R4D HIV and AIDS

The Potential Impact of an AIDS Vaccine in Low- and Middle-Income Countries

Thu, 24 May 2012 07:11 GMT

Document Type: Briefing

Production Year: 2012

Citation: International AIDS Vaccine Initiative (IAVI). The Potential Impact of an AIDS Vaccine in Low- and Middle-Income Countries. International AIDS Vaccine Initiative (IAVI), New York, USA (2012) 8 pp. [IAVI Insights - Policy Brief 29]

AIDS Vaccines: Exploring the Potential Cost/Benefit

Thu, 24 May 2012 07:02 GMT

Document Type: Briefing

Production Year: 2012

Citation: International AIDS Vaccine Initiative (IAVI). AIDS Vaccines: Exploring the Potential Cost/Benefit. International AIDS Vaccine Initiative (IAVI), New York, USA (2012) 4 pp. [IAVI Insights - Policy Brief 30]

Summary: A preventive AIDS vaccine, even one that is only partially effective, could have a tremendous impact on the number of new HIV infections in low- and middle-income countries. Each infection prevented by an AIDS vaccine would reduce the number of individuals who would eventually require a life-long regimen of antiretroviral treatment (ART). Modeling the potential impact of an AIDS vaccine demonstrates the number of new infections that a vaccine could prevent, which provides a basis for calculating the potential cost-savings that a vaccine could generate by reducing the number of additional people requiring ART.

Spotlight on Women: Modeling the Impact of a Future AIDS Vaccine

Wed, 23 May 2012 09:02 GMT

Document Type: Briefing

Production Year: 2012

Citation: International AIDS Vaccine Initiative (IAVI). Spotlight on Women: Modeling the Impact of a Future AIDS Vaccine. International AIDS Vaccine Initiative (IAVI), New York, USA (2012) 2 pp. [IAVI Policy Notes]

Summary: The devastating impact of HIV and AIDS on women and girls is well documented. Given the complex web of physiological, cultural and socioeconomic factors that heighten women’s vulnerability to infection, the global response to HIV and AIDS must include increased access to proven HIV-prevention methods, active support for the empowerment of women and research into new HIV-prevention strategies. A preventive AIDS vaccine, as part of a comprehensive response that includes other new prevention strategies such as microbicides and ARV-based prophylaxis, would serve as a powerful tool to reduce rates of new HIV infections in women around the world.

STRIVE Learning Labs 5. Reducing HIV Stigma.

Fri, 11 May 2012 02:50 GMT

Document Type: PowerPoint Presentation
Creator: Stangl, A.

Production Year: 2011

Citation: Stangl, A. STRIVE Learning Labs 5. Reducing HIV Stigma. (2011) [48 min 04 sec]

Summary: Stigma reduction in action to address HIV: principals for programme design, resources and tools, and measurement issues. Presented by Anne Stangl, Behavioral Scientist and Stigma Specialist, International Center for Research on Women, Washington, DC, 22 November 2011.

STRIVE Learning Labs 4. Stigma and HIV Overview.

Fri, 11 May 2012 02:44 GMT

Document Type: PowerPoint Presentation
Creator: Stangl, A.

Production Year: 2011

Citation: Stangl, A. STRIVE Learning Labs 4. Stigma and HIV Overview. (2011) [29 min 31 sec]

Summary: An overview of this key structural barrier to an effective HIV response, giving definitions, tools and experiences from interventions.

Presented by Anne Stangl, Behavioral Scientist and Stigma Specialist, International Center for Research on Women, Washington, DC, 12 October 2011. .

STRIVE Learning Labs. 3. Men's emotions and HIV prevention.

Wed, 09 May 2012 08:48 GMT

Document Type: Web Content
Creator: Davis, B.

Production Year: 2011

Citation: Davis, B. STRIVE Learning Labs. 3. Men's emotions and HIV prevention. (2011) [28 min 45 sec]

Summary: Can better understandings of men's experiences of emotion improve HIV prevention interventions? A study in India trains a gender lens on men's vulnerabilities and behaviours.

Presented by Dr Benjamin Davis, from his PhD studies at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, 12 October 2011.

STRIVE Learning Labs. 1. Cash Transfers and HIV.

Wed, 09 May 2012 08:29 GMT

Document Type: Web Content
Creator: Lutz, B.

Production Year: 2011

Citation: Lutz, B. STRIVE Learning Labs. 1. Cash Transfers and HIV. (2011) [37 min 26 sec]

Summary: This presentation, given on 15 July 2011, deals with evidence and issues around the use of cash transfers for HIV prevention.

Sexual behavior and perceived risk of HIV/AIDS among young migrant factory workers in Nepal

Wed, 09 May 2012 07:06 GMT

Document Type: Journal Article
Creator: Puri, M.; Cleland, J.

