Mapping Pathways is a multi-national project to develop and nurture a research-driven, community-led global understanding of the emerging evidence base around the adoption of antiretroviral-based prevention strategies to end the HIV/AIDS epidemic. The evidence base is more than results from clinical trials - it must include stakeholder and community perspectives as well.

16 June 2011

HPTN 052: Responses, benefits and challenges


The HPTN 052 study's compelling interim results on "treatment as prevention" are eliciting strong reactions from various players in the HIV/AIDS prevention community. According to UNAIDS, "the breakthrough is a serious game-changer", and AVAC has stated that "the upcoming UN High Level Meeting on AIDS should set treatment and prevention targets that take the HPTN 052 results into account." Other have voiced concerns that the evidence may not be compelling enough for some segments; for instance, in Sub-Saharan Africa, where most people remain untested, the methodology used in the HPTN 052 study may not be as effective as hoped.

There are other critical questions as well: How will we improve rates of diagnosis without coercion? How will governments and communities build the capacity to treat people with HIV promptly and effectively? What are the cost implications?

A few days ago, aidsmap published an excellent article, tackling these issues and concerns. To read more about the reactions, the possible benefits, the challenges and proposed solutions, and the dollars-and-cents issues, click here.

Also, folks from the US, South Africa and India who are interested in new ways to prevent transmission of HIV – and want to help shape our project goals and deliverables – are highly encouraged to take a few minutes and fill in our survey.

Your efforts will be greatly appreciated!

Take the survey now.

[Content that is linked from other sources is for informational purposes and should not construe a Mapping Pathways position.]

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