December 1 was the 21st World AIDS Day; a day dedicated to raising awareness about AIDS and HIV. MHRP marked the day with activities around the globe.
Scientific Collaboration at WRAIR
Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR) and MHRP hosted an event to highlight recent achievements in HIV research and share program successes from the PEPFAR program in Kenya. Dr. Merlin Robb, MHRP clinical deputy director, provided a Phase III HIV vaccine trial update, before turning the stage over to Keynote Speaker Dr. David Margolis, professor of Medicine, Microbiology & Immunology, and Epidemiology at the University of North Carolina. The day concluded with a very personal perspective by Wyckliffe Obwiri, who shared how he is reaching youth in Kenya. Mr. Obwiri, who is HIV positive himself, joined MHRP’s PEPFAR program in Kenya in 2006 to serve as the Assistant Prevention Program Manager.
Community Event in Washington DC
More than 150 community members and scientists marked World AIDS Day 2009 at a community meeting on HIV vaccine research in Washington DC. MHRP was one of the sponsors of the event, which was held at the Human Rights Campaign Equality Center.
Dr. Mark de Souza opened the meeting with a presentation about the Phase III HIV Vaccine Trial that was conducted in Thailand. Dr. de Souza is laboratory director at the Department of Retrovirology at the Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Sciences (AFRIMS) in Bangkok, Thailand, as well as the International Laboratory Director for MHRP.
Dr. Anthony Fauci, Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), shared his views on the state of HIV vaccine research and his vision for the future. Dr. Barney Graham with the Vaccine Research Center, Dr. Sanjay Phogat with IAVI, and Dr. Elizabeth Adams with the Division of AIDS, (NIAID) also presented at the meeting. Given the positive results from the Thai trial, along with several other encouraging studies, the panel of scientists expressed renewed optimism that an effective HIV vaccine is possible.
Kenya
Kenya marked the day with HIV and AIDS prevention talks, soccer matches, and a beauty and body building contest. Counseling and testing services were offered during events and local artists and a music extravaganza were added as additional draws to the events.
Uganda
MHRP, in collaboration with the CDC, USAID, the Embassy and other local partners hosted a game show in Kampala that aired on National TV. Moderated by Super charger—an HIV positive radio personality working with the Joint Clinical Research Center —the show included prominent leaders and members of the general public.
Tanzania
The Guest of honor in Tanzania was the Regional Commissioner of Mbeya Honorable John L. Mwakipesile. Attendees wore t-shirts donned with words in Kiswahili and in English, emphasizing the collaboration in the fight against HIV. Logos were included to depict the partnership between the government and faith-based organizations. A demonstration booth displayed activities and services provided throughout the year and HIV counseling and testing services were available.
Thailand
In Thailand, the U.S. Ambassador to Thailand made a special visit to MHRP booth presented by the CDC, USAID and AFRIMS. The booth was part of an all day HIV fair held in Bangkok by the Thailand Ministry of Public Health.
Scientific Collaboration at WRAIR
Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR) and MHRP hosted an event to highlight recent achievements in HIV research and share program successes from the PEPFAR program in Kenya. Dr. Merlin Robb, MHRP clinical deputy director, provided a Phase III HIV vaccine trial update, before turning the stage over to Keynote Speaker Dr. David Margolis, professor of Medicine, Microbiology & Immunology, and Epidemiology at the University of North Carolina. The day concluded with a very personal perspective by Wyckliffe Obwiri, who shared how he is reaching youth in Kenya. Mr. Obwiri, who is HIV positive himself, joined MHRP’s PEPFAR program in Kenya in 2006 to serve as the Assistant Prevention Program Manager.
Community Event in Washington DC
More than 150 community members and scientists marked World AIDS Day 2009 at a community meeting on HIV vaccine research in Washington DC. MHRP was one of the sponsors of the event, which was held at the Human Rights Campaign Equality Center.
Dr. Mark de Souza opened the meeting with a presentation about the Phase III HIV Vaccine Trial that was conducted in Thailand. Dr. de Souza is laboratory director at the Department of Retrovirology at the Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Sciences (AFRIMS) in Bangkok, Thailand, as well as the International Laboratory Director for MHRP.
Dr. Anthony Fauci, Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), shared his views on the state of HIV vaccine research and his vision for the future. Dr. Barney Graham with the Vaccine Research Center, Dr. Sanjay Phogat with IAVI, and Dr. Elizabeth Adams with the Division of AIDS, (NIAID) also presented at the meeting. Given the positive results from the Thai trial, along with several other encouraging studies, the panel of scientists expressed renewed optimism that an effective HIV vaccine is possible.
Kenya
Kenya marked the day with HIV and AIDS prevention talks, soccer matches, and a beauty and body building contest. Counseling and testing services were offered during events and local artists and a music extravaganza were added as additional draws to the events.
Uganda
MHRP, in collaboration with the CDC, USAID, the Embassy and other local partners hosted a game show in Kampala that aired on National TV. Moderated by Super charger—an HIV positive radio personality working with the Joint Clinical Research Center —the show included prominent leaders and members of the general public.
Tanzania
The Guest of honor in Tanzania was the Regional Commissioner of Mbeya Honorable John L. Mwakipesile. Attendees wore t-shirts donned with words in Kiswahili and in English, emphasizing the collaboration in the fight against HIV. Logos were included to depict the partnership between the government and faith-based organizations. A demonstration booth displayed activities and services provided throughout the year and HIV counseling and testing services were available.
Thailand
In Thailand, the U.S. Ambassador to Thailand made a special visit to MHRP booth presented by the CDC, USAID and AFRIMS. The booth was part of an all day HIV fair held in Bangkok by the Thailand Ministry of Public Health.