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WEDNESDAY 18 JANUARY 2022. CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA: We, representing the LGTBQI+ civil society and allies in Cape Town, strongly condemn the physical assault and injustice committed against Thabiso Motaung, a 19-year-old transgender woman, in Khayelitsha. What occurred was a hate crime and is a violation of her basic human rights. We call for the perpetrators to be dealt with by the legal system so that justice for Thabiso is served.

On the evening of 8 January 2023, Thabiso “Sis Tee” Motaung was brutally attacked in Site C, Khayelitsha by three young women. Videos of the incident were recorded, and the footage shows the women stripping Thabiso down to her underwear and pulling at her body and what is left of her clothes. Thabiso is clearly distressed. This has caused further harm by having been circulated on social media.

Thabiso reported the case on 9 January to an investigating officer. The perpetrators were arrested on 11 January and the case has been handed over to a prosecutor at the Khayelitsha Magistrates’ Court. Thabiso consulted with the prosecutor on 13 January and the case will proceed to court with the date yet to be set. The perpetrators, one of whom is a minor, were released on 13 January.

The bodily and sexual assault of anyone based on their gender identity is unacceptable. We strongly oppose this hate crime and stand firmly behind Thabiso. We, as members of the LGBTQI+ community, refuse to continue to be subjected to abuse due to our sexual orientation and gender identity. Let this be an example that discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity or expression in our communities is intolerable and will be dealt with justly in the legal system. We further condemn the sensationalism of Thabiso’s story in the media, which has further infringed on her dignity and privacy.

We thank everyone who has showed up to support Thabiso. Her struggle is our struggle, and it is far from over. Let us all come together to support the call for justice and for an equal society where discrimination against LGBTQI+ persons is no longer tolerated.

 

This statement was collectively issued by Desmond Tutu Health Foundation (DTHF), Inclusive and Affirming Ministries (IAM), Maureen Thela Foundation, Shemah Koleinu & Triangle Project.

 

For further information, please contact:

Amelia Mfiki (DTHF) at 078 916 3119 or

Thuli Mjwara, (IAM) at 083 506 3220

 

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HVTN researchers and ethicists say findings will help guide new approaches to HIV vaccine studies

SEATTLE (Wednesday, January 18, 2023) – A Phase 3 study of an investigational HIV vaccine regimen has been discontinued following a planned, interim review by the study’s independent Data and Safety Monitoring Board (DSMB) on Jan. 12, 2023.

The Mosaico study – also known as HPX3002/HVTN706 – is a Phase 3 study conducted by the HIV Vaccine Trials Network (HVTN), based at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center in Seattle, with a consortium of global partners, inclduing the Desmond Tutu Health Foundation in Cape Town, South Africa.

The study aimed to test a “mosaic”-based HIV vaccine in multiple countries around the world among cisgender men and transgender people who have sex with cisgender men and/or transgender people. Mosaic vaccines are intended to trigger a broader immune response than earlier vaccine models by including genetic material from a variety of HIV strains prevalent around the world. In its review, the Data and Safety Monitoring Board said the investigational vaccine was generally safe and well tolerated; however, it was not effective at preventing the acquisition of HIV-1.

One of the unique features of the study was that as part of the community outreach, clinic staff members first engaged and assessed community acceptance of, and interest in, HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). If community members accepted PrEP, they were navigated to services to begin receiving the preventive medication. However, if community members did not accept PrEP, they were considered for the study. Participants who joined the study and later changed their mind about PrEP were also navigated to PrEP services and remained in the study.

Mitchell Warren, executive director of AVAC and a member of the Governing Council of the International AIDS Society, said engaging diverse communities worldwide, providing education, and welcoming personal choice are all critical elements of HIV vaccine studies if researchers are to discover real-world answers in real-world situations.

“There is a worldwide demand for a range of effective and acceptable HIV prevention options, including especially HIV vaccines, particularly in communities where health care delivery may be limited, at best,” he said. “The study team emphasized the value of choice for participants, particularly in decisions regarding PrEP, which is becoming increasingly available globally but is not universally accepted. The Mosaico team’s focus on inclusion and the design of the study to respect participants’ lifestyles and choices provided an opportunity to increase representation from populations most vulnerable to HIV. The ethical and community-friendly design and conduct of this study has helped to build trust in communities that may not be inclined to trust research institutions.”

The Phase 3 Mosaico study began in 2019. In September 2021, it reached full enrollment of approximately 3,900 cisgender men and transgender people who have sex with cisgender men and/or transgender people, who are at increased vulnerability to HIV acquisition. There are more than 50 trial sites in Argentina, Brazil, Italy, Mexico, Peru, Poland, Spain and the U.S.

The primary analysis of the Phase 2b Imbokodo study, which evaluated an investigational HIV vaccine regimen that was similar to Mosaico, found that the vaccine regimen did not provide sufficient protection against HIV in a population of young women in sub-Saharan Africa. The Imbokodo regimen was found to be generally well tolerated with no serious adverse events. Those findings were announced in August 2021.

“Our experience with the Imbokodo study in sub-Saharan Africa supports anecdotal evidence and other recent findings that many people – including many women in this study – do not choose or accept oral PrEP for their HIV prevention needs. In addition to providing insight into the decisions being made by patients and study participants, this further reinforces the critical importance of choice in HIV prevention strategies and HIV vaccine discovery,” said Dr. Linda-Gail Bekker, director of the Desmond Tutu HIV Centre.

