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HIVR4P 2024

The 5th HIV Research for Prevention (R4P) conference is being held in Lima, Peru from 6 to 10 October. Held every two years, HIVR4P is the only global conference to focused exclusively on biomedical HIV prevention, including AIDS vaccines, microbicides, PrEP, treatment as prevention and other approaches. 

See below for key topics to follow including AVAC’s roadmap, a dedicated page for events and meetings at the Advocates Corner, and how to navigate social media throughout the conference. 

HIVR4P 2024 Roadmap

AVAC’s Roadmap provides a curated map on all things prevention HIVR4P 2024. It’s available as a sortable spreadsheet or PDF.

Conference Highlights and Recaps

Satellites and Sessions We’re Following

Sunday, October 6:

Monday, October 7:

Tuesday, October 8:

Wednesday, October 9:

Thursday, October 10:

Advocates’ Corner

The Advocates’ Corner takes the conversations and themes throughout HIVR4P deeper with advocates, ethicists, regulators and researchers on all things HIV prevention.  

Keep updated on the Advocates’ Corner day-to-day schedule by visiting the landing page here.  

Social Media

Follow the hashtag #HIVR4P2024 for live updates from Lima. 

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On the Frontlines of AMR: A Systems Approach

This is a UNGA side event at Yale Club of New York City, 50 Vanderbilt Ave, New York, NY 10017

At this year’s UN General Assembly, policymakers, advocates, diplomats, and practitioners will convene a High Level Meeting (HLM) on antimicrobial resistance (AMR). As new global commitments are made by state actors, Management Sciences for Health (MSH) will convene a group of experts to illustrate the importance of supply chains and strong health systems in combating AMR.

Through a panel discussion featuring practitioners, health workers, and advocates, MSH and partners will explore the role of supply chains, laboratory capacity, health facilities and other foundational aspects of health systems in meeting the increasingly complex challenge of AMR.

Topics discussed may include (but are not limited to): the importance of supply chains and regulatory systems in addressing AMR and supplying critical medicines, the critical role of laboratories, microbiology services and diagnostic tools, the importance of adequate water and sanitation in health facilities, and the role of healthcare workers in remaining combating and monitoring AMR.

MSH hopes that this discussion will “make real” the challenges and opportunities presented by this year’s HLM and provide real-world examples of how to address the growing threat of AMR.

Speakers:

  • Opening remarks: Marian Wentworth, President and CEO, Management Sciences for Health
  • Keynote introduction: Côte d’Ivoire Minister of Health Pierre Dimba
  • Scene Setting Remarks: Dr. Mirfin Mpundu, Senior Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) and Biodefense Advisor, Emerging Threats Division of the Office of Infectious Diseases, Bureau for Global Health, USAID
  • Moderator: Angelo Katumba, Senior Program Manager: Partnerships & Capacity Strengthening, AVAC
  • Panelist: Francis Aboagye-Nyame, Project Director, MTaPS project, Management Sciences for Health
  • Panelist: Patrick Mubangizi, Africa Director, Fleming Fund, Mott MacDonald
  • Panelist: Dr. Caline S. Mattar, MD, Associate Professor of Medicine and Director of Global Health
  • Scholars Pathway in Internal Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine
  • Panelist: Josette Vignon, Madagascar Country Director, WaterAid
  • Closing Remarks: Dr. Jide Idris, MBBS, MD, MPH, Director General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention

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Restrategizing Civil Society Engagement for Pandemic and Global Governance

As we are building back from the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, current and future generations face multiple grand-scale challenges, including the climate crisis, related disasters, pollution, and biodiversity loss. These challenges also heighten the threat of future pandemics from emerging or re-emerging diseases. On the 14th of August 2024, the WHO has declared the Mpox outbreak as a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) under the International Health Regulations (2005) (IHR), which highlighted the growing concerns.

The recent amendments to the IHR (2005), agreed upon during the 77th World Health Assembly, are pivotal in enhancing global health regulations. These amendments aim to address the shortcomings revealed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Fundamental changes include a broadened definition of pandemic emergencies, principles of solidarity and equality, and reinforced WHO authority.

We aim to draw lessons from the successful experiences of diverse CSOs in enhancing inclusivity in multilateral discussions and implementation of agreements/treaties on topics such as one health, other health issues, climate, human rights, and more. For example, the processes leading to the Paris Agreement have set important precedents for integrating diverse voices and ensuring meaningful participation in global decision-making. Indigenous groups have also been involved in the inception to implementation processes of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).

This side event aims to serve as a consolidation platform for civil society to share and find strategies that redefine civil society roles in global decision-making processes that address health threats such as future pandemics, climate crises, and others.

