February is the month designated as Black History Month in the United States (U.S.). Black History Month is a time to honor the legacy and unmeasurable contributions of African Americans across U.S. history and society in industry, politics, science, culture and more. In addition to Black History Month, February 7th is recognized as National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NBAAD). This observance is a day to acknowledge how HIV disproportionately affects Black people and how Black communities have made great progress in reducing HIV. February is a time for Americans to reflect on our collective history and acknowledge the realities of the struggles and advances we have made in our efforts to achieve better outcomes for Black individuals.

Part of appreciating the progress and advances means reflecting on the past, especially recognizing spaces, places, and individuals pivotal to shaping our present. Montgomery, Alabama is considered the birthplace of the civil rights movement in the U.S. Montgomery is recognized as a significant site of civil rights history, with many events and people that contributed to the movement. Recently, a few HANC staff members traveled to Montgomery, Alabama to engage with students at Alabama State University as part of a workshop focused on HIV prevention and implementation science with the aim of having students develop strategies and interventions that are culturally relevant and meaningful.

Being in Montgomery and reflecting on the giants of the Civil Rights Movement as well as those everyday folks who refused to ride in segregated buses, even in the face of violence and intimidation, was inspiring. Those individuals involved in the Montgomery Bus Boycott had no idea how long it would take for change to occur, and yet for over one year, 50,000 black citizens made difficult choices and sacrifices in pursuit of change. The history of Montgomery includes stories of those individuals who were willing to march from Selma to Montgomery where they were met with extreme violence with one of those marches coming to be known as “Bloody Sunday”. Reflecting on the sacrifices of individuals who became symbols to others for change is a reminder that change does not happen overnight.

Unfortunately, the same structural social determinants of health that existed during the Civil Rights Movement persist today. This is reflected in the disproportionate impact of HIV in Black communities, especially in the U.S. south. The legacy of medical racism, redlining, poverty, housing instability and challenges accessing adequate health care need to be addressed if we are to end the HIV epidemic. While we celebrate the progress and advances that have occurred in HIV prevention, treatment, and research, we must recognize that certain communities have not enjoyed the full benefits of that progress, and a lot more work needs to be done.

It’s natural to become discouraged during challenging times, but it’s important to remember that while change can sometimes take a long time, it does happen. Black History Month and National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day are reminders that progress does not come without sacrifice and struggles. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., reminded us that “the arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.” 

Individuals involved in the Civil Rights Movement in Montgomery inspired others to believe in a better future for all. The spirit of those individuals serves as inspiration for those of us willing to sacrifice and work to address HIV and other health disparities. Everyone who works for change, even in the face of adversity, is part of the mosaic and legacy of those who work for justice. Black History Month serves as a beacon to never forget that even when forces are working against humanity and justice, when we work together, much can be achieved. 

We are deeply saddened by the devastation caused by the recent wildfires in California. These fires have disrupted countless lives, including members of the ACTG Network, their families, and their communities. We extend our heartfelt sympathies to all who are facing loss, displacement, and profound uncertainty during this incredibly difficult time.

As a community rooted in collaboration, research, and care, we stand united in support of everyone affected. The challenges brought by these wildfires remind us of the power of unity and the critical need for compassion and concrete action.

We are committed to not only offering our emotional support but also advocating for sustainable solutions that address the root causes and mitigate the impact of such disasters. To those affected, please know that you are not alone. The ACTG is here to support you, and many of our members are eager to assist in any way possible. If you require resources, assistance, or wish to share a registry for urgent needs, we encourage you to reach out.

The IMPAACT Scientific Leadership Group (SLG) is pleased to announce the selection of Dr. Jennifer Jao as the new IMPAACT Network Co-Chair. Dr. Jao will serve alongside Dr. Sharon Nachman in guiding the Network’s critical work to improve the health and well-being of infants, children, and adolescents as well as pregnant and postpartum people affected by HIV and its complications worldwide.

The IMPAACT Network is excited to announce the newest recipients of the Early Career Investigator (ECI) program award! Through the ECI program, these investigators will build research skills, support IMPAACT’s mission, and complete a project using data from IMPAACT studies. Please join us in congratulating our awardees:

·       Grace Miriam Ahimbisibwe, MBChB, MSc (MU-JHU, Uganda): Assessing the Effects of Immune Suppression of Pregnancy on the HIV Latent Reservoir in African Women with HIV Participating in P1078

·       Michelle Ann Bulterys, PhD, MPH (UC San Diego, USA): Family Matters: The role of social factors on infant outcomes in the PROMISE Study

·       Denis Kimbugwe, MBChB (MU-JHU, Uganda): Systemic inflammation in pregnant and postpartum mothers with HIV and their children: relationship with child growth

No updates at this time.

No updates at this time.

Reminder: Last fall, HANC published a new version of the Cross-Network PBMC Processing SOP (Version 7.0)! The updated SOP is now available on the HANC website for public access in English, Spanish, Portuguese, Vietnamese, and Thai. You can access the new document here. If you have any questions or need further information, feel free to reach out to us at tdbrown3@fredhutch.org.

February 7: Legacy recognizes National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day.

February 28: Legacy recognizes HIV Is Not a Crime Awareness Day.