HIV continues to be a major public health concern on nearly every continent, and new infections are common in many areas of the world. In 2018, nearly 2 million people were newly infected with HIV, according to data from UNAIDS. How to end the HIV pandemic was a theme of many presentations at the 10th International AIDS Society Conference on HIV Science (IAS 2019) in Mexico City. Conducting research to prevent new infections, ending HIV-related deaths and complications, and discovering a cure were deemed imperative.

In a July 2019 interview with NIH.gov, Dr. Anthony Fauci, Director of NIH’s National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), shared his thoughts on ending the HIV epidemic and explained that research continues for a safe and effective HIV vaccine because that will be a “nail in the coffin” for the epidemic. Since it can be challenging to get the existing HIV prevention and treatment tools to all those who need them, he noted, “if you want a truly global, effective, durable end to the epidemic, the only way you’re going to do that is with a safe and effective vaccine together with all the other preventative modalities.”

For nearly 30 years, there have been intense HIV vaccine research efforts. Consequently, the field has built considerable momentum toward the end goal, with multiple efficacy-stage programs underway and new vaccine concepts in the clinical pipeline. The way forward calls for accelerated scientific discovery, development, and clinical research grounded in the regions of the world where the disease burden is the greatest.

Fostering collaborations among industry, academia, local communities, governments, and funders is key to streamlining synergies of effort and strengthening knowledge-sharing. Moreover, enhanced public-private partnerships can facilitate sustainable capacity building of scientists and institutions, helping transfer critical technologies and information to low- and middle-income countries most affected by HIV/AIDS.

Expanding investments in HIV vaccine R&D remains a key priority for the field. International NGOs involved in HIV vaccine research have a role to play engaging new funders; not only amplifying the case for support but sustaining the momentum for innovative product development. Increased engagement by an expanded range of stakeholders will propel research efforts, bringing us that much closer to making a safe and effective HIV vaccine available to the world.

Selena A. Ramkeesoon, DM, MBA, MLS, PMP is CEO of DualStar LLC. Follow @SRamkeesoon

© Copyright 2019, Dr. Selena A. Ramkeesoon. All Rights Reserved.