As we prepare to commemorate HIV Vaccine Awareness Day (HVAD) on May 18, the field continues to see some modest scientific breakthroughs, while still facing extraordinary challenges. Despite having an evolving toolbox of highly effective prevention options including new long-acting PrEP, we continue to see high HIV incidence in hard-hit corners of the world. Many advocates and researchers agree that ending the HIV epidemic globally without a vaccine will be extremely difficult—even with long-acting PrEP products on the market and more on the way.
“This toolbox of PrEP options will hopefully be transformative, but it is critically important that we still prioritize a vaccine.”
– Nina Russell, Director of TB and HIV R&D, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation on the new PxPulse podcast
Scroll through our list below for an exciting new podcast, HVAD webinars, and other key resources to mark HVAD 2024.
New PxPulse Podcast Episode!
Listen to the newest PxPulse podcast, “An HIV Vaccine: Looking into the future with Nina Russell with Nina Russell of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation who talks about where she sees promise in the science, the goals for an HIV vaccine, and why it has an essential role to play alongside the scale up of PrEP.
And to round out your vaccine knowledge, listen to these two archived PxPulse podcasts: Evolving Strategies for an HIV Vaccine: In conversation with Katy Stephenson, and Research Fundamentals: An HIV Vaccine — What’s the challenge and what’s the science?.
Two HVAD Webinars!
Just What is Discovery Medicine? And What Does it Mean for HIV Vaccine Research
May 16, 2024 @ 9am ET
Join the Choice Agenda to gain a broad understanding of the current landscape for HIV vaccines and what discovery medicine means for HIV vaccine research and development moving forward, with a focus on community and advocacy priorities.
From the Lab to the Jab: Lessons learned and what’s next in HIV vaccine research
June 3, 2024 @ 9am ET
AVAC’s issue briefs, From the Lab to the Jab, cover the barriers to, and solutions for equitable access to vaccines in low- and middle-income countries. During this webinar, an expert panel will discuss lessons learned, an international initiative for vaccine development, and how research and access can be improved.
Partner Events
Communities across the globe are engaging in a wide array of events focused on HIV vaccine awareness. Watc this space for upcoming details on local and regional activities the Coalition to Accelerate & Support Prevention Research (CASPR) partners are leading.
Infographic
20 years and 12 efficacy trials have delivered two positive signals for vaccines and bNAbs, but unfortunately many more flat results. This infographic provides this historical timeline and key information about each trial.
And, on the heels of last week’s HIV Vaccine Trials Network (HVTN) annual meeting, where much discussion surrounded the potential of role of bNAbs in prevention (see AVAC’s 2023 HVAD spotlight on bNABs) be sure to watch this space for more resources that unpack it all.