23 AUGUST 2019 VOLUME 20 ISSUE 32

Media Coverage

• S. African Deputy President Convenes Meeting to Tackle HIV, TB Epidemics

  Deputy President David Mabuza on Friday convened an inaugural meeting of the National AIDS Council Inter-Ministerial Committee in the sixth administration to deliberate on South Africa's response to HIV and tuberculosis (TB) epidemics.

  August 23, 2019

  General

  Xinhua

• Opinion: Enlisting the Private Sector in the Fight Against HIV/AIDS

  The response to HIV/AIDS in several countries has been impeded by human resources for health shortages — and to make headway in the fight against HIV, many countries have received support from donors to hire thousands of additional health workers for HIV service delivery.

  August 22, 2019

  General

  Devex

• Number of People Testing for HIV Drops- AIDS Commission

  The number of people testing for HIV across the country has been declining steadily over the past three years, according to Uganda AIDS Commission-UAC. Records from UAC show that 10.7 million people tested in the 2016/2017 financial year, 8.8 million in the 2017/2018 financial year and 7.2 million in the 2018/2019 financial year.

  August 22, 2019

  General

  Independent

• Two-Month HIV Injection Could Be on Its Way, As ViiV Touts New Dual-Drug Win

  Imagine HIV patients needed to take their antiretroviral therapies not every day, not even every month, but every two months. A GlaxoSmithKline two-drug injectable regimen that’s already under review by the FDA for monthly use could soon turn it into reality, thanks to a phase 3 win.

  August 22, 2019

  Treatment

  FiercePharma

• Nigeria: US Allocates Additional US $75 Million to Fight Against HIV/AIDS

  The United States government says it has allocated an additional $75 million to the fight against HIV/AIDs in Nigeria through its President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). The US Ambassador to Nigeria, Stuart Symington, said this in a statement on Tuesday. He, however, stressed that disbursement of the additional PEPFAR HIV funds is contingent upon the Nigerian federal and state governments reducing or eliminating financial barriers to PLHIV access to services, in particular, fees charged by healthcare facilities for non-essential services or those already provided by PEPFAR.

  August 21, 2019

  General

  All Africa

• Gilead Files Challenge to Government Patents for HIV Prevention Pill

  Gilead Sciences took the unusual step of mounting a challenge to US government patents on Wednesday, saying the government’s claim to have invented the use of the drug Truvada for HIV prevention is invalid. The pharmaceutical company filed a petition with the US Patent and Trademark Office, asking for a reexamination of the government’s patents. Gilead says medical professionals were widely discussing Truvada, approved in 2004 for treating people already infected with HIV, for prevention of the disease before the government filed its patent claim in 2006.

  August 21, 2019

  PrEP

  Washington Post

• Swiss Boost Funding to Fight AIDS, TB and Malaria

  The Federal Council on Wednesday approved a contribution of CHF64 million for the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria for the 2020–22 period and a further CHF30 million for the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS for the 2019–21 period.

  August 21, 2019

  General

  Swissinfo.ch

• Here in the South, HIV/AIDS Is Killing in the Shadows Like It’s 1989. We Have to Break the Stigma

  Atlanta OKs Emergency Funding for AIDS/HIV Housing to Avert Crisis," said the Atlanta Journal Constitution. "There Aren't Enough Doctors to Treat HIV in the South" wrote the Pew Charitable Trusts. "North and South Carolina Team Up to Take on Interstate HIV Epidemic," reported the Aiken Standard. If you think these headlines were from 1989, you'd be wrong—they're from the past two years. While we've made tremendous progress in the fight against HIV, the epidemic is still very real for too many, particularly in the South.

  August 20, 2019

  General

  Newsweek

• HIV Self-Test Kit Launching Clinical Trial, Could Be on Sale in 2020

  As HIV rates continue to climb in Canada, researchers are launching a clinical trial for an HIV self-testing kit that could be on sale in 2020.

  August 20, 2019

  General

  CBC

• Emergency Departments Are a ‘Hotspot’ for HIV Test-and-Treat in South Africa

  Voluntary HIV testing and counselling carried out in South African emergency departments (EDs) can reach at-risk populations with knowledge of their status and HIV treatment services, finds a new paper. They also found poor rates of HIV treatment and care retention among people living with HIV in these settings.

