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AIDS Research:
Recording and Highlights

AVAC Fellow Alumnus Moses Supercharger 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 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 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 discussed the vital need for the inclusion of trans-identified people in the research agenda for HIV prevention. Citing findings from the TG scorecard, 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, 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 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, 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, 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, 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 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 raised the singular importance of meaningful engagement of community in research, captured in the Good Participatory Guidelines, and the true impact of disengagement, which we are witnessing now at the highest levels.