The Coalition to Accelerate and Support Prevention Research (CASPR) is an Africa-led advocacy network and movement, focused on advancing biomedical HIV prevention research and equitable access to proven HIV prevention products.
CASPR, funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and supported by AVAC, was intended to run from 2016 through 2026, but was paused in early 2025 amidst sweeping cuts to US federal funding for foreign assistance and the dismantling of USAID.
This report highlights the Coalition’s achievements and key wins over the course of eight years. These include significant impact on elevating community needs, expanding the field of HIV advocacy, promoting inclusive engagement in research, and improving ethical standards in HIV prevention research.
Achievement By The Numbers
New advocates mentored
AGYW trained in advocacy
Advocates engaged in 26 clinical trials
National & regional advocates
Advocates on boards & committees
Media Science Cafés
Key Outcome Areas
Shaped global standards by influencing ethical guidelines in HIV clinical research
Expanded the field of HIV prevention advocacy and leadership by building a stronger, intergenerational advocacy movement
Bridged the gap between science and communities by promoting inclusive engagement in research
Elevated community needs as a policy priority, making choice a cornerstone of HIV prevention research and policy
CASPR's Impact At A Glance
CASPR has created a sustainable platform to advance African-centered leadership and the crucial advocacy needed to ensure a robust pipeline of HIV prevention options reach the people who need them most.
In eight years, CASPR has:
- Advanced ethical, community-centered research design in HIV vaccine and PrEP trials, ensuring that stakeholder perspectives are incorporated into every step of the process
- Cultivated community trust in the research process, increasing access to accurate scientific information and expanding community engagement in HIV prevention research
- Built broad consensus on community priorities for the HIV prevention R&D pipeline, resulting in critical buy-in and support from researchers, funders, and decision-makers
- Championed choice in HIV prevention R&D and rollout, with a strong focus on girls and women, successfully accelerating access to products that communities need
- Secured critical commitments from product developers on access and price transparency to advance the introduction of new HIV prevention products
CASPR Through the Years
2016–2017: Building New Structures
Launched CASPR with 9 partners as 4 efficacy trials began; focused on coalition-building, infrastructure, and shared strategy.
2017–2018: Catalyzing Advocacy for Women's HIV Prevention
Positioned community and end-user voices at the center of new trials and policy translation; prioritized women’s HIV prevention across advocacy and communications.
2018–2019: Shaping a Community-Centered HIV Agenda
CASPR matured as a Coalition; responded to ECHO results with integrated advocacy, centered African women, and promoted domestic financing for HIV and FP.
2019–2020: Maintaining Momentum for Vaccine Science
Led field response to HVTN 702 trial results and COVID-19; upheld vaccine advocacy, adapted GPP for new pandemics, and strengthened capacity to sustain connection in a virtual world.
2020–2022: Elevating GPP as Core to Research
Drove deep engagement with IMPOWER, PURPOSE, and PrEPVacc; established GCAGs, pioneered pharma partnerships, and convened 73 stakeholder consultations.
2022–2023: Supporting Next-Generation Leadership
Championed youth-led advocacy and leadership; Emerging youth leaders influenced policies, secured seats at decision-making tables, and earned national recognition.
2023–2024: Championing Choice
Launched African Women's Prevention Community Accountability Board (AWPCAB) and the HIV Prevention Choice Manifesto, advancing African women’s leadership and voice in shaping HIV prevention research and rollout.
2024–2025: Bridging Research to Rollout
Focused on sustaining advocacy across trial-to-rollout; champions and Fellows influenced national policies, Country Operating Plan (COP) processes, and national dialogues on prevention access.
CASPR's Key Lessons for Global Coalition Building
- Working collectively towards desired outcomes for HIV prevention research built cohesion and purpose among the Coalition
- A long history and strong relationships facilitated effectiveness and cohesiveness
- Diversity in Coalition expertise created a unique learning environment
- Documenting achievements and sharing successes with the right people at the right time was critical to Coalition visibility
- Intentionally uplifting young and female voices created platforms for them to lead and invests in the next generation of advocates
CASPR has undoubtedly shaped the prevention landscape, in Africa and globally. By fighting for the advancement of community-centric research agendas, and for global research to move to rollout as efficiently and equitably as possible, this global network of advocates has helped evolve and improve prevention options and realities for their communities, and the world.
The Choice Manifesto is an important and timely advocacy tool. It will help advocates lobby for resources and political will towards making HIV prevention options available for women and girls in Africa.
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