ENHANCE: Integrated Testing for HIV and NCDs Amongst Migrants in Europe
Migrants in Europe continue to face substantial barriers to accessing HIV and non-communicable disease (NCD) screening services, resulting in delayed diagnoses and poorer health outcomes. The ENHANCE project aims to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and perceived effectiveness of a peer-led, integrated HIV–NCD testing model delivered through community-based organisations serving migrant populations in Berlin, London, Brussels, and Malmö. The project combines HIV testing with screening for hypertension, diabetes, and chronic kidney disease in culturally sensitive and trusted community settings. By integrating HIV and NCD services, ENHANCE seeks to reduce stigma, increase testing uptake, improve early diagnosis, and strengthen linkage to care among underserved migrant communities across Europe.
Countries: Germany, United Kingdom, Belgium, Sweden
Methodology
The ENHANCE project uses a mixed-methods approach to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and effectiveness of a peer-led integrated HIV and NCD testing model among migrant populations in Berlin, London, Brussels, and Malmö. The quantitative component involves integrated HIV, hypertension, diabetes, and chronic kidney disease screening among 320 adult migrants, supported by pre- and post-intervention questionnaires. The qualitative component includes interviews and focus group discussions with migrants, peer workers, healthcare providers, and community stakeholders to explore experiences, stigma, barriers, facilitators, and perceptions of the intervention. Quantitative and qualitative findings are combined to provide comprehensive evidence on the potential of community-based integrated HIV–NCD testing to improve health outcomes among migrants in Europe.
Main Cooperation Partners
-
Coordinator: Denis Onyango, Africa Advocacy Foundation (AAF), London, United Kingdom.
-
Christiana Nöstlinger, Institute of Tropical Medicine (ITM), Antwerp, Belgium.
-
Anne Flaherty-Gupta, and Edwin Sesange, Africa Advocacy Foundation (AAF), London, United Kingdom.
-
Povi Lawson and Abimbola Ajomale, Noaks Ark Mosaik, Malmö, Sweden.
-
Rosaline M'Bayo, Afrikaherz/VIA e.V., Berlin, Germany.
-
Tresors Kouadio, Plateforme Prévention Sida, Brussels, Belgium.
Main Funding Partners
- Africa Advocacy Foundation, with funding support from Gilead Sciences Europe Ltd.
Duration of the project
6 months (01 July 2026 – 31 December 2026)
Publications
There have been no publications yet from this project.
Team
- Prof. Ina Danquah
- Dr. Stephen Amoah