Advancing Choice in HIV Prevention

In recent weeks, important new resources for advancing choice in HIV prevention have been announced. Don’t miss these highlights from the field. They point to an HIV response in transition, and help to define the role advocacy must play. As policy, practice and budgets strive to keep up with advances in research, advocacy around choice becomes a cross-cutting priority—so that the promise of new options in HIV prevention won’t be squandered in siloed programs, or by poorly-planned supply chains, or because of disconnected policy decisions. People have diverse needs and face complex challenges; ending HIV depends on finding the option that works best for each individual.  

The Choice Manifesto 

Image

The African Women’s HIV Prevention Community Accounability Board (AWPCAB) launched the HIV Prevention Choice Manifesto, calling for increased political and financial support to ensure every proven method of HIV prevention is integrated into the HIV response, so that all women who need prevention will have access to the options that will make prevention possible for them. At the launch event in Kampala, UNAIDS Executive Director Winnie Byanyima gave a keynote address in support of the Manifesto’s call for all stakeholders to commit to the budgets and strategies that will make choice possible.  

“I congratulate you for the HIV Prevention Choice Manifesto. It’s about pushing everyone towards people-centered, women-centered and women-led approaches to HIV prevention. You have fought with your lives to get here. You are fearless feminists. Women must lead for themselves.” – Winnie Byanyima, UNAIDS Executive Director

Learn more about the HIV Prevention Choice Manifesto and other advocacy resources for choice in our latest AVAC blog, Reclaiming Choice: The launch of the HIV Prevention Choice Manifesto and what that means.  

The Dual Prevention Pill (DPP) 

The DPP Consortium created a multiyear strategy to frame priorities and next steps in the development and delivery of the dual prevention pill (DPP), which is being developed to prevent HIV and unintended pregnancy. This multipurpose prevention technology (MPT) combines oral PrEP with an oral contraceptive. The updated strategy consolidates two years of progress toward preparing the field for new MPTs. The strategy addresses additions to the MPT pipeline, the potential role of the private sector in delivering a future DPP, recommendations for provider counseling on the use of the DPP, market research on potential DPP users, the latest analysis on cost, and more.

Stay tuned for more resources and updates to come on the DPP, the Choice Manifesto, and tools for connecting choice to HIV prevention, ending the epidemic and the role of choice in global health equity in HIV, and beyond.

The Architecture for Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness, & Response (PPPR): Views from Civil Society Leaders on the UN High Level Meetings (Guest Essay)

AVAC’s Executive Director along with partners from the Coalition of Advocates for Global Health and Pandemic Preparedness penned an essay to make the case of meaningful investment in Pandemic Preparedness while referencing continued failures of the COVID-19 pandemic. Read the full essay here.

PEPFAR at 20: Keeping the promise

Our latest episode of Px Pulse is out, PEPFAR: Keeping the promise.  

PEPFAR is one of the greatest US foreign policy and global development achievements of the century. The program has saved upwards of 25 million lives since it launched in 2003. But as PEPFAR marks its 20th anniversary, it’s also fighting for its future.  

The US Congress needs to reauthorize PEPFAR for another five years by September 30 and reaffirm its commitment to this lifesaving program. Until a couple of months ago, most in global health and development expected smooth sailing for a five-year reauthorization of the program, as has happened throughout the past 20 years. PEPFAR has enjoyed deep and broad bipartisan support since its founding. Evangelical Christians, staunch conservatives and progressive liberals, Democrats and Republicans, HIV activists, civil society advocates and public health leaders have all championed PEPFAR, year in and year out. But a handful of Republicans, including past PEPFAR allies, are pulling reauthorization into high-stakes partisan politics. 

In this episode, Px Pulse talks to some of the people who put PEPFAR dollars into action and to global health leaders who explain why PEPFAR’s approach has been so effective, and what’s at stake in this debate. 

Tune in to hear: 

    Ilda Kuleba from Mothers 2 Mothers talks about the impact of PEPFAR on their work across 10 countries, training and employing HIV positive mothers as peer healthcare workers. 

    Dr. James Mukabi of World Vision’s Kenya program talks about how this Christian relief organization has changed the lives of thousands of orphans and other populations who are vulnerable to HIV.  

    Tom Hart, President of the ONE Campaign, which was co-founded by the rock star Bono, to be an early champion of PEPFAR and other poverty fighting efforts talks about PEPFAR’s accomplishments at the global level and what’s next as Congress debates reauthorizing the program.

    PEPFAR’s supporters have a job to do, to make sure everyone understands that the world has a lot to lose if PEPFAR is weakened and so, so much to gain if US policymakers unite in their support. We hope you will listen and pass on the episode, download the resources and, most especially, add your voice in support of PEPFAR.

      Announcing the New AVAC.org and Digital Resources

      We are delighted to share the new and improved AVAC.org! On our new site, you can easily access all the great data, policy analysis, tools and resources that you’ve come to expect from AVAC, including our much-loved infographics, podcasts, Weekly NewsDigest and Pandemic Watch, webinars, research literacy materials and so much more! 
       
      The updated AVAC.org also reflects the expanded vision and practice of our dynamic programs. AVAC will always work to accelerate ethical development and equitable delivery of effective HIV prevention options. But, we also know that responding to HIV and preparing for future pandemics requires a comprehensive, integrated, and sustained response that is rights-based, people-centered and evidence-informed.
       
