HIV Vaccine Development in Asia

Abstract

HIV vaccine development in Asia was initiated eight years ago in Thailand and has since proven to be very active and successful. Thailand has played and is still playing a major role in leadership and has catalysed numerous initiatives with the constant support and active participation of the WHO-UNAIDS HIV Vaccine Inittative. Strong political commitment, willingness to streng hen national capacity building, and an open mind to international collaboration have been key elements of success.

HIV vaccine development in Thailand is not an isolated activity disconnected from HIV pre vention and care, two keystrategies implemented by the Royal Thai Government. The HIV Vac cine Development National Plan has been successful as part of a comprehensive National Plan for HIV/AIDS Prevention and Care. Thai researchers are now on the frontline and acting as peer advisers on HIV prevention and care, including HIV vaccine development not only for South-East Asian but also for African countries.

India is newly involved in HIV vaccine development. National and international collaborative initiatives between the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), the US Vaccine Trial Network with Johns Hopkins University (funded by the US National Institute of Health) and more recently the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative have been launched, although they are still at very early stages of development. The National AIDS Control Organisation and ICMR have expressed strong political willingness and long-term commitment to HIV vaccine development for India. Strengthening national capacity building and reinforcement of national infrastructures are, however, preliminary conditions for a successful Indian programme.

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