Imagine this: You're young, navigating relationships, and trying to stay safe. But in Kenya, where sexually transmitted infections (STIs) remain a serious concern—especially among men who have sex with men (MSM)—finding effective protection isn't always straightforward.

That's where the Mambo Matatu Study comes in.

What’s the Big Deal?

Right now, MSM in Kenya face high rates of STIs, yet most healthcare centers rely on syndromic treatment—meaning you only get treated after symptoms appear. But what if we could stop infections before they start? The Mambo Matatu Study is here to explore just that, testing two promising prevention strategies:

🔹 Periodic Presumptive Treatment (PPT): A proactive antibiotic dose every three months to clear potential infections before symptoms show up.
🔹 Doxycycline Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (doxyPEP): A simple pill taken within 72 hours after condomless sex to prevent STIs.

Both are recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO)—but which works best for Kenyan MSM? That’s what this study aims to find out!

The Blueprint: How It Works

Starting in September 2024, researchers will recruit 2,900 MSM across three Kenyan cities—Nairobi, Mombasa, and Kisumu. The participants will be divided into three groups:

🔹 PPT Group: 1,160 participants receiving treatment every 3 months.
🔹 doxyPEP Group: 1,160 participants taking medication after condomless sex.
🔹 Control Group: 580 participants following the current standard of care.

Over 18 months, participants will visit MSM-friendly clinics for STI testing, treatment, and monitoring. The study will also track antimicrobial resistance (AMR)—because, let’s be honest, overusing antibiotics isn’t something to take lightly.

Why It Matters

Unlike in high-income countries, where STI prevention research is well-funded, Kenya relies on reactive treatment—meaning infections spread before they’re caught. The Mambo Matatu Study is a chance to change that narrative and introduce evidence-based STI prevention strategies to Kenya’s healthcare system.

If these methods prove successful, they could become widely available, helping thousands of MSM stay healthier while reducing STI rates nationwide.

What’s Next?

📌 Recruitment begins soon.
📌 Follow-ups will continue for 18 months.
📌 The findings could shape the future of STI prevention in Kenya.

This isn’t just research—it’s a movement toward better sexual health for MSM in Kenya. And the results? Well, they might just change the game. 🚀