We were proud to support a study commissioned by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, focused on improving HIV prevention strategies for adolescent girls and young women in South Africa. Titled "Putting Women First", the study aimed to explore user-centered approaches to increase the adoption and adherence of HIV prevention methods among high-risk populations.

The research was conducted in three phases:

• Qualitative Phase: We recruited 150 adolescent girls and young women to participate in a series of 40 focus group discussions, designed to gain deep insights into personal attitudes, motivations, and barriers related to HIV prevention.
• Quantitative Phase: We conducted more than 600 in-depth interviews with adolescent girls and young women to gather detailed, individual-level data on experiences and preferences related to prevention products.
• Final Phase: To better understand potential adoption at scale, we interviewed an additional 300+ participants to inform population-level projections for product uptake and adherence.

HIV prevention research is vital to developing solutions that truly meet the needs of those most at risk.

Our team was responsible for the full execution of fieldwork across all phases, ensuring high-quality data collection that reflected the voices and experiences of young women most affected by HIV. The study’s findings will play a critical role in shaping future interventions that are responsive, effective, and centered around the needs of the people they serve.

Test & Treat: Exploring HIV Prevention Among Men

Following the success of the Putting Women First study, we carried out a related project focused on men’s health, titled Test & Treat. This study aimed to deepen understanding of male perceptions around HIV prevention, particularly the perceived link between circumcision and HIV risk reduction.

The research involved engaging male participants in detailed discussions about attitudes, beliefs, and barriers related to HIV testing and prevention. As part of the study, respondents were also provided with self-testing kits, offering insights into both behavioral responses and practical considerations around at-home HIV testing.

This project built on our experience working with high-risk populations and further demonstrated our capacity to manage sensitive, community-based health research with care, cultural awareness, and methodological rigor.