Avac Event

The Future of HIV Prevention: A People’s Research Agenda for Speed, Scale and Equity

First developed in 2024 in partnership with global advocates and communities, the People’s Research Agenda sets out a people-centered framework for equitable and accelerated R&D and product introduction. The PRA tracks the science, shows where investments align—or fail to align—with community-defined priorities, and spotlights critical gaps in the pipeline of prevention options needed to meet the diverse realities of all populations.

  • Featured speaker Jeanne Marrazzo, former Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and AVAC board member.
  • We will cover what the People’s Research Agenda tracks, why it matters, and the advocacy priorities that will shape the future of prevention R&D.

Avac Event

The Science of HIV Cure: What communities need to know

Speakers shared the latest on research toward an HIV cure and how lessons from progress in pediatric cure research can inform the path forward.

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Avac Event

The Quest For An HIV Cure — Will It Be Discovered in Africa?

We will explore what has been happening in terms of HIV cure research in Africa, and discuss opportunities to support more Africa-focused HIV cure research.

Moderator:
Anna Miti, The Choice Agenda

Speakers:

  • Dr. Thumbi Ndung’u, Africa Health Research Institute
  • Dr. Gabriela Cromhout, University of KwaZulu-Natal
  • Adaobi Lisa Olisa, Root to Rise, IAS HIV Vaccine & Cure Advocacy Fellow

Avac Event

Community Engagement in USG Global Health MoUs

Following up on a recent webinar, this will be a space to share real-time experiences, strategize, and define collective asks before Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) are finalized on December 12.

Avac Event

Influencing the New USG Global Health MoUs and PEPFAR Strategy

We invite you to an urgent and critical webinar focused on the new Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) governing US Government (USG) global health investments, including PEPFAR, under the “America First Strategy.” These MoUs are currently under rapid discussion with African Governments.

Organized by COMPASS in collaboration with EANNASO and Data ETC, this webinar is designed to equip African Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) with the necessary analysis and advocacy strategies.

The goal is to enable CSOs to proactively influence the priorities for the upcoming five years of USG health investments, specifically concerning HIV, primary prevention, and the crucial role of community-led monitoring and delivery.

Featured Experts

  • Emily Bass: The New MoU and its implications. 
  • Brian Honnermann (amfAR): The New MoU and its implications.
  • Nelson Otuoma (NEPHAK-Kenya): Direct experience from national MoU participation.
  • Munyaradzi Chimwara (ACT-Zimbabwe): Community safeguards for inclusion and accountability.

Avac Event

The Dual Prevention Pill Introduction Plan

Both a Question and an Answer to Integration

Introducing the Dual Prevention Pill (DPP) will require integration of contraception and PrEP in guidelines, health systems, delivery approaches, and demand creation. Join us to discuss how programs should think about rolling out novel prevention products like the DPP in the current landscape, learning from projects across sub-Saharan Africa.

Moderator

  • Isolde Birdthistle, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine

Speakers

  • Dr. Lori Miller, IPPF
  • Nelia Banda, CHAI
  • Rhoda Msiska, Copper Rose Zambia

PDF version of flyer also available.

Avac Event

Innovative HIV Prevention and Treatment Keynote and Panel Discussion

An in-depth discussion on lenacapavir, this session will examine its potential to transform HIV prevention on a global scale, looking at the latest clinical evidence, regulatory pathways, and the access barriers that may shape its rollout, especially in low-resource settings. The program will feature a special keynote address followed by a panel discussion with leading experts in HIV prevention and global health, exploring how innovation, policy, and equity intersect in the next frontier of HIV response.

Keynote Session

  • Moupali Das, MD, MPH, Gilead Sciences
  • Keynote Moderator: Dr. Charles B. Holmes, Director, Georgetown University Center for Innovation in Global Health; Distinguished Scholar and Program Director·O’Neill Institute for National and Global Health Law at Georgetown University Law Center

Panel Discussion

  • Moderator: Martha Sichone Cameron, PhD Candidate, Global Infectious Disease, Georgetown University
  • Micheal Ighodaro, Executive Director, Global Black Gay Men Connect (GBGMC)
  • Rupa Patel, MD, MPH, Clinical Researcher, Whitman Walker Institute
  • Mitchell Warren, Executive Director, AVAC
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Avac Event

Beyond Borders

Join ISSTDR, IUSTI, the STI & HIV 2025 World Congress, and AVAC for a special webinar spotlighting speakers who were not about to join the congress due to financial and political barriers. Presenters will share their findings, debate their results, and discuss the work still ahead for the STI field. Don’t miss this opportunity to engage directly with cutting-edge research and the people driving it forward.

Avac Event

The Lancet’s Innovations in Sexual & Reproductive Health

Professor Kenneth Mayer (Fenway Health/Harvard Medical School/Harvard University Center for AIDS Research) and Prof. Linda-Gail Bekker (Desmond Tutu Health Foundation/University of Cape Town) made remarks coinciding with the US launch of The Lancet’s series on sexual and reproductive health.

This series, supported by The Gates Foundation, brings together global experts to highlight innovations, challenges, and opportunities for improving sexual and reproductive health worldwide.

View The Lancet series here. Learn more about the event on the Fenway Health website.

Event Highlights

Avac Event

From Courtrooms to Communities: Funding Advocacy to Protect HIV Responses

Please note: registration is limited to representatives of funding and philanthropy serving organizations.

Advocacy is one of the most underfunded areas of HIV philanthropy—yet essential to defending rights and sustaining progress.

Join Funders Concerned About AIDS (FCAA) on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, from 10:00–11:30 AM EST for From Courtrooms to Communities: Funding Advocacy to Protect HIV Responses.

Moderator

  • Marvell L. Terry II, Funders Concerned About AIDS (FCAA) 

Featured Speakers

  • S. Mandisa Moore O’Neal, Center for HIV Law & Policy (CHLP)
  • Mitchell Warren, AVAC 
  • Edwin J. Bernard, HIV Justice Network

Together, they will explore how shifting legal and policy environments are shaping HIV responses, why bold and intersectional advocacy strategies matter, and where philanthropy can make catalytic investments to protect and advance progress.