HIV News Around The Globe

The recent halt of the largest HIV vaccine trial in Africa in December 2023, while undoubtedly a setback, underscores the imperative of unwavering commitment to the pursuit of an HIV vaccine. The challenges encountered in the trial illuminate the complex nature of HIV and the need for innovative approaches in vaccine development. The global HIV/AIDS pandemic persists as a profound public health challenge, affecting millions worldwide. The quest for an effective vaccine remains critical, as it represents a potent weapon in the arsenal against the virus. The scientific community must leverage the insights gained from halted trials to refine strategies and redouble efforts. The urgency to continue this research is underscored by the potential to transform the trajectory of the HIV/AIDS epidemic, reduce transmission rates, and provide hope for a future where the devastating impact of the virus is mitigated. The perseverance in finding an HIV vaccine is a testament to our commitment to global health equity, and despite setbacks, it remains a beacon of hope for a world free from the burden of HIV/AIDS. Lest we forget, here are your reads around the HIV Vaccine.

1. Reuters Article

2. Nbc News Article

3. AVAC Statement 

4. Media Coverage of PrEP Vaccs December 2023 study update

5. PrEP Vacc Study 101 video

While we are in the HIV Vaccine space, did you know that USAID has pumped $45 million in grant funding to support the work of a consortium of top African scientists from eight countries. Read more on this development here

Related resources

1.Article from Africalive

2.Gilead Is Studying Lenacapavir as Twice-Yearly PrEP

Using MySTIRisk, an artificial intelligence-based risk assessment tool, researchers were successfully able to create infection risk scores to identify patients at higher risk for HIV, syphilis, gonorrhea and chlamydia.

“The Artificial Intelligence and Modelling in Epidemiology Program from the Melbourne Sexual Health Centre has developed a web and [artificial intelligence (AI)-based risk] assessment tool for HIV and sexually transmitted infections [called] MySTIRisk,” Phyu M. Latt, PhD candidate and research assistant at the Melbourne Sexual Health Center, told Healio. Read more here

Low drug concentrations do not automatically lead to virologic rebound in people receiving injectable treatment with cabotegravir and rilpivirine, Swiss researchers found in a study of people receiving injections for up to six months. They say they are uncertain why some people experience virologic rebound when they have low drug levels while others remain virologically suppressed, as well as why drug levels seem to be so much lower in everyday clinical practice than in clinical trials.

The study found that levels of cabotegravir were lower than those reported in clinical trials. Approximately half of all cabotegravir measurements in the study were below the target level. Read more here

Opportunities and Events

The African Workshop on HIV & Women 2024 is fast approaching 📢

Secure your spot in this innovative workshop filled with cross-disciplinary discussions & insights, dedicated to optimizing healthcare for women living with HIV in Africa.

Date: 22-23 February 2024 Location: Nairobi, Kenya Format: Hybrid For more information visit this website or register here

The Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections (CROI) was established in 1993 to provide a forum for basic scientists and clinical investigators to present, discuss, and critique their investigations into the epidemiology and biology of human retroviruses and associated diseases. The synergy of basic science and clinical investigation has been a major contributor to the success of the meeting. CROI has facilitated the presentation of important discoveries in the field, thereby accelerating progress in HIV and AIDS research. The best and most consequential original research defines the science at CROI, including research in HIV, hepatitis viruses, SARS-CoV-2, mpox, and other viral infections and their related conditions.

Attendance at the conference is open to researchers and clinical educators actively involved in the study and management of HIV, other retroviruses, and related medical conditions. Limited space is also available to members of the media whose work aligns with the scientific and educational aims of the conference.

For more information on the production of each conference, view this CROI Infographic (based on virtual CROI 2021).Find out more here

IAS – the International AIDS Society – and its partners, the World Health Organization (WHO) and Unitaid, are delighted to invite you to a webinar titled “Person-centered care approaches for preventing HPV-related cancers among people living with HIV”.

Date: Monday, 19 February 2024

 Time: 10:00-11:30 CET (GMT+1)

Register here

This webinar will share the latest evidence and implementation guidance on the prevention and management of human papillomavirus (HPV)-related cancers, especially among people living with HIV. The purpose of the webinar is to share information on the latest guidance, Unitaid technology landscape and emerging anal cancer screening evidence. The webinar will highlight the role of civil society in cervical cancer elimination and share key lessons learnt on the integration of HIV and cervical cancer screening and treatment programmes. 

Following a successful 2023 program, AVAC is delighted to launch the 2024 Advocacy Navigator program and invites applications from emerging advocates from Eastern and Southern Africa interested in strengthening their skills in HIV prevention advocacy. Applications for the Advocacy Navigator program are now being accepted through 8 March 2024. 

Find details about the Advocacy Navigator program and application process here. And join us for an informational webinar on Tuesday, 13 February.