VOLUME 17, ISSUE 1: JUNE 2017

THE AMP STUDY ISSUE ANTIBODY MEDIATED PREVENTION

A NEW HOPE IN THE PERUVIAN AMAZON

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT IN LIMA, PERU

HVTN VISIBILITY IN FAITH COMMUNITIES

ENGAGING AFRICAN AMERICAN COMMUNITIES

AMP VIDEOS Cover Image Credit: Fly Machine Picture Co. Picture Machine Fly Credit: Image Cover A LETTER FROM THE EDITOR, STEPHAUN E. WALLACE

Welcome to the newest edition of the The best part for us is when we hear HIV Vaccine Trials Network (HVTN) from you, the HVTN community. We Community Compass, formerly known thank you for your previous feedback, as the CAB Bulletin. I am thankful to the and continue to welcome your feedback HVTN community for their support in about how we are doing. Please help my transition into this role, and for their us ensure that this publication is continued dedication to supporting the representative of our entire global HVTN engagement of global communities in community! HVTN members (who have HIV prevention research. It makes me access to the HVTN member’s website) proud to say that I work for, and with, Stephaun E. Wallace, Editor-in-Chief can use our newly developed submission such an amazing research network and with so many page that offers the ability to submit topics and articles passionate and dedicated colleagues and friends. for inclusion in future issues. More information about this follows on page 11 under the “Meet the Community As you will see in this issue, Community Compass has Compass Team” section. undergone a transformative change, not just in design but also in its “feel,” in order to make it more accessible But indeed, it is YOU we have to thank: for your to our global communities. We hope to deliver an array support of the HVTN wherever you are in the world, of topics and information that encompass our HVTN for the work that you do, in whatever your role in the community globally as well as relevant information from HVTN community, and the impact we’ve been able our network partners as appropriate. HVTN Community to make on our collective history and communities, Compass had previously been known as a “newsletter,” together. and with the changes, we have adopted the term “magazine” to describe this publication going forward. There is so much more work to do to get us to an HIV vaccine, which we continue to believe is the best long- There are many important HVTN studies in the field, term hope for ending the HIV epidemic. The HVTN and in this issue, Community Compass focuses on the Community Compass team wants to be everywhere AMP Studies. These two studies span the globe and are you are, so please share with us what’s happening groundbreaking and innovative trials that will answer at your research sites, institutions, and in your very important questions. The answers may lead not only communities, so that we can share it with the world. to expanded research into the ways that antibodies may be used to fight HIV, but may also uncover new pathways Be well, that contribute to the development of an HIV vaccine. Stephaun E. Wallace Editor-in-Chief, HVTN Community Compass

Editor-in-Chief: Production & Distribution: COMMUNITY COMPASS Stephaun E. Wallace Nina Feldman A PUBLICATION OF THE HIV VACCINE TRIALS NETWORK Layout & Design: Contributing Editors: The HIV Vaccine Trials Network is an international multi–disciplinary Cody Shipman Gail Broder collaboration. Support for the HVTN comes from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) of the U.S. National Institutes SEND INQUIRIES ABOUT THIS ISSUE OF COMMUNITY COMPASS of Health, an agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human TO: Stephaun E. Wallace, [email protected] Services. The Network and NIAID have a close, cooperative working relationship, with shared attention to intellectual and scientific issues.

ABOUT COMMUNITY COMPASS VIEW PAST ISSUES OF COMMUNITY COMPASS AT The Community Compass aims to keep the HVTN community informed hvtn.org/en/community/community-compass.html about the Network’s research, site activities, and advances in the field of HIV prevention and vaccination. We encourage community members to submit news and event reports to this newsletter, and make this a true community sharing platform. FOLLOW US ON: twitter.com/helpendhiv

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2 HIV VACCINE TRIALS NETWORK | COMMUNITY COMPASS | VOLUME 17, ISSUE 1: JUNE, 2017 AMP STUDY ANTIBODY MEDIATED PREVENTION

