"National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day is about showing up for our community while also reflecting on the systems that shape our health. This awareness day highlights how HIV continues to disproportionately impact Black people and underscores the need for equitable access to quality care, prevention options like PrEP, and education. By increasing awareness, we can reduce stigma, encourage testing, and improve health outcomes. On NBHAAD, I encourage us to know our status, engage with prevention or treatment on our own terms, and take part in the collective effort to end the HIV epidemic."

“Raise your hand if you haven’t heard this one: African Americans, the Black Diaspora and Black Africans on the Continent continue to bear a disparate proportion of the HIV epidemic. We have spent the better part of 44 years shouting at the rooftops and marching in the streets to raise awareness of this unacceptable reality. But raising awareness of HIV - independent of racial and ethnic injustices, void of economic and health disparities, absent of critical analysis of historical oppression, and marginalized from the center of power and resources – sustaining exclusive focus on HIV is obviously not enough. On this National Black HIV AIDS Awareness Day, we must sound the intersectional clarion to be sure that all communities understand the connections between militarizing immigration laws, profiling people based on skin color and language, and creating scarcity in basic needs and safety nets are all part of understanding that HIV in the Black Community is about more than a virus – it is about justice, divsersity, dignity, inclusion and yes, it is about equity to the margins and beyond.”

“Engage, Educate, Empower: Uniting to End HIV/AIDS in Black Communities:

Each year on February 7th we recognize National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NBHAAD).  On this day we take a moment to raise awareness of the impact(s) of HIV/AIDS on Black communities across the nation.  This year, given the current political and economic climate has and its impact on the work of HIV/AIDS Prevention, Care, Treatment, and Research, it is even more critical that we “engage, educate, and empower” ourselves and our communities.

CDC data (2021) shows 40% of new diagnosis among African American/Black people although this population accounts for only 13 percent of the total population.  These disparities exist even more so in the Southern US where 49 percent of new infections are among Black communities.  And so today I ask you regardless of sociopolitical perspectives what are our obligations to the Black communities and people; communities where there is still a need for us to show up as our most compassionate selves and address the full spectrum of HIV prevention and treatment, linkages to care and clinical research.  Determine what and how you will show up and then pledge to do so.  Each of us can make a difference if we come together.  Will you join me?" 

"National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day is a day that we often commemorate with thoughts and feelings of reflection on how far we’ve come in the fight against HIV/AIDS. These reflections can often bring feelings of melancholy but also happiness. This season, it’s even more imperative to reflect and ACT, as our very existence as warriors in the struggle is threatened from every angle imaginable.

So, instead of reflecting on how far we’ve come or how much further we have to go, I would like to take time to reflect on the NOW and be present. While happiness is often fleeting and due to extrinsic factors (factors outside of ourselves), joy is intrinsic, deep, sustained and more than “just” a smile. Joy is nurtured by LOVE…even during hard times. So…what brings you joy?" 

"For me, National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day is a moment of personal and public reckoning. As a Black gay man living with HIV for over 20 years, and as CEO of NMAC, I see clearly how far we’ve come. We achieved a 12% decrease in new cases between 2018 and 2022, proving that focused, bipartisan investment works.

However, the work isn’t finished. To me, this day signifies the enduring strength of our community. It is a reminder that we must hold our leaders accountable to the promise of ending this epidemic. We are too close to the finish line to turn back now."

In December 2025, Dr. Landovitz assumed the role of co-principal investigator of the HIV Prevention Trials Network (HPTN). From HPTN's website: "As one of the protocol chairs for HPTN 077 and HPTN 083, Dr. Landovitz helped lead the NIH-funded trials that supported the 2021 FDA approval of long-acting injectable cabotegravir for HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP)". Dr. Landovitz clearly leads in scientific integrity, and we can't wait to see where he leads the HPTN in this new role.

Clearly scientific integrity is paramount for Dr. Landovitz - be it cutting-edge HIV research or concocting the perfect "Black and White" cookie. Dr. Landovitz's commitment to HIV prevention and care is music to our ears, apropos of a zealous musical theater lover.

On January 9, 2025, ACTG announced the opening of the IPACE-HIV study (Improving Physical Ability and Cellular Senescence Elimination in HIV), also known as A5426. IPACE-HIV is a phase 2, double-blind, randomized study evaluating the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of dasatinib and quercetin in improving physical function outcomes in people living with HIV who are frail or exhibit symptoms that they may become frail. Click below to read the release in full.

HPTN 106 (REV UP), evaluating the use of on-demand rectal douche and oral HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis, has completed its target enrollment of 150 participants across 8 Division of AIDS (DAIDS) research sites in the United States. This milestone marks an important step in evaluating additional HIV prevention tools and options for communities impacted by HIV. Reaching full enrollment is a significant achievement, made possible by the efforts of research sites, study teams, and participants.

HPTN 106 (REV UP) is a randomized, crossover study designed to assess the extended safety and acceptability of a tenofovir (TFV) rectal microbicide douche, advancing it along the development pathway as an on-demand HIV PrEP strategy. More information about HPTN 106 (REV UP) can be found on ClinicalTrials.gov under the ID NCT06560684.

No updates at this time.

Colleagues will be representing the IMPAACT Network at CROI 2026 by presenting 18 abstracts with data from 12 studies (2 as oral presentations, 1 as a poster with themed discussion, and 15 as poster presentations). Presentations include data from IMPAACT P1115, IMPAACT 2042/Tatelo Plus, IMPAACT 2010/VESTED, IMPAACT 2016, and others.

Once the embargo has been lifted and the conference has concluded, presentations and posters will be available on the IMPAACT website.

The IMPAACT Network Annual Meeting will take place virtually from 9-11 June. The Community Plenary dates are forthcoming. All details will be shared on the Annual Meeting page.