An important part of expanding PrEP access includes increasing the number of individuals who can deliver PrEP, particularly injectable PrEP, and the locations where PrEP can be administered and obtained. Join The Choice Agenda to hear from community health workers and pharmacists who are taking actions outside the box such as learning to inject, and moving PrEP out of clinics into homes, the street, and other places our communities want to engage.
Further details and registration link to follow.
Avac Event
Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections (CROI 2026)
The Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections (CROI) was established in 1993 to provide a forum for basic scientists and clinical investigators to present, discuss, and critique their investigations into the epidemiology and biology of human retroviruses and associated diseases. The synergy of basic science and clinical investigation has been a major contributor to the success of the meeting. CROI has facilitated the presentation of important discoveries in the field, thereby accelerating progress in HIV and AIDS research. CROI highlights the latest research in HIV, hepatitis viruses, SARS-CoV-2 (including long COVID), mpox, and their related conditions.
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, CEO of the Infectious Diseases Society of America and AVAC board member.
We covered what the People’s Research Agenda tracks, why it matters, and the advocacy priorities that will shape the future of prevention R&D.
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.
Avac Event
The Quest For An HIV Cure — Will It Be Discovered in Africa?
We explored what has been happening in terms of HIV cure research in Africa, and discussed 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
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
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
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.
