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[link removed] September 22, 2025


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24 Hours to Save
AIDS Research:
Recording and Highlights
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Dear Advocate,

Last Tuesday and Wednesday, nearly 5,000 scientists, researchers, advocates and members of the community came together for 24 Hours to Support AIDS Research, ([link removed]) an online marathon to showcase and support decades of U.S. investment in HIV research: what it has achieved and what’s now at risk. More than 70 global leaders shared their insights on advancing HIV prevention, innovation, and equity. The entire program is now available on YouTube ([link removed]) .

Since January 20, the US Presidential Administration has been making massive cuts to HIV research, dismantling the infrastructure for conducting research and spreading dis-information on the benefits of research. For 24 hours, researchers and advocates from all over the world broadcast the facts, countered the lies and showed what HIV research has achieved.
Among the highlights:

AVAC Fellow Alumnus Moses Supercharger ([link removed]) recounted a history of the epidemic as a person living with HIV in Uganda when HIV acquisition was a death sentence, treatment outcomes were uncertain, and millions died. Today, long-acting treatments have saved millions of lives and transformed HIV into a manageable condition because of sustained investment in HIV research.

The HIV Vaccine Trials Networks' (HVTN), Larry Corey ([link removed]) presented statistics showing deep support (74%!) among Americans for sustained investment in HIV prevention research, including vaccines, which the world needs for durable and affordable end to the epidemic.

Greg Millett ([link removed]) of amfAR reviewed the vast reach of HIV research in its impact across the field of infectious and genetic disease, leading to breakthroughs in diagnostics and treatment for cancer, lyme disease, tuberculosis, cystic fibrosis, lymphoma, Alzheimers and many others. “What this shows is that research save lives, but more importantly, that HIV research saves all lives,” said Millett.

AVAC’s Cindra Feuer ([link removed]) discussed the vital need for the inclusion of trans-identified people in the research agenda for HIV prevention. Citing findings from the TG scorecard, ([link removed]) only 1.4% of clinical trial participants were trans-identified in 41 pivotal HIV studies since 1991. “When trans people are not identified, critical insights are missed, and their rights are erased.”

The Director of the National Institutes of Health's (NIH) NIAID, Jeanne Marrazzo ([link removed]) , who is currently on administrative leave and spoke in her personal capacity, exhorted viewers to understand how the cuts in funding threaten the infrastructure that makes both research and the delivery of care possible. “The loss of access to HIV prevention will utterly derail progress against HIV.”

Yvette Raphael ([link removed]) of Advocacy for Prevention of HIV and AIDS (APHA) emphasized the power of science centered on women’s needs, saying, “I am passionate about what science can do, what science can do for women.” Advocacy for women-centered prevention remains essential.

Loreen Willenberg, an elite controller ([link removed]) , has given researchers unique insights into HIV through her rare immune response. Her contributions—and those of countless volunteers—continue to drive progress in HIV research.

Mike Cohen ([link removed]) , who leads the HIV Prevention Trials Network (HPTN) spotlighted how treatment as prevention (TasP) works and underscored the need to scale prevention for everyone who needs it.

Joe Eron ([link removed]) , who leads the ACTG network, highlighted that American investments in HIV research have directly reduced HIV mortality, showing how federal funding and supportive policy can translate into lifesaving health outcomes.

Leading cure researcher Deborah Persaud ([link removed]) reflected that even a single case (like the Mississippi Baby) can change the field and that clinical trial investment is not only about large numbers but meaningful impact.

AVAC’s Stacey Hannah ([link removed]) raised the singular importance of meaningful engagement of community in research, captured in the Good Participatory Guidelines ([link removed]) , and the true impact of disengagement, which we are witnessing now at the highest levels.

Now is the time to take action. Go to saveaidsresearch.org/act to make your voice heard. We hope you will also sign up for our weekly newsletter, Global Health Watch ([link removed]) to stay informed, prepared and connected.

The commitment and actions of the scientific and advocacy communities, showcased non-stop during 24 Hours to Save AIDS Research, have already been successful in reversing some harmful actions. The pressure must continue!!

Together, we can protect HIV research and ensure that decades of progress are not undone.

RESOURCES
• Access the recordings ([link removed])
• See our press release ([link removed])

Best,

AVAC
Follow us @hivpxresearch ([link removed])
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AVAC Global Advocacy for HIV Prevention
+1 212 796 6423 [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) www.avac.org ([link removed])
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