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.

Frequently Asked Questions for Host Organizations

This resource is a FAQ document for prospective host organizations of the Fellows Program. For more information visit www.avac.org/fellows.

AVAC Advocacy Fellows Quick Guide for Applicants

Brief two-pager outlining the AVAC Advocacy Fellows program. More information available at www.avac.org/fellows.

Tales from Two Cities: HIV and STI research highlights from Brisbane and Chicago

August 3, 2023 at 9am ET

TCA’s invited experts will share their highlights and reflections on the HIV and STI-related science presented at two major global health conferences. These conferences include IAS 2023, taking place in Brisbane, Australia July 23 – 26 and the 2023 STI and HIV World Congress happening in Chicago (United States) from July 24 – July 27.

Speakers include:
Dr. Aniruddha Hazra – University of Chicago
Nyaradzo M Mgodi – University of Zimbabwe
Roger Pebody – NAM, Aidsmap.com
Charlie Peterson – University of Illinois – Chicago

Recording / Slides / Resources