Bsgh Lab

May your Eid-al-Adha be filled with love, peace, blessings and the spirit of sacrifice.

…from the BSGH Lab Team.

BSGH Lab New Research Alert! 📢

The BSGH Lab is proud to share our latest publication:
“At-home HIV self-testing vs. at-clinic HIV testing preference among trans-women in Ghana’s slums.”

While HIV self-testing (HIVST) offers a private and empowering alternative to traditional clinic visits, our qualitative study shows that a one-size-fits-all approach isn’t the answer. From privacy concerns among slum dwellers to the need for professional counseling, our research highlights the importance of dual-modality testing strategies.

Congratulations to the team:
Gamji Rabiu Abu-Ba’are,
Osman Wumpini Shamrock,
George Rudolph Kofi Agbemedu, and
Henry Delali Dakpui.

Read more here: https://journals.library.torontomu.ca/index.php/ihtp/article/view/2759

BSGH Lab New Research Publication…

We are proud to announce the publication of our latest study in PLOS One, focusing on the health and autonomy of African refugee male s*x workers (ARMSWs) in Italy.

Title: HIV self-testing awareness among African refugee male s*x workers in Italy: A mixed-methods study.

While HIV self-testing (HIVST) has been available in Italy, our research highlights that structural barriers still keep this life-saving tool out of reach for those who need it most.

Key Insights:
Low Awareness: Only 45% of participants were aware that HIV self-testing exists.
Untapped Potential: Among those aware of the tool, fewer than half had ever used one, despite high interest in its privacy and convenience.
The Education Factor: Higher educational attainment and prior experience with STI testing were the strongest predictors of whether someone knew about HIVST.
Pathways to Access: Community centers and peer-led networks remain the most trusted and effective sources for distributing testing kits.

Significance of the study:
To improve health equity, we must move beyond passive availability. Our findings call for peer-led outreach and culturally tailored health literacy programs to ensure that every individual has the tools to manage their health with dignity and privacy.

Congratulations to the research team: Henry Delali Dakpui, Gamji Rabiu Abu-Ba’are, Mubarik Sena Saaka, Donte Boyd, Orlando Harris, and Giovanni Zardini.

Read the full open-access study here: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0343441

📢 BSGH Lab New Research Publication

Our latest study in BMC Public Health explores how HIV Self-Testing (HIVST) can overcome barriers for marginalized communities.

Title: Stigma, privacy concerns, s*xual behaviors, and testing history shape willingness to use HIV self-testing among African refugee men engaged in s*x work in Italy.

Key Takeaway:
Nearly 45% of participants are ready to adopt self-testing, valuing the privacy, autonomy, and convenience it offers over traditional clinic visits.

Why It Matters:
To achieve global health goals, we must meet people where they are. This study emphasizes the need for stigma-sensitive, community-led approaches and free access to self-testing kits to ensure no one is left behind.

Congratulations to the research team:
Gamji Rabiu Abu-Ba’are, Henry Delali Dakpui, Mubarik Sena Saaka, Shamrock Osman Wumpini, Emma Gyamera, Chris Guure, and LaRon Nelson.

Read the full open-access study: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-026-27095-9

Eid Mubarak to our community celebrating around the world! May this special occasion fill your life with peace, renewed vitality, and an abundance of blessings.

Wishing you and your loved ones a day of joyful connections. 👐✨

New BSGH-Lab Publication Alert! 📢

More than half of African refugee male s*x workers in Italy are not aware of HIV self-testing, despite its benefits of privacy and convenience.

While HIV self-tests are available in pharmacies across Italy, many African refugee male s*x workers are only learning about them for the first time through research studies.

This mixed-methods study by Henry Delali Dakpui, Gamji Rabiu Abu-Ba’are, Mubarik Sena Saaka, Donte Boyd, Orlando Harris, and Giovanni Zardini explores structural barriers like stigma and migration-related issues that keep life-saving tools out of reach.

It’s time for community-led solutions.

Read full publication at https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0343441

PublicHealthResearch Italy

Wishing you a Ramadan filled with peace, growth and light.

Wishing all a Happy and Healthy 2026!!!

#2026

Merry Christmas and happy holidays from the BSGH-Lab team to everyone in our global community

What do you know about Hepatitis B?