INTE-COMM

Development and evaluation of a community-based model for the integrated management of HIV, diabetes and hypertension in Tanzania and Uganda. 

INTE-COMM

INTE-COMM is a 4-year research project. LSTM, MRC/UVRI + LSHTM Uganda Research Unit and National institute for Medical Research (NIMR) in Tanzania will work collaboratively with policy makers and patient groups to design a new community-based integrated model of care for the management of patients with HIV, diabetes and hypertension. Once designed, we will test how effective this is compared to clinic-based management of these conditions at improving patient outcomes. Once an effective model has been developed, we will also examine how this can be scaled up and sustained across different country contexts in Africa.

Research team consulting with patients living with HIV and receiving community care (at a church) in Uganda

As with all RESPOND-AFRICA projects, proactive community engagement is crucial for the success of INTE-COMM. Therefore, this project will be underpinned by a public and patient involvement approach whereby patient and community representatives input into our research ideas, have a say in how research should be implemented, inform how we communicate with patient groups to increase awareness in the community about the need for research and about chronic life-long conditions.