3 Weeks, 3 Webinars: An agenda for 2022

January 31, 2022

So much is happening (and not) in HIV prevention and the larger world of global health equity. AVAC is tracking it all, bringing together different perspectives and hosting global dialogues to help inform and set a powerful agenda for 2022.

In the first three weeks of January, AVAC hosted three important conversations for the year ahead. Global health leaders and stalwart advocates provide critical perspectives and compass points on the issues that will make and break advances in HIV prevention and global health equity this year. (And read to the end for info about the first webinar in February.)

We’ve synthesized the key messages of each of the three, and posted the recordings and slides:

Understanding—And Improving—COVID-19 Vaccine Uptake
Jan 10, 2022
Recording | Summary

In collaboration with the COVID Advocates Advisory Board (CAAB) and the Coalition to Accelerate and Support Prevention Research (CASPR), this webinar, moderated by WACI Health’s Rosemary Mburu, looked closely at how global health leaders are tackling public resistance to COVID-19 vaccines, and lessons for the HIV field. Speakers included: John Nkengasong, current director of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention; Heidi Larson, founding director of the Vaccine Confidence Project at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine; and Kate Hopkins, Director of Research, Vaccine Acceptance & Demand at the Sabin Vaccine Institute.

Ups & Downs in the Field: Setting an Agenda Together for HIV Prevention in 2022
Jan 13, 2022
Recording | Summary

This webinar reviewed the latest advances, opportunities and disappointments in HIV prevention and provided an opportunity to address key questions including: where we are with the introduction of injectable cabotegravir and the Dapivirine Vaginal Ring; the development status (including setbacks) of promising new PrEP agents; and how to ensure HIV prevention and equitable access to innovation do not fall further behind; and much more. This webinar featured the perspectives of Linda-Gail Bekker from South Africa’s Desmond Tutu Health Foundation (and AVAC’s board); Grace Kumwenda of Pakachere Institute of Health and Development Communication in Malawi and Kenneth Mwehonge, the new executive director of Coalition for Health Promotion and Social Development (HEPS-Uganda) — both former AVAC Fellows — and Rachel Baggaley from the World Health Organization.

Oral PrEP Implementation and Implications for Next Generation PrEP
Jan 19, 2022
Recording | Summary

This webinar discussed insights from oral PrEP programs and how these experiences can inform faster, smarter and more affordable rollout of next-generation HIV prevention products. It featured Saiqa Mullick of Wits RHI in South Africa, Joseph Murungu of Pangaea Zimbabwe AIDS Trust (PZAT), and Daniel Were of Jhpiego in Kenya.

And the conversations continue!

Join the AIDS Foundation Chicago, AVAC and partners February 3 at 1:00pm ET/12:00pm CT for: Are we PrEPared this time? Ensuring a Swift Translation of Research into Community Impact. This webinar will feature presentations and debate on what must happen for positive research results to effectively reach communities without delay. Register here.

We hope you’ll look at the summaries of these important conversations and/or listen to the recordings and share with your colleagues, partners and friends. With this round-up of webinars setting the stage for 2022, we at AVAC are preparing for a year of deep collaboration and action with you.