A global program of sustained clinical research can only thrive if it retains the active support of political leaders, governing bodies and the larger civil society of the countries in which it is conducted. It must also operate within the boundaries of national guidelines for conducting such research.
IAVI works with a variety of partners in its national and global advocacy efforts to:
- Build support for conducting research, and clarify misconceptions about future AIDS vaccine candidates and their development among a range of constituencies
- Advocate for national and global investment in AIDS vaccine R&D and ensure that policies are supportive of AIDS vaccine research and development
- Ensure policies supportive of AIDS vaccine development
The national institutions and constituencies that IAVI works with include:
: We elicit public support from politicians, including heads of state. Their support is important not just at the national level but often in influencing the flow of global investment to AIDS vaccine development
Policymakers and parliamentarians: We conduct regular briefings on progress in AIDS vaccine research and development for members of parliament in Africa, Europe, Asia and Latin America. We have also supported international meetings of MPs on health policy issues
Ministries of Health: We have collaborated with several ministries of health to develop national guidelines for the conduct of biomedical research and clinical trials, and to model the potential impact of future AIDS vaccines on the epidemic
Regulatory bodies: IAVI and its partners submit information about vaccine candidates to be tested to National Regulatory Authorities and provide regular reports of progress once trials have been approved
National media: We train journalists to understand AIDS vaccine research and development, and keep them updated on events in the field
Medical and scientific bodies: We help educate medical professionals in developing countries about AIDS vaccine science and clinical trials, and keep them up-to-date
Civil society: IAVI partners with civil society organizations, including AIDS organizations and women's organizations, to build national and community support for AIDS vaccine research