What question did this study set out to answer?

This research aims to evaluate the inclusion of people with HIV as key figures in the Test-to-PrEP strategy to enhance outreach efforts.

February 28, 2026

Expanding the Test-to-PrEP Strategy: Including People With HIV in Social Network-Based HIV Testing and PrEP Outreach, Miami, Florida, and San Juan, Puerto Rico, June 2024 to February 2025.

Key Points

This research aims to evaluate the inclusion of people with HIV as key figures in the Test-to-PrEP strategy to enhance outreach efforts.
Implemented a social network-based approach for distributing HIV self-test kits and PrEP resources
Included people with HIV as distributors to mitigate stigma and improve access
Conducted assessments in Miami and San Juan to gauge acceptance and interest
People with HIV expressed strong interest in participating despite encountering stigma
Stakeholders accepted and found the strategy compatible with existing health initiatives
Potential for PWH-led initiative to significantly advance HIV prevention and treatment

Abstract

This study assesses expansion of the "Test-to-PrEP" (T2P) social network strategy to include people with HIV (PWH) as distributors of HIV self-test kits (HIVST) and PrEP/HIV treatment resources, in Miami and a newly introduced site in San Juan. PWH showed strong interest despite perceived barriers such as stigma. Stakeholders found the strategy acceptable and compatible. Findings highlight the potential of PWH-led T2P implementation to advance HIV prevention and treatment, underscoring the need to support scale-up and address barriers. (Am J Public Health. 2026;116(S1):S32-S35. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2025.308320).

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Cite This Study

Simchick et al. (Sun,) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/69a2877b0a974eb0d3c03335 https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.2105/ajph.2025.308320

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