  August 20, 2019

  Treatment

  Avert

• AIDS Activists Say Gilead Put Profits Over Patients — And Misled Congress About an HIV Pill

  Last May, Gilead Sciences (GILD) chief executive Daniel O’Day testified before Congress that a revised version of a best-selling HIV pill was a “brand new medicine” and that the company was “absolutely not” aware it was safer than an older version during the early stages of development.

  August 19, 2019

  PrEP

  STAT News

• I Decided to Get Circumcised After 21 Years: Joseph

  Joseph Anthony, from Mgaza village in Morogoro narrates to Your Health how he got motivated to be circumcised after living with the foreskin for 21 years. Just like many other circumcised men, Joseph recalls that peer-influence triggered his decision to get circumcised.

  August 19, 2019

  Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision

  The Citizen

• US Cuts Funding to Kenya’s AIDS War, Cites Sharp Drop in Cases

  Thousands of jobs are at stake as the US government reduces funding and reorients its HIV programme in Kenya. The US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) has drawn various redlines giving Kenya tough minimums to be met by October and next year or risk further funding cuts.

  August 18, 2019

  General

  Standard Digital

• What Can Be Done to Halt Glasgow’s HIV Epidemic?

  Researchers have described a "perfect storm" that has allowed the HIV virus to spread so quickly in Glasgow. Homelessness is the key factor. Combined with a significant rise in the numbers of people injecting cocaine as well as heroin.

  August 18, 2019

  General

  BBC

• Ending the HIV/AIDS Epidemic Only Happens if Black America Leads

  In the haste to get President Trump’s program off the ground, the input of community organizations who serve the Black community has been overlooked and ignored. But while there is a dire need for urgency, if the most impacted communities and individuals are not intentionally centered in the planning and execution of the plan, this opportunity will be squandered.

  August 16, 2019

  General

  OUT

• Age-Related Policies and Laws Limit PrEP Access Where It’s Needed the Most

  Access to pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for young people at risk of HIV remains limited because of age-related consent laws and policies, reveals a global review.

  August 16, 2019

  PrEP

  Avert

Published Research

• The Potential of Engineered Antibodies for HIV-1 Therapy and Cure

  There are many possibilities to further increase the potential efficacy of bnAbs. Most notably, Fc domain engineering to improve half-life and increase engagement of effector cells will augment two advantages of bnAbs. Moreover, antibody engineering can improve affinity and recognition of conserved epitopes and allows the combination of multiple epitope specificities in a single molecule. These increasingly potent and broad antibodies may prove valuable as alternative HIV-1 therapeutic and possibly in curative approaches.

  October 1, 2019

  Antibody Related Research, Cure

  Current Opinion in Virology

• Effectiveness of Community Outreach HIV Prevention Programs in Vietnam: A Mixed Methods Evaluation

  Outreach programs appear to have reduced risky sexual behaviors and increased use of HIV testing services among high-risk populations in Vietnam. These programs can play a key role in reducing gaps in the HIV care cascade, achieving the global 90–90-90 goals, and creating an AIDS-free generation.

  August 23, 2019

  General

  BMC Public Health

• Treatment As Prevention (TasP) and Perceived Sexual Changes in Behavior Among HIV-Positive Persons: A French Survey in Infectious Diseases Departments in Paris

  The awareness of TasP was relatively high, but it seems important to understand the features of male and female populations of PLHIV to adapt counseling during follow-up appointments, as women's answers differed in various regards.

  August 23, 2019

  Treatment

  AIDS Care

• “We Know This Will Be Hard at the Beginning, but Better in the Long Term”: Understanding PrEP Uptake in the General Population in Eswatini

  Some healthcare workers and stakeholders feared that PrEP would reduce condom use and cause drug resistance, while some clients feared possible side effects and the reaction of family members when learning of PrEP use. At the same time, respondents across all groups valued that PrEP could be taken without partner knowledge or consent, and that PrEP was available via public sector clinics. Clients felt that PrEP relieved the fear of HIV infection and thus bolstered enjoyment during sex.

  August 22, 2019

  PrEP

  AIDS Care

• Acceptability and Barriers to HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis in Atlanta's Adolescents and Their Parents

  The adolescent/parent dyad is likely to accept PrEP, regardless of sexual activity. Limitations include that nearly 70 percent of adolescents were not sexually active, and the study was conducted before PrEP approval by the Food and Drug Administration for those who are younger than 18 years. These results support future parent and adolescent education on PrEP.

