Research Literacy Zone

AVAC’s Research Literacy Zone takes the conversation deeper with advocates and researchers exploring timely topics including: updates on rolling out the Dapivirine Vaginal Ring, updates on recent results and new trials, advances in vaccine and cure research and new approaches to understanding social factors that impact health.

HIV Cure Research in Africa: Challenges and Opportunities included a panel of researchers and advocates exploring some of the challenges and opportunities of HIV cure research on the African continent, strategies that are currently being pursued, and the science of the cases of HIV cure reported in the news.
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Pushing U=U jigsaw puzzle into the HIV Prevention Agenda focused on efforts to use the science of U=U to promote HIV treatment uptake, enhance adherence and eliminate stigma and discrimination, so that PLWHIV can live longer and have healthy relationships while protecting their partners from contracting HIV. Flyer available.
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Models, Maps and Measures: What advocates need to know about new strategies assessing social determinants
focused on how to assess the social determinants of HIV and a special NIH-funded initiative on the issue. The expanding pipeline for HIV prevention was one of the driving factors motivating the NIH to fund an initiative examining new ways of measuring social determinants.. The discussion focused on two new strategies: using models to determine what factors enhance the effectiveness of cash transfers in adolescent girls and young women in South Africa, and the use of GPS tracking to determine barriers to PrEP access in young MSM in NYC. Listen to the recording. Flyer available.
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A Conversation with Advocates on Vaccine Hesitancy provided attendees a space to reflect on the urgent need for vaccine equity and potential vaccine hesitancy. Panel members discussed why some individuals are hesitant in their communities. The discussion also focused on solutions, with panel members and participants sharing what has worked in their contexts and resources they are developing to engage communities in the discussion now.
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Inclusion of Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women in HIV Prevention Research: What can you and I do to move this agenda forward centered on the importance of including pregnant and breastfeeding women in HIV prevention trials. The discussion outlined barriers to participation and implementation and focused on steps to move the field forward. Flyer available.
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Ring Round Up covered updates in the research program and rollout plans for the Dapivirine Vaginal Ring (DVR). Attendees learned about IPM’s DVR research program and the early-phase research pursuing a longer-acting formula and dual prevention (HIV and pregnancy). Discussion also focused on the current regulatory approval process of the ring as a prevention option for women and the steps advocates can take to secure national approvals.
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