Objectives

The side event will reassess the strategies utilized to expand the role and involvement of civil society in global governance for health, climate, and other development sectors. The event’s objectives are further detailed in the following:

  • To explore and develop concrete strategies that enhance participatory, inclusive global governance for health, climate, human rights and other global challenges, starting from the Pandemic Agreement through meaningful civil society engagement, particularly in the face of shrinking civic spaces.
  • To foster collaborations among CSOs from multiple sectors to advance health and health-related development agendas.

Moderator:

  • Samantha Rick, Multilateral Engagement and Pandemic Preparedness Advocacy Specialist, AVAC

Speakers:

  • Eloise Todd, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Pandemic Action Network
  • Lawrence O. Gostin, Faculty Director O’Neill Institute for National and Global Health Law
  • Neil Vora, Executive Director of Preventing Pandemics at the Source
  • Olivia Herlinda, Chief Research and Policy at CISDI

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2024 IUSTI World Congress

The International Union Against Sexually Transmitted Infections (IUSTI) and ASHM are pleased to invite you to the 25th IUSTI World Congress, which will this year incorporate the Australasian Sexual and Reproductive Health Conference.

Taking place 17-20 September 2024 at the International Convention Centre in Gadigal Country, Australia, this conference will provide an opportunity to meet, discuss and learn about the latest research and innovation in sexual and reproductive health. The program will incorporate a range of world leading speakers and presentations, providing an opportunity to expand your professional knowledge through local and international insight.

Click here for registration and more info.

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2024 STI Prevention Conference

The STI Prevention Conference is a biennial conference that brings together international leading researchers with government experts, clinical STD care providers, and state and local public health administrators. The 2024 STI Prevention Conference is organized by the American Sexual Health Association, the American Sexually Transmitted Diseases Association, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the National Coalition of STD Directors.

Join more than 1,200 conference attendees September 16-19, 2024, in Atlanta, Georgia, for four days of scientific updates and cutting-edge sessions on science, program, and policy.

Click here for registration and more info.

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AIDS 2024, the 25th International AIDS Conference

More than 15,000 attendees convened in Munich, Germany and virtually from July 22 – 26 for AIDS 2024, the world’s largest conference on HIV/AIDS. The conference occured on the heels of the PURPOSE 1 PrEP trial announcement, one of the most important research results we’ve seen to date in an HIV prevention study. AVAC tracked discussion, debate and decision making on what’s next and how urgently the field moves to make the full range of PrEP products feasible choices for all people who need and want HIV prevention. We’ll also followed the latest scientific advances, efforts in decolonizing global health, successes in community-led initiatives, and much more. 

Read on for resources and ways to navigate AIDS2024.

Daily Dispatches from the Conference

Resources

  • The Research-to-Rollout Literacy Networking Zone, convened by AVAC and CASPR partners, offered in-person and virtual programming including sessions on PrEP, the Dual Prevention Pill, HIV vaccine and cure research and more!

Pre-conferences, Satellites, Sessions and Workshops Featuring AVAC and Partners

Saturday, July 20

  • Pre-conference: Key Populations and HIV Prevention Pre-Conference, 08:00 – 16:00 CEST
    Hosted by the Global Black Gay Men Connect (GBGMC) and Global KP HIV Prevention Advisory Group in partnership with AVAC, Fierte Afrique, CoalitionPlus, EpiC Project and Palladium, this day-long session will “demand and deliver: securing rights, funding and prevention” will cover rights, funding and prevention to ensure that key populations are not left behind.
  • Pre-conference: Welcome to the Era of PrEP choice, 08:00 – 16:30 CEST
    Hosted by the Gates Foundation, Unitaid, USAID, WHO and partners, this session covers the PrEP pipeline, learnings from the early delivery of oral PrEP and what’s needs to happen to ensure expeditious access to the range of PrEP options for all.

Sunday, July 21

  • Pre-conference: Mobilize for action on sexually transmitted infections, 08:00 – 16:30 CEST
    Organized by WHO, IAS and International Union against Sexually Transmitted Infections (IUSTI), this session will share insights into the global impact of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), featuring new developments in STIs, including the latest WHO guidelines, what we know and don’t know about antimicrobial resistance and the use of DoxyPEP.
  • Pre-conference: Towards a truly global HIV cure, 09:00 – 16:30 CEST
    This pre-conference will reflect on current research directions, scientific and structural challenges associated with conducting HIV cure research and the importance of expanding and coordinating efforts across countries and regions.