  August 22, 2019

  PrEP

  AIDS Patient Care and STDs

• Effects of the Levonorgestrel-Containing Intrauterine Device, Copper Intrauterine Device, and Levonorgestrel-Containing Oral Contraceptive on Susceptibility of Immune Cells From Cervix, Endometrium and Blood to HIV-1 Fusion Measured Ex Vivo

  We studied the effect of contraceptives on HIV-1 susceptibility of immune cells from the cervix, endometrium and peripheral blood by comparing fusion susceptibility in four groups: users of the copper intrauterine device (IUD), levonorgestrel-containing oral contraceptive, levonorgestrel-containing IUD and unexposed controls. None of the contraceptives was associated with higher rates of HIV-1 entry into female reproductive tract cells compared to control samples from the mid-luteal phase.

  August 22, 2019

  Hormonal Contraceptives and HIV

  PLoS One

• Predicted Effectiveness of Daily and Non-Daily PrEP for MSM Based on Sex and Pill-Taking Patterns From HPTN 067/ADAPT

  Our analysis suggests that PrEP was more effective among MSM in Thailand than in the US as a result of more fully covered sex acts and more pills taken around partially covered acts. Overall, non-daily PrEP was less effective than daily PrEP, especially in the US where the sex act coverage associated with daily use was substantially higher.

  August 22, 2019

  PrEP

  Clinical Infectious Diseases

• Repeated Semen Exposure Decreases Cervicovaginal SIVmac251 Infection in Rhesus Macaques

  Establishing in vivo evidence of competing effects of semen on transmission impacts our basic understanding of what factors may determine HIV infectivity in humans. Our results clearly indicate that repeated semen exposure can profoundly modulate the FRT microenvironment, paradoxically promoting host resistance against HIV acquisition.

  August 21, 2019

  General

  Nature Communications

• Fc Gamma Receptor Polymorphisms Modulated the Vaccine Effect on HIV-1 Risk in the HVTN 505 HIV Vaccine Trial

  By analyzing data from the HVTN 505 efficacy trial of a DNA/recombinant adenovirus 5 (rAd5) vaccine regimen, we found that host genetics, specifically Fc gamma receptor genetic variations, influenced whether receiving the DNA/rAd5 regimen was beneficial, neutral, or detrimental to an individual with respect to HIV-1 acquisition risk. Moreover, Fc gamma receptor genetic variations influenced immune responses to the DNA/rAd5 vaccine regimen. Thus, Fc gamma receptor genetic variations should be considered in the analysis of future HIV vaccine trials and the development of HIV vaccines.

  August 21, 2019

  HIV Vaccine

  Journal of Virology

• Sexual Minority Men Want Provider Behavior Consistent With Attitudes and Norms During Patient-Provider Interactions Regarding HIV Prevention

  Patient-provider interaction efforts need to go beyond education to help providers practice skills. With increased focus on cultural competency for sexual minority patients, more providers may advertise their practice as affirmative, yet interactions will likely vary, may require lifelong practice of cultural humility, and impact HIV prevention.

  August 20, 2019

  General

  Psychology, Health & Medicine

• “Getting to Zero New HIV Infections in the Caribbean”: Knowledge and Attitudes Toward Male Circumcision Among Adolescent Males in The Bahamas

  Most of the young men in this cohort would consider VMC for reducing HIV incidence. Also, many stated that, if they had a male child, they would have him circumcised. The attitudes of these youth emphasize the need to provide information on HIV in addition to general health benefits of MC if there were to be a sustainable MC program within this population.

  August 20, 2019

  Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision

  American Journal of Men's Health

• Myeloid and CD4 T Cells Comprise the Latent Reservoir in Antiretroviral Therapy-Suppressed SIVmac251-Infected Macaques

  Our results strongly suggest that functional latent reservoirs in CD4s and macrophages can contribute to viral rebound and reestablishment of productive infection after ART interruption. These findings should be considered in the design and implementation of future HIV cure strategies.

  August 20, 2019

  Cure

  mBio

• Racial/Ethnic and HIV Risk Category Disparities in PrEP Discontinuation Among Patients in Publicly-Funded Primary Care Clinics

  Age, racial/ethnic, and risk category disparities in PrEP discontinuation were identified among patients in a public-health funded primary care setting. Further efforts are needed to understand and address PrEP discontinuation among priority populations to maximize the preventive impact of PrEP, and reverse HIV-related disparities at a population level.