Production Year: 2004

Citation: Puri, M.; Cleland, J. Sexual behavior and perceived risk of HIV/AIDS among young migrant factory workers in Nepal. Journal of Adolescent Health (2004) 38 (3) 237-246. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2004.10.001]

Summary: The purpose of this study was to analyze the sexual behavior, perceived risk of contracting STIs and HIV/AIDS, and protective behaviors of migrant workers aged 14–19 years in carpet and garment factories in the Kathmandu Valley, Nepal. A common assumption in Nepal is that young migrant workers experience an increase in vulnerability. Moving away from the social controls of family and community, they become exposed to a mixed-gender environment and therefore might initiate sex earlier or have more casual encounters than might otherwise be the case. The analysis is based on a representative sample survey of 1050 factory workers. Information was also obtained from 23 in-depth case histories. Both bivarite and multivariate techniques were applied to identify the factors associated with involvement in risky sexual behavior. Despite religious and cultural restrictions, one in five boys and one in eight unmarried girls reported experience of sexual intercourse. Early sexual experimentation, multiple partners, and low and irregular use of condoms are not uncommon. Instances of sexual exploitation by factory owners or managers were documented but were rare. Most nonregular sex partners were described as friends from the same factory or community. Despite high-risk behavior, relatively few young people considered themselves to be at risk of getting STIs or HIV/AIDS. Information on the possible consequences of unsafe sex is inadequate. It was concluded that programs aimed at promotion of safer sex practices and life skill training that facilitates communication and utilization of sexual health services should target vulnerable migrant young people.

Preparing for Access to Microbicides and the Dapivirine Ring for HIV Prevention: Preliminary Strategy

Fri, 04 May 2012 08:19 GMT

Document Type: Report
Creator: International Partnership for Microbicides

Production Year: 2011

Citation: International Partnership for Microbicides. Preparing for Access to Microbicides and the Dapivirine Ring for HIV Prevention: Preliminary Strategy. International Partnership for Microbicides, Maryland, USA (2011) 37 pp.

Summary: To ensure rapid access by women in developing countries to any product that might prove successful in IPM’s Phase III trials, IPM initiated an Access Strategy, with dapivirine ring as a relevant case study. The plan builds on IPM’s Strategic Plan 2011-2015 and will serve as a guide for IPM on how to continue to direct attention to critical-path activities through product development and launch (2011-2018).

HIV Prevalence and Incidence among Sexually Active Females in Two Districts of South Africa to Determine Microbicide Trial Feasibility

Fri, 04 May 2012 07:50 GMT

Document Type: Journal Article
Creator: Nel, A.; Louw, C.; Hellstrom, E.; Braunstein, S.L.; Treadwell, I.; Marais, M.; de Villiers, M.; Hugo, J.; Paschke, I.; Andersen, C.; van de Wijgert, J.

Production Year: 2011

Citation: Nel, A.; Louw, C.; Hellstrom, E.; Braunstein, S.L.; Treadwell, I.; Marais, M.; de Villiers, M.; Hugo, J.; Paschke, I.; Andersen, C.; van de Wijgert, J. HIV Prevalence and Incidence among Sexually Active Females in Two Districts of South Africa to Determine Microbicide Trial Feasibility. PLoS ONE (2011) 6 (8) e21528. [DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0021528]

Summary: Background The suitability of populations of sexually active women in Madibeng (North-West Province) and Mbekweni (Western Cape), South Africa, for a Phase III vaginal microbicide trial was evaluated.

Methods Sexually active women 18–35 years not known to be HIV-positive or pregnant were tested cross-sectionally to determine HIV and pregnancy prevalence (798 in Madibeng and 800 in Mbekweni). Out of these, 299 non-pregnant, HIV-negative women were subsequently enrolled at each clinical research center in a 12-month cohort study with quarterly study visits.

Results HIV prevalence was 24% in Madibeng and 22% in Mbekweni. HIV incidence rates based on seroconversions over 12 months were 6.0/100 person-years (PY) (95% CI 3.0, 9.0) in Madibeng and 4.5/100 PY (95% CI 1.8, 7.1) in Mbekweni and those estimated by cross-sectional BED testing were 7.1/100 PY (95% CI 2.8, 11.3) in Madibeng and 5.8/100 PY (95% CI 2.0, 9.6) in Mbekweni. The 12-month pregnancy incidence rates were 4.8/100 PY (95% CI 2.2, 7.5) in Madibeng and 7.0/100 PY (95% CI 3.7, 10.3) in Mbekweni; rates decreased over time in both districts. Genital symptoms were reported very frequently, with an incidence of 46.8/100 PY (95% CI 38.5, 55.2) in Madibeng and 21.5/100 PY (95% CI 15.8, 27.3) in Mbekweni. Almost all (>99%) participants said that they would be willing to participate in a microbicide trial.

Conclusion These populations might be suitable for Phase III microbicide trials provided that HIV incidence rates over time remain sufficiently high to support endpoint-driven trials.