Research Literacy & Networking Zone (SA AIDS 2023)

Global Village, SAAIDS 2023 Conference, Durban

The HIV Research Literacy and Networking Zone is geared towards making HIV prevention research more accessible for advocates and other interested stakeholders. The Zone is back in-person this year at the SAAIDS Conference in Durban, South Africa.

The Zone is being hosted under the auspices of the CASPR Coalition and led by APHA. It will run parallel to the conference itself, from June 20-23, 2023.

Day 1: Zone Kickoff – Tuesday, June 20

Opening Session
1-3pm SAT @ Main Stage
Facilitator: Yvette Raphael of APHA

  • Ntando Yola Welcomes everyone and partners
  • CASPR partners introduce the Zone sessions at SAAIDS 2023
  • Tiwadayo Braimoh of the Medicines Patent Pool (MPP) presents the MPP 5-year strategy
  • Khadija Richards, Zinhle Sokhela and Fezeka Zibi of Wits RHI lead opening of ‘GPP In real life’ poster exhibition (exhibition continues through 23 June). Wits-RHI will also hold a GPP Symposium on 22 June at 2 pm SAT within the main conference.
  • Nandisile Sikwana of AVAC gives a vote of thanks

Day 2: Spotlight on HIV Prevention Research — Wednesday, June 21

HIV Prevention Research: Updates on vaccines and bNAbs
11am-12:30pm SAT @ Main Stage
Moderator: Nandisile Sikwana of AVAC

  • Nandisile Sikwana and Daisy Ouya of AVAC present a snapshot of the HIV prevention and implementation research
  • Kagisho Baepanye of HVTN presents the Network’s HIV vaccine and bNAb pipeline
  • Ulysses Burley of the HVTN Faith Initiative presents the network’s US-based faith community engagement strategy
  • Ansuya Naidoo of IAVI presents a brief of IAVI’s bNAb program and germline-targeting vaccine research
  • Hasina Subedar of the National Department of Health, South Africa, presents an update on implementation plans for the PrEP ring, injectable cabotegravir and other prevention options in South Africa

1-2pm SAT @ The Zone

  • Millicent Kiruki and Lilian Tutegyereize of the MOSAIC program present on the CATALYST implementation trial

It’s a new era for HIV prevention research: Why care?
4-5:30pm SAT @ The Zone
Moderator: Daisy Ouya of AVAC

  • Thumbi Ndung’u, of the Africa Health Research Institute (AHRI) presents on the new era of HIV prevention research, with examples of several early phase studies and their underlying concepts. Leads discussion with advocates
  • Jean-Daniel Lelièvre, of the Global HIV Vaccine Enterprise, International AIDS Society (IAS) gives a pre-recorded presentation on early phase studies
  • Cathy Slack of HAVEG/CASPR presents on a useful ethics framework for early phase studies

HIV Prevention: Is South Africa Lagging Behind?
6-7:30 pm SAT @ The Zone
Moderator: Brian Kanyemba of APHA

  • Hasina Subedar of NDoH: Trend analysis of PrEP Uptake in South Africa since 2016
  • Sibongile Khubeka of ViiV: What’s next for CAB for PrEP
  • Yvette Raphael of APHA: An advocate’s perspective on prevention in South Africa
  • Dinner & informal discussion

Day 3: Spotlight on Young Women in Research and Advocacy — Thursday, June 22

Young Women’s Contribution to HIV Prevention Research
11am-12:30pm SAT @ The Zone
Facilitator: S Mkhabela

  • Yvette Raphael of APHA: The APHA ground force program
  • Nomfundo Eland of Emthojeni: Using Sports to reach Young Women
  • Jessica Booysen of AEDC: Working with Young women and girls In Townships
  • Nandisile Sikwana of AVAC: Regional and global advisory structures and young women mentorship

1-2:30pm

  • Researcher [TBC] to talk about young women in prevention research
  • Sinentlantla Gogela talks about young women priorities as they relate to HIV prevention

Young Women Speak
2:30 pm SAT @ The Zone
Facilitator: Yvette Raphael

  • Saidy Brown of APHA Ground Forces: Young women’s priorities as they relate to HIV prevention
  • Siphe on the Importance of engaging young people in HIV Prevention programs
  • Vuyiseka Dubula on Inter-generational Leadership

The Choice Manifesto
3-4:30pm SAT @ The Zone
Facilitator: Yvette Raphael

  • Siviwe Gaika, Nomfundo Eland and Yvette Raphael present the HIV Prevention Choice Manifesto for Women in Africa and Globally
  • Sign on: Sinazo Pato [TBC]

Launch and Awards
6-8:30 pm SAT @ Main Stage Facilitator: Oyama Eland

  • Nandisile Sikwana of AVAC leads the launch the Young Women’s Steering Committee
  • Yvette Raphael presents Young Women leaders in HIV Prevention Research and Development Awards
  • Reception / Zone wrap up

Day 4: Friday, June 23

Zone Feedback and Reflection
11-11:30am SAT