Limited Interaction Targeted Epidemiology: Epidemiology of Transmission and Treatment of HIV Among People Who Are at Increased Risk for HIV Infection in Latin America (LITE-LA) (UG3/UH3 Clinical Trial Optional)

Background
The purpose of this notice of funding opportunity (NOFO) is to support investigators who will form large, electronically-generated cohorts in Latin America of HIV-negative men who have sex with men (MSM), transgender women (TGW), people who inject drugs (PWID), and/or female sex-workers and follow them to study the epidemiology of HIV incidence. Continued follow-up of those persons who acquire HIV will be required to study the epidemiology of viral suppression.

Comparisons of participants by seroconverstion status will provide information on geographic and socially defined areas of high HIV incidence as well as on both personal and structural vulnerabilities to HIV infection. Among participants who seroconvert, comparisons of those becoming rapidly engaged in care and who reach non-detectable HIV levels to those whose virus remains detectable will inform on the treatment of HIV in Latin American countries.

This NOFO will allow digital trials to determine optimal study approaches, or to pilot evidence-based digital (mHealth and online) HIV prevention and treatment interventions to both reduce HIV incidence and improve treatment in Latin America.

Grant Details
The main objective is to support large, electronically generated cohorts in Latin America of HIV-negative men who have sex with men (MSM), transgender women (TGW), and other groups at increased risk of HIV acquisition and follow them to study the epidemiology of HIV incidence. Continued follow-up of those persons who acquire HIV should be conducted to study the epidemiology of viral suppression.

Comparisons of participants by seroconversion status will provide information on geographic and socially defined areas of high HIV incidence as well as on both personal and structural vulnerabilities to HIV infection. Among participants who seroconvert, comparisons of those becoming rapidly engaged in care and who reach non-detectable HIV levels to those whose virus remains detectable will inform on the treatment of HIV in Latin American countries.

This NOFO will allow digital clinical, non-IND trials to determine optimal study approaches or pilot evidence-based digital (mHealth and online) HIV prevention and treatment interventions to reduce HIV transmission.

Eligibility Requirements
Eligible applicants include higher education institutions, public/state controlled institutions, private institutions, nonprofits with 501(c)(3) IRS status, for-profit organizations, small businesses, local governments, state governments, county governments, city or township governments, special district governments, Indian/Native American tribal governments (federally recognized), Indian/Native American tribal governments (other than federally recognized), federal governments, U.S. territory or possession, independent school districts, public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities, native American tribal organizations (other than federally recognized tribal governments), faith-based or community-based organizations, regional organizations, non-domestic entities (foreign organizations). Foreign organizations are also eligible to apply.

Period of Performance
The project period may be up to 5 years: up to 2 years for the first phase (UG3) and up to 3 years for the second phase (UH3).

Grant Value
NIAID intends to commit $2,000,000 in FY 2025 to fund 1-2 awards.

Place of Performance
Latin America