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Research |
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HIV/AIDS Prevention Research |
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Approximately 33 million people worldwide are living with HIV/AIDS. Despite recent improvements in access to antiretroviral treatments, about 2 million died from AIDS in 2007. These tragic numbers reveal the urgent need for new ways to halt the spread of HIV. Family Health International is a leader in testing approaches to HIV prevention. Among these are behavior-change programs, which can dramatically reduce HIV infections. These programs promote risk reduction — abstinence, fidelity, and condom use — along with counseling and testing so that people know how to protect themselves from the virus. Even so, far too many people remain at high risk, and there is a need to combine behavioral research with biomedical investigations. There is mounting evidence that antiretroviral agents may be able to play an important role in reducing the risk of HIV transmission. Scientists believe that antiretroviral drugs, taken daily as an oral preventive, are among the most promising new forms of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). Antiretroviral drugs are also being used in topical gels for prophylaxis because of their potential as microbicidal agents. A number of large clinical trials are now exploring the potential of these new drugs for HIV prevention. If proven safe and effective, oral PrEP and microbicidal gels could help to address the urgent need for a female-controlled prevention method. Many women around the world are unable to negotiate other prevention measures, such as condom use, because of cultural or social barriers. When combined with other prevention approaches, these products could provide an additional safety net for individuals who are at risk of HIV infection. Projects CAPRISA 004: This Phase II b microbicide trial is assessing the safety and effectiveness of 1% tenofovir gel to prevent HIV infection in women in South Africa. It is a collaborative effort between FHI, the Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA) at the University of KwaZulu-Natal in Durban, South Africa, and US-based CONRAD. The study is funded by the US Agency for International Development (USAID) and the South African Department of Science and Technology through LIFElab in South Africa. Read more. CHAVI: The Center for HIV-AIDS Vaccine Immunology (CHAVI) is a consortium of universities and academic medical centers sponsored by the US National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases that is focused on solving the problems associated with the design and development of a safe and effective HIV vaccine. In collaboration with Duke University, FHI serves as the coordination and operations center for the clinical studies component of the CHAVI — helping to develop study protocols, prepare study sites, and implement and oversee the clinical studies. An FHI scientist serves in an investigator role for two CHAVI projects — CHAVI 011 and CHAVI 015. Read more. FEM-PrEP: The FEM-PrEP clinical trial — led by FHI and funded by USAID — is designed to test the safety and effectiveness of a daily oral dose of Truvada, a combination of two anti-retroviral drugs, for HIV prevention compared to a placebo pill. Nearly 3,900 HIV-negative women (between the ages of 18 and 35) — who have a higher risk of becoming infected with the virus — will be enrolled in the clinical trial. The trial will take place at several different sites in sub-Saharan Africa. Read more. HPTN: The HIV Prevention Trials Network (HPTN) is an international clinical research network funded by the U.S. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) that evaluates a variety of non-vaccine interventions to prevent the spread of HIV. Family Health International serves as the coordination and operations center for the network, providing a full range of services. We participate in the network's scientific leadership, study development, training, implementation, and oversight. We also provide technical assistance in community involvement. Read more. MCC: The Male Circumcision Consortium (MCC), funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, is composed of FHI and two core partners — the University of Illinois, Chicago (UIC) and EngenderHealth. The MCC works with the government of Kenya and local stakeholders to facilitate the integration of safe, voluntary male circumcision into existing programs for HIV services and male reproductive health. Read more. MTN: The Microbicides Trials Network (MTN) in an international clinical research network — sponsored by the U.S. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) — that examines the use and effectiveness of microbicides to prevent HIV infection. In collaboration with the University of Pittsburg, FHI serves as a coordination and operations center for the MTN. We participate in the scientific leadership — helping to prepare and train study sites, implement and oversee the clinical studies, and provide technical assistance in community involvement. Read more. Selected Publications |
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