by Dr. Nishi Suryavanshi, BJGMC CRS in Pune, India
Byramjee Jeejeebhoy Government Medical College (BJGMC) – Johns Hopkins Clinical Research Site organized a meaningful and impactful series of events for World AIDS Day. The site, affiliated with both ACTG and IMPAACT networks, highlighted its role in advancing HIV therapeutics and prevention with multiple events.
Key Highlights of World AIDS Day Events (Dec 3 – Dec 10)
Contribution of clinical research:
The World AIDS Day event was organized by BJGMC CRS staff in collaboration with BJGMC ART center and attended by about 100 people living with HIV, their family members, nursing students and BJGMC residents and faculty and CRS staff. The event was started began with a by lamp lighting ceremony followed by a World AIDS Day speech by Dr. Prasad, Professor, Department of Medicine. Dr. Nishi Suryavanshi highlighted the significance of clinical research and how collaboration between people living with HIV, community, and scientists can contribute to global well-being for millions. She talked about our site’s participation in landmark trials such as REPRIEVE and ongoing ACTG studies, recognized the invaluable contributions of people living with HIV who participated in clinical trials, and shared results of completed studies, including REPRIEVE, emphasizing the role of clinical research in advancing science.
Poster presentation:
Posters of studies addressing comorbidities like TB, diabetes, mental health, and substance use among people living with HIV and pregnant women were displayed in local language “Marathi” for ease of understanding. They were explained by study coordinators Drs. Neetal, Gauri, Priyanka, and Smite, highlighting the need for participating in research studies.
HIV prevention rally:
Over 1,000 nursing and medical students participated in a rally to promote HIV prevention.
Experience sharing by people living with HIV:
Several study participants shared their experiences with the ways that study participation helped them gain knowledge about various HIV comorbidities and their prevention, especially about the harmful impact of alcohol, smoking, and drug use while taking ARTs.
Community engagement through street plays:
CRS staff performed street plays to raise awareness about important comorbid conditions in people living with HIV under the guidance of Suhasini Survase, senior study counsellor, such as:
• Substance use
• Mental health challenges
• TB
• Diabetes
• Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
This program was conducted across Pune City, reaching multiple ART centers and three medical colleges.
Mr. Manoj Pardeshi, a CSS member, and a CAB member for the past 21 years, shared his inspiring journey of living with HIV for 40 years. He reflected on the development of new drugs, his advocacy for access to new and more effective drugs for people living with HIV, his involvement in various government advisory committees, and his leadership in running the Network of Maharashtra Positive People. A young adolescent girl living with HIV and MDR-TB survivor associated with CAB shared how she got a job at the Penta Foundation as a young reporter and was motivated to start writing youth advocacy blogs on the Penta website. She attended the IAS conference 2023 through Penta Foundation.
The comprehensive approach to our World AIDS Day event not only celebrated the progress made in HIV research but also fostered education, community involvement, and gratitude for those at the heart of this progress. An emphasis was placed on raising awareness about the inclusion of pregnant women in various clinical trials. It was a truly impactful event!