February 5, 2026
New this week: resources on the impact of harmful US policies on the HIV response; updated infographics on the ups and downs in PrEP; and an opportunity to apply for the US HIV Cure Academy in North Carolina this April.
The US withdrawal from WHO has made Americans less safe, further damaged diplomatic relationships and will ultimately make America less healthy, writes AVAC Executive Director Mitchell Warren in Positively Aware.
Milestones for access to injectable lenacapavir for PrEP (LEN) are being met faster than any other PrEP product before it. Learn how and why.
The PEPFAR stop-work order resulted in major declines in initiations of PrEP. Between January–September 2024 and January–September 2025, PrEP initiations dropped by 13-66% in high-volume countries, with the steepest declines occurring in PEPFAR-dependent programs disrupted by stop-work orders.
From Devex’s The AID Report, this article features the voices of veteran HIV advocates including AVAC’s Maureen Luba and HEPS-Uganda’s Kenneth Mwehonge. The article traces the impact of the US foreign aid freeze, illuminating how outreach, prevention and monitoring systems are fraying across four African countries critical to the HIV response.
This Bhekisisa piece explores how HIV programs must adapt after US funding cuts. AVAC’s Mitchell Warren argues that survival requires consolidation, new partnerships, boosting domestic government contributions, and sharply refocusing on HIV prevention.
The US HIV Cure Research Academy: April 22-24, 2026
The US HIV Cure Research Academy brings together researchers and community members from across the United States to learn about HIV cure science and translation. This two and a half-day intensive training program includes interactive discussions, skill-building workshops, and networking sessions. Full scholarships will be awarded for up to 15 attendees. Applications close February 13 at 11:59pm ET. Apply here: US HIV Cure Research Academy 2026! For further information please contact [email protected].