Px Wire October-December 2011, Vol. 4, No. 4

Px Wire is AVAC’s quarterly update covering the latest in the field of biomedical HIV prevention research, implementation and advocacy. This issue includes updates on what will come next for the AIDS vaccine regimen that showed modest efficacy in the trial known as RV144; the recent VOICE trial modification; progress in demonstration projects, public health guidance and regulatory decision-making around PrEP in the United States; and, a table of early-phase studies of ARV-based prevention strategies for HIV-negative people.

Px Wire April-June 2011, Vol. 4, No. 2

Px Wire is AVAC’s quarterly update covering the latest in the field of biomedical HIV prevention research, implementation and advocacy. Highlights in this issue include a feature on new momentum to end the AIDS epidemic in light of the new HPTN 052 results showing that early ARV treatment is highly protective against transmitting HIV to one’s sexual partner. This issue also includes an abbreviated roadmap highlighting sessions on the latest biomedical prevention updates at the upcoming 6th IAS Conference on HIV Pathogenesis, Treatment and Prevention. As appears each quarter, this issue includes a center foldout poster with an updated comprehensive timeline of efficacy trials of new biomedical HIV prevention worldwide and a world map showing where various strategies are being tested.

Report of Community Consultation Among Young Women Living with HIV Currently Accessing PMTCT Services in Benue, Edo, Akwa-Ibom and Lagos States

A 7-page document developed by 2013 AVAC Fellow Oladayo Taiwo Oyelakin identifying challenges women face in access PMTCT services in Nigeria. This report used a community community consultation framework to identify barriers and provide recommendations.

Px Wire October-December 2010, Vol. 3, No. 4

Px Wire is AVAC’s quarterly update covering the latest in the field of biomedical HIV prevention research, implementation and advocacy. Highlights in this issue include an update of the ongoing discussions around the follow-up of the CAPRISA 004 trial finding that 1% tenofovir gel reduces a women’s risk of acquiring HIV by 39 percent overall and asks follow-up questions. What additional trials are being considered and why? Who will map the next steps? This issue also touches on the increasing discussions of “treatment as prevention” in reference to the possible use of antiretroviral treatment to reduce the risk of HIV transmission.

Comment Letter to Ambassador Goosby on Draft PEPFAR Country Operational Plan for Zimbabwe

A 4-page response letter developed by a coalition of civil society groups summarizing concerns and demands related to the US PEPFAR program’s 2012 Country Operating Plan. A country operating plan dictates the scope, funding levels and targets of PEPFAR programming on an annual basis.

Comment Letter to Ambassador Goosby on Draft PEPFAR Country Operational Plan for Zambia

This four-page letter on behalf of the civil society coalition in Zambia discusses recommendations for PEPFAR’s Country Operating Plan. The letter calls for stronger benchmarks and increased investment in several HIV prevention modalities. 

HIV/AIDS in Uganda: 30 Years On! – A case for treatment as prevention approach

This report by 2012 AVAC Advocacy Fellow Alice Kayongo-Mutebi describes successes and challenges in a year-long campaign to expand access to antiretroviral treatment for HIV positive people in Uganda. It includes sections on the history of Uganda’s AIDS response, achievements in the work of a Ugandan civil society coalition seeking to improve ART access. It describes challenges and makes recommendations for future work. 

Px Wire July-September 2010, Vol. 3, No. 3

Px Wire is AVAC’s quarterly update covering the latest in the field of biomedical HIV prevention research, implementation and advocacy. This issue reviews highlights from the biannual International Microbicides Conference (M2010) held in May, including discussions of the potential opportunities and challenges of ARV-based prevention in topical and oral forms, new developments in delivery systems for microbicides and increasing recognition of rectal microbicides as a key area for exploration. This issue also covers what to expect with the forthcoming results of CAPRISA 004.

Budgeting to End AIDS in Kenya: Accelerated ART Scale-Up is the Only Cost-Effective Option

This one-page draft issue brief illustrates the benefits of ART scale up on public health in Kenya. The report advocates for the commitment of reaching one million Kenyans by 2015 and shows the impact of this benchmark using CDC Kenya data. 

We can use it if it’s made for us: Kenyan Sex workers perspectives and Voices on Microbicides and PrEP

This report gathers perceptions and concerns from female sex works in Kenya concerning access to microbicides and PrEP. It highlights the importance of engaging this key population in product research and development.