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April 19,
2010
Dear Advocates, This update provides information on upcoming events related to HIV prevention research for your advocacy calendars:
HIV Research Catalyst Forum This week, over 300 US-based HIV prevention and treatment advocates and activists will gather in Baltimore for the HIV Research Catalyst Forum: Treatment, Prevention, Advocacy. The Catalyst Forum is a conference focusing on US community advocacy in HIV treatment and prevention research, and was formerly known as the North American Treatment Action Forum, or NATAF. The Catalyst Forum is organized by Treatment Action Group and a number of co-sponsors (including AVAC), with support from the US NIH Office of AIDS Research. Organizers resumed the meeting after a several year hiatus, and have added a prevention track to the traditionally treatment-focused theme of NATAF. While the conference is closed to registration due to capacity, the organizers have put together a great resources page for those looking for more information and training materials. We encourage you to check it out! We will also be developing a summary of key issues, presentations and opportunities going forward that we will circulate after the Forum, so stay tuned. HIV Vaccine Awareness Day (HVAD) On May 18th, people around the world will observe HIV Vaccine Awareness Day (HVAD). This annual observance is a day to recognize the efforts of the thousands of volunteers, community members, health professionals, and scientists who are working on the search for an AIDS vaccine. It also serves as an important opportunity to educate our local communities on the ongoing work as we collectively pursue the discovery and development of a safe and effective AIDS vaccine. There are a number of events planned around the globe to commemorate HVAD. For more information on what's planned in your area, please visit www.avac.org/hvad. We will be launching a special excerpt "The Thai Way Forward" from our forthcoming AVAC Report 2010: Turning the Page. If you are hosting an event for HVAD and would like free copies of the excerpt please place your order at www.avac.org/orderpublications. 2010 International Microbicides Conference (M2010) From May 22nd to 25th, nearly a thousand microbicide and HIV prevention research advocates, researchers, policy makers and funders will gather in Pittsburgh for the 2010 International Microbicides Conference. This international biennial will feature updates and sessions on microbicides and, for the first time, extend coverage to the range of HIV prevention options currently being studied, hence the theme "Building Bridges in HIV Prevention." The conference program is now available online. If you are planning to be in Pittsburgh for the conference, we encourage you to attend the 2010 Advocates' Pre-conference Workshop scheduled for Saturday, May 22nd. The workshop will feature seasoned advocates and researchers from the field who will provide the latest updates and previews on topics to be presented at the conference. The workshop is hosted by the Global Campaign for Microbicides in partnership with AVAC, the African Microbicides Advocacy Group, International Rectal Microbicides Advocates and Pittsburgh AIDS Task Force. To register for the daylong session, click here. (Registrations will be accepted through May 1st or until capacity is reached.) At M2010, AVAC is also co-hosting the Advocates' Corner, a networking and information-sharing space for advocates. It will be an interactive and participatory area where delegates representing community, advocacy and civil society can come to dialogue, exchange ideas, network, and build solidarity. The Advocates' Corner will also host a program of activities including lunchtime dialogues among advocates and researchers on a variety of key scientific and community issues. AVAC is also delighted to co-host a reception to honor the 2008 & 2010 Omololu Falobi Award recipients and to launch the 2010 International Rectal Micobrobicides Advocates' Report, From Promise to Product. The reception will be on Sunday May 23rd, 5:45pm- 7:00pm, at the Advocates' Corner--please click here to RSVP. For additional information about these and other activities, please visit our M2010 page. Open call in May for the 2010/2011 HIV Prevention Research Advocacy Fellowship The official applications for the 2010/2011 AVAC/GCM HIV Prevention Research Advocacy Fellowships will be available to download at the AVAC and GCM websites in mid-May. Applications will be due at the end of June. Prospective applicants are encouraged to visit the Fellows page to learn more about the 2009/2010 Fellows and their projects and to find out additional information about the program to help guide strong applications. The HIV Prevention Research Advocacy Fellowship Program is a collaborative program of AVAC and the Global Campaign for Microbicides. It pairs emerging leaders in advocacy and activism with existing organizations to develop and execute creative, context-specific projects around HIV prevention research advocacy. Fellows receive training, financial support, and technical assistance to plan and implement a targeted one-year project within host organizations. For any questions about the program, please email us at fellows@avac.org. As always, if you have any questions or comments about any of these upcoming events, please email us at avac@avac.org. Best, AVAC |
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