  August 20, 2019

  General

  AIDS

• Global, Regional, and National Incidence, Prevalence, and Mortality of HIV, 1980–2017, and Forecasts to 2030, for 195 Countries and Territories: A Systematic Analysis for the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study 2017

  Despite progress in reducing HIV-related mortality over the past decade, slow decreases in incidence, combined with the current context of stagnated funding for related interventions, mean that many countries are not on track to reach the 2020 and 2030 global targets for reduction in incidence and mortality. With a growing population of people living with HIV, it will continue to be a major threat to public health for years to come.

  August 19, 2019

  General

  Lancet HIV

• A Need for Implementation Science to Optimise the Use of Evidence-Based Interventions in HIV Care: A Systematic Literature Review

  This review revealed extensive reporting on implementation science as defined using evaluation outcomes. However, high variability was observed in how implementation outcomes and effectiveness were defined, quantified, and reported. A more specific and consistent approach to conducting and reporting on implementation science in HIV could facilitate achievement of UNAIDS 90-90-90 targets.

  August 19, 2019

  General

  PLoS One

• Targeting the HIV Epidemic in South Africa: The Need for Testing and Linkage to Care in Emergency Departments

  Our study not only observed a high prevalence and incidence of HIV among emergency department (ED) patients but also highlights significant attrition along the HIV care cascade for HIV positive individuals. Furthermore, despite developing an optimal testing environment, we were only able to enroll a small sub-set of the ED population. Given the high HIV prevalence and high attrition in the ED population, HIV services in the ED should also develop strategies that can accommodate large testing volumes and ART initiation.

  August 18, 2019

  Treatment

  EClinicalMedicine

• Long-Term Retention in Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Care Among Men Who Have Sex With Men and Transgender Women in the United States

  Measuring retention in PrEP care using three‐month follow‐up intervals may underestimate true retention. Nevertheless, retention in PrEP care is suboptimal in real‐world settings and should be the focus of future interventions.

  August 18, 2019

  PrEP

  JIAS

• A Combination Intervention Addressing Sexual Risk-Taking Behaviors Among Vulnerable Women in Uganda: Study Protocol for a Cluster Randomized Clinical Trial

  When women engaged in sex work (WESW) have access to more capital and/or alternative forms of employment and start earning formal income outside of sex work, they may be better able to improve their skills and employability for professional advancement, thereby reducing their STI/HIV risk. The study findings may advance our understanding of how best to implement gender-specific HIV prevention globally, engaging women across the HIV treatment cascade.

  August 17, 2019

  General

  BMC Women's Health

• Pre-exposure Prophylaxis Knowledge and Use Among Men Who Have Sex With Men in a Small Metropolitan Region of the Southeastern United States

  Education, gay identity, HIV status, recent HIV testing, and lack of provider awareness about sexual minorities independently predicted PrEP awareness. Recent STI testing independently predicted increased odds of PrEP discussion. Recent HIV and STI testing and non-White identity were associated with PrEP use. Effective, tailored marketing, provider competence, and open communication can increase PrEP adoption by southern MSM.

  August 16, 2019

  PrEP

  Journal of the Association of Nurses in AIDS Care

• Protocol for a Multicenter, Real-World Study of HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Among Men Who Have Sex With Men in China (CROPrEP)

  The CROPrEP project is the first study of the TDF/FTC combination as PrEP in China, which will provide primary data on PrEP implementation, including: the cascade of PrEP use, "real-world" effectiveness, adherence, and safety. The findings from this study have potential to be vital for promoting the integration of PrEP within the portfolio of HIV prevention interventions and developing guidance on PrEP implementation in China.

  August 15, 2019

  PrEP

  BMC Infectious Diseases

• Challenges of Reaching 90–90–90 in the Southern United States

  These findings should underline the need for investment in the South for a holistic healthcare approach to persons living with HIV including supporting basic needs such as access to food, transportation and housing. Prioritization among politicians for policy and systems changes and approaches to decrease stigma and enhance education about HIV will be key.

  August 13, 2019

  General

  Current Opinion in HIV and AIDS

• Can the United States Achieve 90–90–90?

  The United States is likely to reach 90–90–90 targets in the near future. However, to reduce HIV incidence by at least 90 percent by 2030, the United States will need to rapidly meet the new 95–95–95 targets and deploy a comprehensive strategy with novel approaches to testing, retaining persons with HIV on treatment, and preventing new infections with preexposure prophylaxis and comprehensive syringe services programs.

  August 13, 2019

  General

  Current Opinion in HIV and AIDS

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