Optimizing the Efficiency and Implementation of Cash Transfers to Improve Adherence to Antiretroviral Therapy Phase II

Optimizing the Efficiency and Implementation of Cash Transfers to Improve Adherence to Antiretroviral Therapy, Phase II: Effectiveness Study

This protocol describes a 2-arm cluster, randomized controlled trial designed to test the effectiveness of a conditional cash transfer on viral suppression at 12 months post-ART initiation among PHWHIV who have initiated ART within the past 30 days. Randomization will take place at the clinic level (HIV primary care clinics), and eligible participants attending intervention clinics will have the opportunity to receive up to 6 consecutive monthly cash transfers of 22,500 TSH (~$10) each, conditional on visit attendance with the HIV care provider. The study will take place at 32 clinics across four regions in Tanzania: Gaeta, Mwanza, Kagera and Shinyanga. The primary endpoint is viral suppression at 12 months, defined as the proportion of people living with HIV (PLHIV) retained in HIV primary care and with suppressed HIV viral load 12 months after starting ART.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Greater than or equal to 18 years of age
• Living with HIV infection
• Initiated on antiretroviral therapy less than or equal to 1 month prior to enrollment in the study
• Have access to a mobile phone (ownership, shared ownership, or access to a trusted person's phone)
• Do not intend to transfer to a different facility for HIV care within the following 12 months.

Exclusion Criteria:

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