of 800 clients in total, 400 in Intervention sites and another 400 standard for care sites

Primary Outcome

Viral Load suppression at 12 months measure via study viral load

Secondary Outcomes

Sustained viral suppression & ART retention

Viral suppression at 24 months, Days covered with ART, Repeat treatment interruption at 6, 12 & 24 months

Why This Matters 

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

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 dynamic challenges. It allows health systems to provide targeted care.

  

Contact Information

Misheck Mphande and Eric Lungu - Project Coordinators

E-mail: misheck@pihmalawi.com | eric@pihmalawi.com

Contact the coordinators directly to learn more or get involved