Monday, July 22

  • Satellite: New ways for the next wave: Innovative R&D for the future of women’s prevention, 09:30 – 10:30 CEST
    Organized by CASPR (Coalition to Accelerate & Support Prevention Research) and MATRIX (Microbicide R&D to Advance HIV Prevention Technologies through Responsive Innovation and Excellence), this session will focus on new efforts to identify and develop promising women’s prevention options, strategically engage all stakeholders, decolonize R&D and involve potential users in all their diversities throughout the process.
  • Satellite: Money, money, money: Building towards a sustainable end state for HIV prevention, 15:00 – 16:30 CEST
    As we look to 2030 and given stagnating or decreasing donor resources, we now face the question of how to ensure lasting impact with sustained access to PrEP. Hosted by AVAC, PATH, USAID, WHO and partners, this dynamic session will highlight critical HIV prevention financing gaps and showcase innovative financing and delivery solutions being rolled out to advance sustainable preventive services. 

Wednesday, July 24

  • Special Session: AIDS 2024 Co-Chairs’ Choice, 10:30 – 12:00 CEST
    Among exciting new developments, Linda Gail-Bekker will present, Twice-Yearly Lenacapavir or Daily Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Alafenamide for HIV Prevention in Cisgender Women: Interim Analysis Results from the PURPOSE 1 Study.

Thursday, July 25

  • Satellite: HIV prevention in the time of choice, 07:00 – 08:00 CEST
    Organized by the African Women Prevention Accountability Board (AWPCAB) and IPM South Africa, this session will feature an expert panel discussing what is needed to make the current options available for all women and how to balance resources for expanding access to existing methods while simultaneously developing new methods.

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AIDS 2024: New Ways for the Next Wave: Innovative R&D for the future of women’s prevention

This session will be 9:30AM to 11:00AM Munich time.

Women need a range of HIV prevention options to meet different needs, preferences and life circumstances. Currently available pills, rings and injectables are necessary but insufficient. How might we accelerate the delivery of methods we have while developing additional ones – including systemic and non-systemic methods, short-acting and on-demand products, to complement longer-acting ones? Product developers and advocates are collaborating on new approaches to expedite R&D of additional HIV prevention options. Notably, MATRIX is taking a unique approach, endorsed by the CASPR network of advocates, that aims to improve the odds of success of new products – through development, delivery and use.

This session will focus on new efforts to identify and develop promising options, strategically engage all stakeholders, decolonize R&D and involve potential users in all their diversities throughout the process.

Speakers:

  • Jeanne Marrazzo, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
  • Sharon Hillier, University of Pittsburgh / Magee-Womens Research Institute
  • Thesla Palanee-Phillips, Wits RHI

Followed by a moderated panel with:

  • Chimwemwe Chamdimba, African Medicines Regulatory Harmonization (AMRH) initiative- AUDA/NEPAD
  • Kelly Chibale, Holistic Drug Discovery and Development Centre -H3D, University of Cape Town
  • Nyaradzo Mgodi, University of Zimbabwe- Harare Health Research Centre
  • Jerop Ruth Limo, Ambassador for Youth and Adolescents Reproductive Health Program (AYARHEP)

Moderators:

  • Navita Jain, AVAC
  • Kenneth Ngure, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology

Session Chairs:

  • Sharon Hillier, University of Pittsburgh / Magee-Womens Research Institute
  • Imelda Mahaka, Pangaea Zimbabwe

This satellite session will be co-hosted by CASPR and MATRIX, with support from USAID and PEPFAR.

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Illinois PrEP Summit 2024: Disrupting Disparities and Advancing Access

The conference focuses on advancing biomedical HIV prevention to help achieve Getting to Zero by 2030. Key summit goals include improving access, addressing disparities, fostering research and promoting community engagement. Join us for in-person sessions covering strategies, policies and implementation research.

This conference is curated by AFC, MATEC, PrEP4Teens and Project VIDA.

Registration closes, June 7, 2024.

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What’s Next for the Pandemic Accord? A civil society and communities perspective

13:30-15:00PM Geneva Time

This side event featured expert panelists discussing what’s promising in the Pandemic Accord, what we expect from governments, and what’s missing for successful implementation. Selected panelists came from different health areas but all have experience in pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response.

This panel also helped civil society prepare for the coming year and gain capacity to meaningfully engage in advocacy around implementation of the Accord. 

This event was co-sponsored with Care and Frontline AIDS. This in-person meeting will be recorded and the recording will be posted on this page following the event.

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Global Key Populations HIV Prevention Pre-Conference

The Global Key Populations HIV Prevention Pre-Conference is a groundbreaking pre-conference, aimed at revolutionizing HIV prevention for key populations and LGBTQI communities, is set to take place in Munich, Germany, on July 20th, 2024. Organized by the Global Black Gay Men Connect (GBGMC) in collaboration with the Key Population Advisory Group, AVAC, Coalition PLUS, and Fierté Afrique Francophone this event is a critical precursor to the 25th International AIDS Conference.