Low HIV testing among men, particularly highly mobile fishermen, is a persistent challenge. The Owete Study (NCT#04772469) used social network-central men (Promoters) to promote testing and linkage to HIV services among social networks of fishermen in western Kenya. The Promoters and fishermen networks were randomized to intervention or control arms. We describe Owete’s interactive training approach and Promoters’ training experiences for implementation insights. The 146 Promoters trained (balanced across arms) were highly engaged, eager learners, and supportive of targeted health trainings for men. Promoters felt the knowledge gained improved their understanding of health matters and elevated their social status. Promoters felt empowered knowing how to interpret self-testing results and how to address PrEP use questions and correct misconceptions. Offering capacity-building for social network-central men to spearhead campaigns on health issues affecting fishermen can leverage established relationships and trust, expand knowledge, and help increase health-seeking practices among underserved highly mobile men.

a qualitative study of HIV self-testing knowledge and acceptability of HIV selftest kit distribution among social networks of fishermen in Western Kenya

A status-neutral social network intervention that utilised HIV self-screening tests proved to be highly effective in engaging hard-to-reach, highly mobile Kenyan men in HIV testing and care. This strategy holds promise for improving early detection and care engagement for other infectious and non-communicable diseases globally.
Similar approaches that leverage peer influence within social networks and the growing accessibility of self-screening tests could be adapted for conditions such as tuberculosis, hepatitis, and hypertension in diverse global health settings

The effect of a social network-based intervention on adherence to HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis and HIV viral suppression among Kenyan fishermen

A qualitative exploration of acceptability of a potential savings intervention to reduce HIV risk among female sex workers in Western Kenya

A multi-phase process of co-creating a personal savings intervention with female sex workers in western Kenya to reduce their HIV risk

African women’s view of multipurpose prevention products in the TrIO clinical study

Lessons from the TRIO study in Kenya and South Africa