What is our purpose in the initiative?

 

Leading in the fight to improve the lives of children, youth and families affected by AIDS, we recognize the importance of research if we are really going to fight the HIV pandemic. We want you to know that the HIV vaccine begins with you and that a vaccine can only result from the selfless contributions of ordinary people through each individual's personal participation in vaccine clinical trials.

 

What you need to know:

• That HIV vaccine research is safe and does not transmit HIV;
• That there will not be a cure for HIV until there is a vaccine;
• That each trial brings us closer to a vaccine;
• That it is essential for women – especially women of color – to participate in vaccine clinical trials because their bodies work differently than men's bodies;
• That it is essential for youth – especially young women of color and young men who have sex with men (of all ethnicities) – to participate in vaccine clinical trials because youth are not just little adults, their bodies work differently as well; and
• That we need to develop a vaccine that we know will work for everyone.

 What role does AIDS Alliance play?

 

We work to increase the awareness and knowledge of AIDS Alliance staff, board, and committee members about HIV vaccine research affecting women and youth most at risk for infection through a variety of partnership activities. We hone the skills of the AIDS Alliance National Consumer Leadership Corps Trainers and other women and youth in high-risk circumstances about HIV vaccine research. We provide technical assistance surrounding vaccine research, enhancing communities' capacities to facilitate successful research.

 

What can you do?

 

Visit Be the Generation and join the fight to become the generation to stop AIDS.