Be the Generation Bridge and International Rectal Microbicide Advocates (IRMA) hosted a webinar to mark the launch of MTN-017, the first-ever phase II safety study of a rectal microbicide. Ross D. Cranston, MD, of the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and co-leader of MTN-017, presented on the trial details, followed by Jim Pickett of IRMA who presented on the community engagement activities undertaken in support of the trial.
MTN-017 Trial Launch Webinar
On the Map: Ensuring Africa’s Place in Rectal Microbicide Advocacy
IRMA hosted a strategy development meeting on 2-3 December 2011 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia to develop an African rectal microbicide agenda that articulates research, advocacy, and community mobilization strategies. The strategy meeting brought together African stakeholders and allies representing a wide array of perspectives, experiences, and geographies to develop action steps for RM research and advocacy, specific to the African context.
Biomedical Prevention and Anal Sex
Cindra Feuer (AVAC) and Jim Pickett (IRMA) presented at AMSHeR’s 2-day Sexual Health and Rights Institute, which was held in December 2013 prior to ICASA 2013 in Cape Town, South Africa. The presentation included an update on biomedical ARV-based prevention and advocacy and rectal microbicide research and advocacy.
Africa Needs Safe and Accessible Lube Today; Rectal Microbicides Tomorrow
“Africa Needs Safe and Accessible Lube Today; Rectal Microbicides Tomorrow” was presented by Cindra Feuer (AVAC) and Jim Pickett (IRMA) at the AMSHeR pre-conference at ICASA 2013 in Cape Town, South Africa. The presentation includes a discussion on the WHO prevention guidelines; and updates on PrEP and rectal microbicides.
The Bottom Line in HIV Prevention… Rectal Microbicides
“The Bottom Line in HIV Prevention… Rectal Microbicides” was presented by Jim Pickett at the 22nd Annual Illinois HIV/STD Conference, October 16, 2013. This presentation provides introductory information on rectal microbicides as an HIV prevention strategy.
Ready, Set, Rectal Microbicides: An Update on Rectal Microbicide Research and Advocacy
Until recently, microbicide research has focused on vaginal microbicides. Recent initiatives and ongoing studies highlight the need for safe and effective rectal microbicides as part of an essential HIV prevention toolkit.
Community-driven strategies for the use of antiretrovirals as prevention: United States Workshop Report
Launched in 2011, the multi-national Mapping Pathways project provides a community-led, research-driven, multi-layered synthesis about the use of antiretroviral-based prevention strategies. Project partners included RAND, AIDS Foundation of Chicago, AIDS United, Desmond Tutu HIV Foundation, Naz India, and Bairds CMC.
In the latter half of 2013, a subset of the Mapping Pathways team from RAND Europe and AIDS Foundation of Chicago conducted a series of three “knowledge exchange” scenario development workshops with a focus on the United States, held in San Francisco, California; Atlanta, Georgia; and Washington, DC. The aim of the workshops was to further share the findings of the report and to continue enhancing the community-driven, locally informed approach to the wider evidence base for ARV-based prevention. This report summarizes the outputs of those three workshops.
Mapping Pathways: Developing evidence-based, people-centred strategies for the use of antiretrovirals as prevention
Mapping Pathways is a multinational project to develop and nurture a research-driven, community-led global understanding of the emerging evidence base around the adoption of antiretroviral (ARV)-based prevention strategies to end the HIV/AIDS epidemic. The project is based on the premise that the current array of prevention options is not sufficient; new pathways to prevention, based on enhanced assessment and analysis of likely impact, are needed to address new infections adequately.
GPP Trial Site Binder
The GPP Trial Site Binder is a companion tool to the Good Participatory Practice guidelines that research teams can use to help develop, organize and document the stakeholder engagement activity at the site. The binder is is divided into sixteen sections aligned with the guidelines. Each section contains key steps to help research staff follow the practices, templates for documenting and planning activities, and a place to file draft documents.
Good Participatory Practice: Guidelines for TB Drug Trials
The Good Participatory Practice (GPP) guidelines for TB Drug Trials is the product of a collaboration between AVAC and the Stakeholder and Community Engagement Workgroup of the Critical Path to TB Drug Regimens. The guidelines offer trial funders, sponsors, and implementers systematic guidance on how to engage stakeholders throughout the research lifecycle. This first edition, published in 2012, contains five sections that provide context, foundational principles, and key practices for conducting TB drug trials.