By: Dr. Shelly Karuna-HVTN, Seattle, WA, USA with contributions from the AMP Protocol Team The AMP (Antibody Mediated Prevention) Studies are a pair of efficacy trials—HVTN 703/HPTN 081 and HVTN 704/HPTN 085— that represent a landmark, global effort in HIV prevention. The studies explore whether a broadly neutralizing antibody, given as an intravenous (IV) infusion every 8 weeks over about two years, can prevent HIV infection and if so, how much of the antibody is needed to achieve HIV protection. The multi-stakeholder develop- Clinical trial sites have reported The Vaccine Research Center ment of the AMP Studies was enormous enthusiasm for AMP (VRC) developed the antibody, extensive. We were motivated among their collaborators and called VRC01, being evaluated by the continued impact of the potential participants in their in AMP. Study participants are HIV epidemic in spite of recent communities. Community randomly assigned to receive advances in HIV prevention and engagement efforts began either placebo or one of two doses treatment. We are inspired by the months before the trials opened of VRC01 (10mg/kg or 30 mg/kg). potential contribution of this new and remain strong. A team of HIV prevention approach. AMP’s dedicated laboratory, statistical, The studies will enroll 1,500 implementation has continued data management, Core women in sub-Saharan Africa on an ambitious trajectory. operations and clinical staff (HVTN 703/HPTN 081) and 2,700 The first participants enrolled based in the US, Peru, South men and transgender people in March 2016, and from the Africa, Zimbabwe, and beyond who have sex with men in North beginning enrollment rates are supporting committed and South America and Europe have exceeded projections. community educators, recruiters, (HVTN 704/HPTN 085). CAB members, clinicians, data As we go to print, near the one- managers, laboratory technicians, The trials are being conducted year anniversary of the trials’ investigators, coordinators, collaboratively by 47 trial sites openings, over 950 men and and many others at the 47 working with two clinical trials transgender individuals have sites conducting AMP globally. groups, the HIV Vaccine Trials enrolled in HVTN 704/HPTN Together with our inspiring Network and the HIV Prevention 085 and over 500 women have study participants, the AMP Trials Network, both of which enrolled in HVTN 703/HPTN 081. Studies are “turning up the are funded by the US National volume” on this new frontier Institutes of Health (NIH). The As the first participants enrolled in HIV prevention, propelling results are expected to inform begin to cross the halfway mark the HIV vaccine and prevention the HIV vaccine field and the of their trial participation, retention fields forward, moving us all HIV prevention field at large. (participant attendance at any type toward an AIDS-free generation. of study visit) remains at or above 96% in both trials and adher- * Dr. Shelly Karuna is the Director of Clinical Development for the HVTN and the ence (participant receipt of their Protocol Team Leader for the AMP Studies. scheduled infusion) remains at or above 99%.

HVTN 703/HPTN 081 HVTN 704/HPTN 085

HIV VACCINE TRIALS NETWORK | COMMUNITY COMPASS | VOLUME 17, ISSUE 1: JUNE, 2017 3 COMMUNICATIONS AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT UPDATE By: Jim Maynard- HVTN, Seattle, WA, USA Congratulations to Nandi Luthuli, complaining. Nandi is a joy to Lead Community Education work with, both personally and Training Manager in our professionally, and we celebrate our Johannesburg office, who was good fortune by having her play a

a recipient of the 2016 Omololu critical role in our Network. Jim Maynard Falobi Award for Excellence in HIV Prevention Research Community The HVTN’s Community SOUTH AFRICA Advocacy! This award was Engagement Unit (CEU) is also IMPLEMENTATION UPDATE established by AVAC to pay tribute excited to welcome another new to the life and work of Omololu member, Stephaun Wallace who Falobi and to highlight the essential started in October 2016 and will role of community advocacy in be working closely with Gail HIV prevention research. Omololu Broder as our newest Senior Falobi was a visionary leader who Community Engagement Project continues to inspire many people Manager. Stephaun comes to us and projects. Over ten years ago from HANC where he was the on October 5, 2006, Omololu Legacy Project Manager. Stephaun died in a tragic accident. He was is an established and highly Dr. Zvavahera (Mike) Chirenje - UZ-UCSF a leading HIV/AIDS activist, an regarded leader within the House advocate for prevention research, Ball community internationally, and an excellent journalist. This and has led significant efforts to award honors individuals who have engage Historically Black Colleges shown leadership and commitment and Universities as well as faith to HIV prevention research communities nationally. Stephaun advocacy and inspired others to has more than 16 years in the field action. Nandi was profiled and of public health and more than honored at the HIV Research for two decades experience engaging