      To AVAC, this means connecting the dots between HIV prevention, sexual and reproductive health and rights, pandemic preparedness, strengthened health systems, research engagement and community leadership. It means recognizing that resilience in global health requires us to confront the threats posed by disparities in access, entrenched stigma, discrimination, criminalizing key populations and inadequate responses to other sexually transmitted infections.

      Visit the new AVAC.org for resources, tools and analysis that make these connections as we continue to track and translate the field, including:

      • Information on the entire pipeline of biomedical prevention strategies being investigated today
      • Our projects, which showcase the incredible partnerships and collaboration that underpin everything we do
      • Our podcast, PxPulse, which will deepen your knowledge and help you “check the pulse” of this fast-paced field and the urgent challenges still ahead
      • PxWire our quarterly update on where we are in biomedical prevention research
      • Our HIV clinical trials database, where you can find details on all biomedical prevention trials and our broader resource database containing fact sheets, infographics, blog posts and more on HIV prevention and the broader issues surrounding global health equity
      • Links to our newsletters—Pandemic Watch, Weekly NewsDigest, and our Advocates Network

      And be sure to check out three vital AVAC resources that give you all the information you need on PrEP access, STI vaccine and diagnostics R&D and HIV prevention R&D funding.

      We are immensely proud to share these resources with you. We hope these tools and analyses will help to power your advocacy, accelerate ethical development and equitable delivery of effective HIV prevention options, and advance global health equity.

      AVAC 2024 Advocacy Fellows Applications Now Open!

      Application Deadline: 2 October 2023

      AVAC is thrilled to invite applications for the 2024 Advocacy Fellows Program. Fellows accepted into the program, will mark the 13th cohort of this program. Read further to explore the history of the program, learn about new features for 2024, find application details, and register for upcoming informational sessions.

      Download Application Materials Here. Application deadline: 2 October 2023

      About AVAC’s Advocacy Fellows Program

      Achieving successful HIV prevention relies on programs and research shaped by communities and grounded by their needs and priorities. Skilled and informed community advocates drive this process. AVAC’s Advocacy Fellows Program expands and strengthens the capacity of civil society advocates and organizations to monitor, support and help shape HIV prevention research and rapid rollout of new effective interventions in low- and middle-income countries facing substantial HIV burdens.

      The program provides intensive support to emerging and mid-career advocates to execute advocacy projects addressing locally identified gaps and priorities. Fellows receive comprehensive training, financial backing, and technical assistance to strategize and execute a targeted 18-month project hosted by an organization within their country.

      In its 15-year history, 85 Fellows and 75 partner organizations across 15 countries have participated in the program. They have influenced policy, championed community perspectives, strengthened healthcare systems, demystified HIV prevention research, advocated for fairness and transparency on local, regional, and global scales and now lead many national and regional organizations. Discover more about the program’s impact here. As the 2022 Fellows conclude their Fellowships, learn more about their projects and achievements here.

      What’s New in 2024

      While HIV biomedical prevention advocacy remains central, we encourage projects with a strong focus on health equity, structural considerations, and links to TB, STIs, and sexual and reproductive health and rights. Advocacy projects related to pandemic prevention, preparedness and response are also welcomed.

      Eligibility

      • Emerging or mid-career community leaders and advocates who want to advance their advocacy skills and advocate for HIV, SRHR, STI, TB, and pandemic prevention and preparedness.
      • Individuals with experience or education in HIV or public health, or in advocacy for key populations (e.g., sex workers, LGBTQIA+ individuals, pregnant individuals, people who use drugs) or for social and economic justice.
      • Based in low- and middle-income countries with substantial HIV burdens and ongoing HIV prevention research or introduction of new interventions.
      • Please note that for 2024 fellowships, priority focus lies in Eastern and Southern Africa.

      Proficient in written and spoken English.

      Application Process

      Learn More

      Applications are due by 2 October 2023, and 2024 Fellowships will run from April 2024 through September 2025.

      Spread the Word

      Help us reach potential advocates by sharing this information within your networks.

      We look forward to receiving your application and making a positive impact together.

      AVAC Advocacy Fellows Program Instructions and Forms

      This packet contains application instructions and forms for prospective applicants of the Fellows Program. This file is available as a PDF and as a Word document. For more information on the Advocacy Fellows program, visit www.avac.org/fellows.

      Advocacy Fellows Program Information Packet

      This information packet contains general information regarding the Fellows Program. For more information visit www.avac.org/fellows.

      AVAC Advocacy Fellows Host Commitment Form

      The Host Organization Commitment Form is designed to help specify the commitments of prospective applicants and their host organization if selected for the Advocacy Fellows Program. Download as a PDF or Word document.

      For more information visit www.avac.org/fellows.

      AVAC Advocacy Fellows Program 2024-2025 Application Social Media Tile

      The AVAC Advocacy Fellows Program is now recruiting its 13th class and is looking for the next cohort of emerging and mid-career advocates to explore what’s needed to address epidemics and progress global public health equity.

      Want to help spread the word? Download our shareable social media tile.

      Resources & Recommended Reading for Prospective 2022 Applicants for the Fellows Program

      This resource package directs prospective applicants of the Fellows Program to online resources on HIV prevention research and general information on HIV and AIDS. For more information on the Fellows program, visit www.avac.org/fellows.