International Research

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More than 90% of the HIV infections in the world are in developing countries and 80% are in sub- Saharan Africa. HIV prevalence in African urban adults ranges from 10->30%. In the USA, there have been reductions in HIV transmission and disease following prevention campaigns and antiretroviral therapy. In contrast, until the last few years, HIV prevention programs in developing countries were not evidence-based and resources for monitoring and evaluation were lacking. There has been a substantial improvement in program planning since NIH funding was committed to train developing country researchers, to establish linkages with US-based scientists, and to implement locally relevant collaborative studies. When the UAB CFAR International core (IC) was first established in 1997, there was only one funded RO1 to conduct HIV research in Rwanda and Zambia. Since then, the IC has provided a hub for substantial growth and facilitated the establishment of HIVNET/HPTN, AIEDRN, and CIPRA projects; seven new RO1 funded studies from UAB and three from other US Universities; and four foundation funded projects. The IC has facilitated the integration of seven AITRP graduates as co-investigators in NIH funded grants and worked with four AITRP trainees to write their own NIH proposals (pending review July 02). The IC also established a one-year field internship for American MPH students. Twelve interns have graduated since 1998, all of whom are now project coordinators for NIH funded HIV projects in Zambia or Rwanda. The IC thus provided critical logistical support and trained staff for 17 newly funded research awards in the last 4 years. These projects span the behavioral, epidemiologic, clinical, pathogenesis, and vaccine development areas relevant to heterosexual and perinatal HIV transmission and treatment of HIV disease. In the next 5 years, the IC will provide support for structured communication between the various research groups. This will facilitate the identification of critical gaps and new opportunities, and ensure that the next generation of projects builds logically on the previous one. In the coming 5 years, we will maintain the model that has proved highly successful. The IC will provide practical assistance with development and implementation of collaborative projects (organization of formal and informal conferences and meetings between UAB and field-based researchers; facilitation of IRB clearance and approvals from relevant authorities); procurement, processing, storing, and shipping of samples; and Ioqistics of communication and travel (email, telephone, fax, word processing and scanning services; visas and airplane tickets; housing in Rwanda and Zambia). Through coordination of scientific exchanges, practical training, and leveraged collaborations, we will foster more translational research and continue to expand the cadre of experienced and committed youn 9 investi_lators from the US and Africa.