Prevention (R4P) Conference that communities around education and Meeting participant with Dr. Glenda Grey was held in Chicago in October 2016. health issues. Stephaun holds many degrees, including master’s degrees The 2016 Award was awarded to in management and organizational a number of recipients to mark leadership and is an epidemiology a “Celebration of HIV Prevention PhD candidate. Stephaun brings a Research Advocacy.” wealth of knowledge and expertise to the HVTN and will be working I cannot think of anyone more directly with sites in the U.S., worthy of this award than Nandi, South America, Europe as well as who is an inspiration to all who work with her in the fight against HIV serving as chief editor of the HVTN Meeting participants with Stephaun Wallace- HVTN and the journey toward a safe and Community Compass among his effective HIV vaccine. many other functions. * Jim Maynard, Director of Communications Nandi can engage with different and Community Engagement community members globally, understanding their differences. She knows when to stand firm as a woman. She works tirelessly in the world of prevention research, sacrificing her time and being everywhere she is needed without Meeting participants

4 HIV VACCINE TRIALS NETWORK | COMMUNITY COMPASS | VOLUME 17, ISSUE 1: JUNE, 2017 AMP COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT IN LIMA, PERU By: Gonzalo Meneses- Asociación Civil Impacta, Lima, Peru For more than fifteen years, one of IMPACTA’s priorities has been to through our website and social build strong and solid links with the communities that are at the highest networks. These comic stories risk of getting HIV, and to maintain this link over the years. It is with this will help us to address questions purpose that we keep working every month with the CAB, the community from our participants and possible based organizations (CBOs) and other community groups involved in the participants who are interested to strengthening of the gay and trans populations in Peru. The AMP Study is know about our studies. a challenging and promising study, and it required us not only to improve our community involvement and efforts with education strategies and The “Grindr” app has become recruitment activities, but also to create and implement new strategies popular in the gay communities in that fit with the new dynamics and ways of relating to our target Lima. Therefore, for the very first communities nowadays. time in Peru, we are working to spread AMP publicity through the In the case of our regular Grindr social network, and have activities, we continue to give received more than 800 contact presentations in the various messages in the first 2 months CBOs from Lima and Callao, from people who would like to which kindly open their doors for receive information about the us and let us share information AMP Study. This has been a great with their members, who spread surprise for us, because two-thirds what they learn with their friends of the people who have come to and fellow community members. the Barranco and San Miguel study In addition, we continue to sites thus far came from Grindr. visit the main LGBT clubs * Gonzalo Meneses is a Community every month with our popular Educator at Asociación Civil Impacta IMPACTA Heroes, who are always a highlight of the night Pumax (l) and Vacuman (r) dancing and celebrating with the public! They carry important messages about prevention and health care for the community, and talk with the people in the clubs about the AMP Study.

The Heroes’ strategy is all about getting to the people in a friendly and lively way, using models in costume as superheroes who help to educate about HIV and the toolbox of prevention strategies, inform about the AMP Study and invite possible participants to come to the clinic. For the AMP Study, we are designing an entire comic for them, with elaborate stories, backgrounds and plots, to be disseminated in print copies and

In their own words: Our participant

One thing that I am always taking care of as a trans person is my health. Seeing that there are studies that take us into consideration was one of the reasons that encouraged me to participate. Taking part in the AMP study makes me feel part of something bigger, which is to have a possible vaccine or cure against HIV in the future. It makes me feel important, and part of something that is important. - Sebastián, 25 years old

HIV VACCINE TRIALS NETWORK | COMMUNITY COMPASS | VOLUME 17, ISSUE 1: JUNE, 2017 5 The 14th Annual African American MSM Leadership Conference on HIV/AIDS and other Health Disparities held January 19-22, 2017 in Dallas, Texas attracted several hundred healthcare providers, government officials, people living with HIV/AIDS, researchers and community members for four days of education, professional/ personal development, and networking. The HVTN, HPTN, and MTN co-hosted and co-sponsored a three-hour institute, and the HVTN and HPTN co-sponsored a breakfast plenary.

Dr. Hyman Scott from the San Francisco Bridge HIV site giving an AMP Study and HPTN 083 overview during the breakfast plenary.

Institute faculty (from l to r): Wakefield (HVTN), Jonathan Lucas (HPTN), Dr. Asa Radix (Callen Lorde Health Center), Valerie Spencer (Consultant), Dr. Mitchell Wharton (John’s Hopkins), Dr. Hyman Scott (Bridge HIV), Christopher Hucks-Ortiz (HPTN), and Stephaun Wallace (HVTN).

