This year’s theme for World AIDS Day, "Collective Action: Sustain and Accelerate HIV Progress,” underscores the importance of uniting our strengths, resources, and dedication to end the HIV epidemic. First established in 1988, World AIDS Day serves as an opportunity to support those impacted by HIV, remember those who have died from AIDS-related illnesses, and unite efforts to end the global HIV epidemic. We commemorate the day by acknowledging Network members’ tireless efforts to support our ongoing trials at 69 research sites worldwide. We have made considerable strides in prevention science while deploying a robust community engagement framework built on respect, inclusion, and collaboration. Today, we celebrate this collective action and reaffirm our commitment to these principles.
HIV remains one of the most significant global health challenges to date, with nearly 40 million people currently living with HIV and millions more affected by its social and economic impact. HPTN’s agenda continues making progress towards eliminating HIV as a global health threat by expanding the HIV prevention toolbox through the development of new modalities for pre-and post-exposure prophylaxis, including novel long-acting antiretrovirals, on-demand products, multi-purpose prevention technologies, and broadly neutralizing antibodies. HPTN researchers also continue to develop evidence-based integrated strategies to evaluate their impact at the community level while simultaneously addressing related health risks, including sexually transmitted infections and other determinants of health. Network members continuously apply critical learnings from study outcomes, leading to new scientific advancements in HIV prevention.
Above all, we commemorate the 37th World AIDS Day with deep gratitude for those who make this work possible and thank our partners, community organizations, funders, stakeholders, and study participants for their unwavering support.
Myron S. Cohen, MD
Wafaa M. El-Sadr, MD, MPH, MPA
HPTN Principal Investigators