Desmond Tutu Health Foundation

Oral abstract presentation by DGHF‘s Lindsey de Vos just in time before #HIVR4P wrapped up … here’s the abstract to her presentation

The recent #HIVR4P conference was an incredible experience with inspiring speakers and engaging discussions. A highlight for me was the encouraging findings from the #Purpose 2 study on six-monthly Lenacapavir for HIV pre exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), which reaffirm the high efficacy levels seen in #Purpose 1. It’s exciting to see reassuring results for pregnant women exposed to this product in Purpose 1 study. I discussed with Prof. Linda-Gail Bekker , one of the lead investigators for Purpose 1, that just four doses of Lenacapavir can protect a high-risk woman during pregnancy and lactation, benefiting both mother and baby. We agreed on the need to advocate for prioritizing pregnant women once regulatory measures are in place and launch a “4 for 2” campaign to support this cause. Check out the picture below from our first call for the campaign. More updates coming soon! #hivprevention #4for2 #lenacapavir Gilead Sciences International AIDS Society UNC Institute for Global Health & Infectious Diseases Moupali Das

📚Boost your HIV knowledge and help others do the same with our free downloadable info sheets! A great resource for you and your community. Over the next few weeks, we will spotlight a key concept to help you stay informed. This week’s feature: Treatment as Prevention. Check it out and explore more valuable resources on our website! 💡 https://bit.ly/483RcRw #knowledgeiskey #freedownload #HIVconcepts #infosheets

As we mark World Mental Health Day 2024 today, this year’s theme, "It is Time to Prioritize Mental Health in the Workplace," couldn’t be more timely or important. With the rapid changes in the way we work, coupled with the increasing demands on employees' time and mental capacity, the workplace has become a critical area for addressing mental health challenges. This year’s theme is a call to action for organizations, leaders, and employees to collectively prioritize mental well-being in the workplace. Why Focus on Workplace Mental Health? The workplace is where most adults spend a significant portion of their waking hours. It can be a source of fulfillment, community, and purpose, but it can also contribute to stress, anxiety, and burnout. A survey from the World Health Organization (WHO) estimated that depression and anxiety cost the global economy $1 trillion USD each year in lost productivity. The pressures of hybrid working environments, the erosion of boundaries between work and personal life, and increasing performance demands without the corresponding mental health support have led to heightened distress in workplaces worldwide. Issues such as long working hours, the pressure to remain constantly available through digital communication, burnout, and a lack of work-life balance are contributing to a mental health crisis in workplaces around the world. Mental health challenges affect not just employees’ well-being but also organizational outcomes such as productivity, absenteeism, and retention. The Benefits of Prioritizing Mental Health When organizations invest in their employees' mental health, the benefits extend beyond individual well-being. Companies that prioritize mental health experience: Increased productivity: Employees who feel mentally supported are more engaged and productive. Reduced absenteeism: Proactive mental health support can lower absenteeism and prevent burnout. Better retention rates: A mentally healthy work environment fosters loyalty and reduces turnover. On World Mental Health Day 2024, let’s take this opportunity to rethink workplace practices and develop strategies that support the mental health of all employees. Not only will this lead to healthier, happier individuals, but it will also create workplaces where people can truly thrive. #worldmentalhealthday #mentalhealthmatters #burnout #workplacementalhealth #prioritizementalhealth #managestress

DTHF‘s data systems manager, the amazing Keitumetse Lebelo, presented some early lessons on PrEP persistence when offering PrEP access and choice from our #FASTPrEP at #hivr4p2024 organised by International AIDS Society

DTHF is wrapping up at HIVR4P today with an oral abstract and co-hosting the closing plenary session.

Yesterday at #HIVR4P2024 DTHF's Dr Elzette Rousseau and Dr Pippa Macdonald presented their exciting work from the FASTPrEP study. Here are their poster abstracts -- reach out if you would like to know more or have questions about their findings. International AIDS Society #posterpresentations #research #HIVresearch #implementationscience #PrEP #DSD #HIVprevention #FASTPrEP

Today's another busy day for DTHF at HIVR4P ....

The Desmond Tutu Award for HIV Prevention Research and Human Rights is presented to individuals or organizations that have made outstanding contributions to advancing both HIV prevention research and the human rights of those affected by HIV. This prestigious award, named after Archbishop Desmond Tutu, recognizes efforts that align with Tutu’s lifelong advocacy for social justice and equality. It celebrates work that integrates cutting-edge HIV prevention strategies with a strong focus on protecting and promoting the human rights of vulnerable populations. The award is symbolic and does not come with a monetary prize; instead, recipients are honored with a commemorative trophy. It underscores the critical intersection of scientific progress and human rights in the fight against HIV, ensuring that the benefits of research are accessible and ethically administered to all individuals, especially those marginalized or disproportionately impacted by the epidemic. DTHF would like to congratulate Chris Beyrer, a long-time supporter, collaborator and friend of DTHF, and who was the recipient of the Desmond Tutu Award at #HIVR4P2024 in recognition of his extensive work in both advancing HIV prevention research and championing the human rights of key populations affected by HIV globally.

The Purpose 2 Study is a Phase 3 clinical trial and follow-on from the Purpose 1 Study, both of which aim to evaluate innovative HIV prevention options. While the Purpose 1 Study focused on adolescent girls and young women, the Purpose 2 Study shifts its attention to men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender individuals, populations that face unique challenges in accessing HIV prevention due to social and structural barriers. The Purpose 2 Study investigates the efficacy and safety of long-acting injectable lenacapavir, a novel HIV prevention option, administered subcutaneously every six months. This injectable treatment is being compared to the current standard oral PrEP regimen of daily tenofovir/emtricitabine. DTHF is actively involved in this study, enrolling participants at the Groote Schuur Hospital’s J52 site. The Purpose 2 Study aims to provide more convenient prevention strategies that may address challenges with daily oral PrEP adherence, offering a long-acting option that requires fewer doses and could increase the appeal and effectiveness of HIV prevention efforts among the study's target populations. This study builds on the broader efforts to expand HIV prevention modalities, improving access to tailored solutions for at-risk groups, particularly MSM and transgender people who may face additional barriers to consistent PrEP use. DTHF played a significant role in the Purpose 1 Study, enrolling 400 participants at its sites in Masiphumelele, Groote Schuur (J52), and Emavundleni, contributing to a total of 5639 participants globally. This involvement not only provided critical insights into the use of long-acting injectable and oral PrEP but also reinforced DTHF's expertise and infrastructure in conducting large-scale HIV prevention studies. Building on this experience, DTHF is now actively involved in the Purpose 2 Study, leveraging the lessons learned from Purpose 1 to advance research in the MSM and transgender communities. This continuity between the two studies highlights DTHF's commitment to finding long-acting, convenient, and effective HIV prevention strategies tailored to different populations, addressing key issues like adherence and access. #PURPOSE1 #PURPOSE2 #lenacapavir #longacting #HIVprevention #injectables #HIVpreventionaccess #phase3 #clinicaltrials