Dr. Mitchell Wharton (center) and Christopher Hucks-Ortiz (r) present during the Joint Institute Session on anal health.

STUDY RECRUITMENT (from l to r) Dr. Hyman Scott, Jonathan Lucas presenting during the Joint AMP WORKSHOP IN Jonathan Lucas, Valerie Institute Session on anal health. Spencer, Christopher Hucks- Ortiz, and Dr. Asa Radix (Callen Lorde Health Center) respond to audience questions.

Dr. Nyaradzo Mgodi, UZ-UCSF, and AMP Study co-chair, provides training on the scientific design of the study.

Wakefield (l) and Dr. Asa Radix (r) respond to audience questions on transgender community engagement in HIV research and prevention.

Wakefield opening the Joint Institute Session on anal health. Khanyisile Khumalo, Recruiter from the PHRU site in Soweto, shares tips on best practices for recruiting participants who are at risk for HIV infection. Dr. Nyardzo Mgodi gives an update on the AMP Study in Sub-Saharan Africa.

AMP Study Plenary: (L to R) Dr. Kathy Mngadi, Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Dr. Shelly Karuna, Fred Hutch/HVTN, Dr. Nyaradzo Mgodi, University of Zimbabwe-University of California San Francisco Collaborative Research Program, Dr. Lynn Morris, National Institute of Communicable Diseases, Dr. Salim Karim, Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa, Dr. Penny Moore,AIDS Virus Research Unit, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, Johannesburg, Dr. Larry Corey (at podium), Fred Hutch/HVTN.

Dr. Penny Moore gives an overview of the next generation of monoclonal antibodies.

Vaccinology & Immunology 101: Early Scientific Investigator’s Plenary: (Lto R) Dr. Shelly Karuna gives an update on the Dr. Stephen Walsh, Partners Health Care, Dr. Nadine Rouphael, Emory University, Dr. Jim AMP Study in the Americas and Europe. Kublin, Fred Hutch/HVTN, Dr. Hyman Scott, (at podium) University of California San Francisco Medical Center.

SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA

Dr. Kathy Mngadi gives an update on infusion reactions from the eThekwini CRS.

Nandi Luthuli, HVTN presented on the topic of “High Risk Women.”

Jonathan-Lucas, HPTN- presented on managing challenging interactions in the field. ENGAGING AFRICAN AMERICAN COMMUNITIES IN THE U.S. SOUTH IN THE AMP STUDY By: Vic Sorrell- Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA in racial minority communities and prevention education. It was One in two African-American while we were educating/ at this important community men who have sex with men in recruiting for HVTN 505 “Hope event, nearly two months before the US will contract HIV in their Takes Action.” What was apparently the AMP Study would see its lifetime if current trajectories happening then, despite lower first study volunteer enrolling at continue uninterrupted. In the than anticipated racial minority Vanderbilt (which was the first South, this statement issued by enrollments in HVTN 505, was enrollment in the study overall), the Centers for Disease Control the crucial process of establishing that we met one of our site’s first in early 2016 was not only a deeper trust with stakeholders African American AMP enrollees. challenge to HIV prevention and those of influence. To our As the months progressed, our educators and researchers, delight, the introduction of program’s investment in the but it was also a demand. We conversations about the AMP “Project UNO” initiative of local simply must be laser-focused Study in Nashville was met with AIDS service organization Street in engaging, educating, and interest and engagement among Works, Inc., meant 30% of our most importantly, retaining these the populations we found it most site’s first ten AMP volunteers were underserved members of our important to reach. Several key African American. When asked, human family. partnerships have proven fruitful T.K. Hampton, HIV Prevention in assisting our program not only Counselor and 3MV Facilitator+ to arrive at a broader audience but with Street Works Inc., had this to also to enroll 32% non-Caucasian say about collaborating with the AMP Study volunteers in Nashville Vanderbilt CRS: thus far! The Vanderbilt HIV Vaccine Program is knowledgeable, helpful, and dependable in any capacity. Each time I have worked with them has been an enjoyable experience. We both work for the same goals: educating, empowering, and Site staff at the 2017 World AIDS Day Event showing LOVE. I look forward to our future together. In Nashville, Tennessee, the “buckle” of the Bible belt, we AMP Study participant Justin Loftin and Vic Perhaps there is no greater reward Sorrell share a laugh during a study visit certainly anticipated that enrolling than hearing from those with an appropriate number of African- Beginning in the fall of 2015, whom you collaborate that the American, and other non- our program’s alliance with intention of being a benefit and Caucasian volunteers, in the AMP the Nashville Metro Human support in communities that are Study would have its challenges. Relations Commission resulted many times overlooked is realized. Poverty, marginalization, in creative and conversational We, too, look forward to the future general distrust for the medical events on World AIDS Day 2015, of our mission - ending HIV/AIDS community, homophobia, relig- as well as National Black HIV/ together with all of our community ious dogma, and stigma all play AIDS Awareness Day in 2016. A and Network partners worldwide! a part in maintaining barriers local faith community, Ray of between communities of color Hope Community Church, was + 3MV is an HIV prevention intervention and the clinical research arena. eager to partner with our alliance focused on gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men. With the AMP Study, however, our in offering a commemorative team found a triumphant return service in February of that year * Vic Sorrell is the Community Engagement on investments made years ago that also included HIV testing Coordinator for the Vanderbilt HIV Vaccine Program.

8 HIV VACCINE TRIALS NETWORK | COMMUNITY COMPASS | VOLUME 17, ISSUE 1: JUNE, 2017 HVTN Visibility in Faith Communities By: S. Wakefield- HVTN, Seattle, WA, USA The HVTN continues to build AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), participation and expand upon the Legacy in conferences and holding pre- Project Faith Initiative, which conference meetings on faith and was launched to engage leaders sexuality with the International of Black churches in the US in AIDS Society (IAS), and through discussions of HIV generally, and traditional ecumenical meetings HIV vaccine trials specifically. At of religious leaders. In response to specific requests from CAB the Rochester and San Francisco Steven F. Wakefield sites, the HVTN previously members in Africa, we have met convened six monthly meetings with traditional faith leaders and with a multi-disciplinary coalition traditional healers to network, UPCOMING EVENTS of faith leaders, public health reflect, build skills, advocate, and professionals, HIV providers, share about current challenges 23-25 MAY 2017 and research advocates who and good practices for supporting 2017 HVTN Full Group Meeting participated in a capacity building research participation. Washington DC, USA series with specific sessions on www.hvtn.org Social Determinants of Health, Our efforts to date focus on ways Sexuality and Sexual Health HIV stigma makes it impossible 15-18 JUNE 2017 in the Context of the Church, for people to honor their identities 8th South African AIDS Conference Creating Healing Conversations, and practice their faiths. We also Durban, South Africa and Radically Reconciling recognize that people turn to www.saaids.com Contradictions that were provided pastors, imams, rabbis, monks, by renowned faculty from clerics, sangoma, shamans, and 23-26 JULY 2017 others for guidance on moral 9th IAS Conference on HIV Science around the country. (IAS 2017) responses, such as altruism, that Paris, France Growth and expansion of the may be a major factor in testing www.ias2017.org HVTN in Africa has resulted in new HIV prevention modalities. working with partners strategically Many have felt spurned or silenced 7-10 SEPTEMBER 2017 to expand efforts to support by their faith communities because 2017 United States Conference on AIDS (USCA) community engagement with of their HIV status, sexuality, or Washington, DC, USA faith-based organizations. The sexual activity. This initiative www.2017usca.org goal is to continue the historic hopes to help in finding ways Faith Initiative work, which helps forward. These efforts will be 23-25 OCTOBER 2017 clergy and other faith leaders expanded as we work responsively 2017 HVTN Conference Seattle, WA, USA who find it difficult to const- with those respondents who www.hvtn.org ructively address the emotionally recognize that spiritual and charged issues surrounding HIV/ religious communities provide a 4-9 DECEMBER 2017 AIDS, and to provide access sense of identity, belonging, and ICASA 2017: International Conference to spiritually informed HIV comfort for many people, and are on HIV/AIDS and STI’s in Africa integral to ending the epidemic. Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire education that fits the context www.icasa2017cotedivoire.org of their communities. We have We welcome prayers, suggestions identified new opportunities and input. 4-5 DECEMBER 2017 through participation in scientific NMAC Biomedical HIV Prevention Summit * S. Wakefield is the Director of External planning with the leaders of the New Orleans, LA, USA Relations for the HVTN. President’s Emergency Plan for www.biomedicalhivsummit.org

HIV VACCINE TRIALS NETWORK | COMMUNITY COMPASS | VOLUME 17, ISSUE 1: JUNE, 2017 9 AMP AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT: WHAT AN EXPERIENCE!!! By: Jason Naidoo and Thulasizwe Buthelezi, eThekwini CRS, Durban, South Africa When the study staff heard of the organizations, community-based In conducting community engage- concept of AMP, they could not and faith-based organizations, ment on AMP, the issues of using envision such a thing happening. and individuals involved with a drip, Body Mass Index (BMI), Questions arose about whether providing community service and so-called “poor veins” had healthy people would consider attend this meeting. The nucleus to be discussed. This allowed having a foreign substance infused of the program is community and us to educate the community into their bodies via a drip. A drip, service delivery. Being a part of this about other purposes for using after all, was understood to be for platform has enabled great sharing a drip including dehydration, that individuals who had something of information on AMP. The BMI was not labelling a person wrong with them. Community Liaison Officer (CLO) as overweight, but was a good currently serves as a convener in indicator of the status of one’s one of the war rooms, having been health, and that excluding people nominated by the stakeholders, from the study due to poor access and which he accepted with to their veins was for the safety of permission from the Clinical Trials participants. This has allowed us to Unit (CTU). Community programs talk about the safety of participants are often done under the auspices and why this is an important part of the OSS, allowing information of determining eligibility for on research and AMP to be shared the study. with all groups in the community, Front of Adams Mission Health Clinic and allowing the researchers to learn about community responses We began community engage- to the study. ment by meeting community leaders. These included political To increase visibility in the ward councillors and traditional community and network at a leaders in the more rural areas. broader level, the CLO sits on Having gatekeeper support for the various forums which are not Jason Naidoo speaking to patients at Adams AMP Study was imperative. Since necessarily directly HIV related. Mission Health Clinic KwaZulu Natal is the hive or center These include the Local Drug of the pandemic, all stakeholders Action Committee (LDAC), clinic AMP, which was considered to be a are eager to assist in ending or committee forums, the newly tough concept for communities to reducing HIV. The support from formed LGBTI forum in Durban accept, has proven that researchers gatekeepers paved ways to engage (which is a first for Durban made often underestimate participants at deeper levels in communities. possible by our CAB member, and their communities. AMP has Thulasizwe Buthelezi), and the resulted in communities being In KwaZulu Natal, the Premier HHPPB forum (human trafficking, better informed and has led to had initiated a program called harmful traditional practices, better relationships between Operation Sukume Sakhe (OSS), prostitution, pornography, and communities and researchers. meaning “stand up and build.” brothels). Sitting on these panels This idea was taken from the allows for easier exposure of * Jason Naidoo is a Community Liaison Officer and Thulasizwe Buthelezi is a CAB Biblical book of Nehemiah. research to the public. In working Member, at the eThekwini CRS in Durban, The areas in KwaZulu Natal are with NGO’s, we have been able South Africa. demarcated into wards. Each ward to conduct education at schools, has to have a war room, which tertiary institutions, community is the venue for the meetings. events and with older persons who All stakeholders including seem to be neglected from the government, non-government education process.

10 HIV VACCINE TRIALS NETWORK | COMMUNITY COMPASS | VOLUME 17, ISSUE 1: JUNE, 2017 AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT: WHAT AN EXPERIENCE!!! AMP A NEW HOPE IN THE PERUVIAN AMAZON By: Lucia Ruiz and Carlos Vela- ACSA, Iquitos, Peru Whenever we start a study at our site in Iquitos, Peru, it becomes a hope for many, a hope for some that have never given up. When we received the news that we would be carrying out the AMP Study, we were very happy to be involved in this research. In the Amazon rainforest we are very excited to have a new project to contribute to ending the HIV epidemic. Recruitment and Retention Team - Asociación Civil Selva Amazónica-Iquitos-Perú (Stephaun Wallace (HVTN Core)- 3rd from left; Lucia Ruiz, 3rd from right (Carlos Vela not pictured).

There are great challenges in This allows us to understand how press in Iquitos, and the journalists community education, especially they interact and build trust with are now looking forward to future since times have changed and them. In this way we combine updates on the AMP study and communication now is more technology with the traditional. HIV information. We believe that technological. Many people use AMP is an innovative study in the mobile and smart phones, and we The media also plays an important area of health and clinical can use this technology to bring role in our city as strategic allies research worldwide. us closer to our study volunteers. to keep the community informed But we also cannot ignore about what ACSA does in relation * Lucia Ruiz is the Community Educator and Carlos Vela is a Recruiter for the strategies like face to face contact to research. For example, a few Asociacion Civil Selva Amazonica (ACSA) with the volunteers to know the days ago we presented information in Iquitos, Peru. volunteers in their own spaces. on the AMP study to the local

MEET THE COMMUNITY COMPASS TEAM

Our vision is an informed HVTN community that is aware of current events relating to HVTN network and site activities, advances in the field of HIV prevention and vaccination, as well community priorities. We endeavor to accomplish this by providing relevant information and updates to promote awareness, understanding, and support for HIV prevention and HIV vaccines to communities, reaching global communities invested in the response to the HIV epidemic.

We welcome submissions of articles on any topic for publication that is relevant to the HVTN community. Submissions must be exclusive to us, and not appear in any other publication. Submissions must be 500 words or less to comply with our layout and design requirements.

We do our best to read all submissions promptly and will contact you within two weeks if we are interested in publishing your article. Due to space limitations, we may need to hold publishing your article for a future issue. To submit articles for Community Compass, please to the HVTN Members Site homepage, click on “About” then click “Community Compass”, then click on “Submit to Community Compass”.

HIV VACCINE TRIALS NETWORK | COMMUNITY COMPASS | VOLUME 17, ISSUE 1: JUNE, 2017 11 AMP Dr. Michele Andrasik, Gail Broder, and Linda Oseso – HVTN, Seattle, WA, USA ANIMATED VIDEOS Before the opening of the AMP studies, Clinical Research Site (CRS) staff voiced concerns about the challenges of effectively communicating complicated concepts like how broadly neutralizing antibodies fit into the landscape of HIV prevention. They also expressed concern about the acceptability of infusions and public perceptions about infusions. CRS and HVTN Core staff recognized the need for new and incredibly diverse local communities where ongoing communication strategies that could our sites are located. The community input we support community engagement in the research. received informed every step of video production, Videos were identified as an effective method of and helped identify important local factors that communication. Building on the work from a influenced video content and language. RAMP scholar project based at the San Francisco Department of Health/Bridge HIV site, animated The activities undertaken in this project have videos were chosen as the way to proceed. produced a total of 80 educational videos in 11 languages (English, Setswana, Swahili, Chichewa, Over the course of the AMP Animated Video Portuguese, Changana, Xhosa, Sesotho, Zulu, Project, we have used a Community-Based Shona and Spanish). At this writing, we are Participatory Research (CBPR) approach to also finalizing the translation of the videos into develop a set of 4 videos to explain complex French for use in Lausanne, Switzerland. CRS scientific concepts and improve community staff are utilizing these videos to supplement understanding of the AMP studies. We conducted their community engagement and recruitment community consultations in seven African efforts. The videos have also been included on countries (Botswana, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, the “About” page of the study websites, www. South Africa, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe), two South ampstudy.org, www.ampstudy.org.za, www. American countries (Brazil and Peru), and across ampstudy.org.br, and www.ampstudy.ch. the United States. Our project team identified Our research team is currently conducting an several stages in the video development process evaluation to assess the usefulness of the videos. that required community guidance and feedback. At each stage of this iterative process, community We would like to thank all the people who members reviewed drafts at community provided guidance, direction and feedback in the consultations, webinars, and email, and provided different stages of the video development. Please input. The points in the development process visit the HVTN Vimeo website to view the videos included: in any language: https://vimeo.com/channels/112453. • script development; • screenplay development; • animatics (rough sketches of the animation); * Dr. Michele Andrasik is the Lead Social Scientist for the HVTN, Gail Broder is a Senior Community Engagement Project Manager for the • voice-over narration; HVTN, and Linda Oseso is a Social and Behavioral Science Project Coordinator for the HVTN. • background music selection; and • reviewing the final drafts. WATCH THE VIDEOS Utilizing a CBPR approach was critical in developing the set of videos to ensure that IN YOUR LANGUAGE the final content would be appropriate for the ONLINE TODAY! Cover Image Credit: Fly Machine Picture Co. Picture Machine Fly Credit: Image Cover