Mosaico was led by a global public-private partnership including Janssen Vaccines & Prevention B.V., the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), HVTN, and the U.S. Army Medical Research and Development Command (USAMRDC).

This was taken from the full HVTN press release, which can be read here.

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We, the Desmond Tutu Health Foundation and partners, strongly condemn the Anti-Homosexuality Bill passed in the Ugandan Parliament on 21 March 2023. This a gross infringement of human rights and dignity and undermines sound public health policy. As an organisation in the name of the late Archbishop Emeritus Tutu, we are particularly concerned regarding the infringement of the right to health and access to other essential services for all persons regardless of their sexual orientation and gender identity.

The Bill criminalises the existence of LGBTQIA+ people in Uganda as well as same-sex acts and marriage. We read with horror that even a minor convicted of the act of homosexuality can be sentenced for up to three years imprisonment and what the Bill terms “Aggravated Homosexuality” can be punished with the death penalty. The Bill bans the provision of services and accommodation for LGBTQIA+ Ugandans, and any legal entity that “promotes homosexuality”. It further requires all Ugandans to report any person suspected of being LGBTQIA+ to the authorities. We urge the Presidency and Ugandan Government to reconsider the enactment of this Bill. It is not too late to veto this appalling legislation.

The Bill entrenches discrimination and inequality for these already vulnerable populations. It is a massive step backwards for a population who is already burdened with a higher risk for health conditions such as HIV, sexually transmitted infections, and mental health conditions. This is a public health risk to the entire population of Uganda and should be reconsidered. Providing access to health care for LGBTQIA+ people allow diseases to be detected and treated earlier, improving health outcomes for the entire population. This can result in reduced health care costs and increased productivity, leading to economic growth. Health systems should prioritise providing the appropriate and affirming care that LGBTQIA+ people desperately need, not criminalising their right to access basic health care.

The HIV prevalence of gay men and men who have sex with men (MSM) is 3 times higher than that of the general population of adult men in Kampala, Uganda.1 MSM who suffered homophobic abuse were five times as likely to be HIV-infected as those who escaped such abuse.1 This shows that MSM in Kampala are at substantially higher risk for HIV, and that discrimination and stigma contribute to this epidemic. Recent estimates indicate that there is a total of 24,000 MSM in Uganda and 25% of new HIV infections stem from key populations and their partners.2 The established HIV programme in Uganda would become illegal under the Bill, preventing the saving of many future lives. The Bill would exclude LGBTQIA+ people from accessing treatment and pre-exposure prophylaxis, participating in clinical trials of new HIV drugs, and accessing the mental health care and social support these populations desperately need to survive in such discriminatory environments.

Furthermore, the Bill would also endanger the lives of health care providers, many of which have dedicated their entire lives to the provision of HIV care and public health more broadly. Health care providers understand the importance of providing services for all including the most vulnerable to realise epidemic control. If any single population is excluded from services, it would be impossible to eliminate HIV in Uganda.

We condemn the Bill in its entirety. It institutionalises and perpetuates discrimination and hatred towards LGBTQIA+ people. We call on the Ugandan Government and Presidency to veto the passing of this Bill. We call on the broader public, particularly public health institutions, to make their voices heard to speak out against this injustice. For the sake of humanity, the right to health for all, and ending the HIV epidemic, we urge the enactment of this Bill to stopped at all costs.

References:

1. Hladik W, Barker J, Ssenkusu JM, Opio A, Tappero JW, Hakim A, Serwadda D; Crane Survey Group. HIV infection among men who have sex with men in Kampala, Uganda–a respondent driven sampling survey. PLoS One. 2012;7(5): e38143. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0038143. Epub 2012 May 31. PMID: 22693590; PMCID: PMC3364961.
2. Uganda AIDS Commission. 2022. Uganda: HIV&AIDS Legal Environment Assessment for Key Populations. Available: https://sph.mak.ac.ug/sites/default/files/2022-09/final_hiv_aids_lea_for_kps_in_uganda_final_report_august_2022-print_compressed.pdf

This statement is endorsed and supported by the following partners:

Desmond Tutu Health Foundation
Access Chapter 2
Accountability International
Be True 2 Me
Cape Town Pride
The Foundation for Human Rights
The Fruit Basket
Global Interfaith Network
Inclusive and Affirming Ministries
KZN LGBT Recreation Collective
MambaOnline.Com
One in Nine Campaign
Pachedu
PASSOP
Safe Place International
Same Love Toti
Shemah Koleinu
Transhope
Triangle Project
Uthingo Network
Vaal LGBTI

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The fight against M.Tuberculosis persists as experts continue to make major strides. A recent study by a University of Cape Town PhD graduate may have trumped the assumption that coughing is the primary driver of M. Tuberculosis transmission. Ryan Dinkele spoke to eNCA. #DStv403

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On 29 May 2023 Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni signed the Anti-Homosexuality Act, 2023 into law, declaring consensual same-sex sexual activities and any “promotion” of homosexuality a punishable criminal offence. The new law incorporates penalties that include a death sentence for cases of sexual relations involving people infected with HIV, repeated offences, minors, and other vulnerable groups.

This law will discourage the most vulnerable populations from accessing health services and punish those who seek to help them or advocate for LGBTQIA+ rights. There have been reports of increased physical and online attacks, and arbitrary arrests following this announcement, forcing LGBTQIA+ individuals and organisations in Uganda to go underground or flee the country.

As the Desmond Tutu Health Foundation, we strongly condemn this law, which violates fundamental human rights, compromises health and wellbeing, and erodes effective public health strategies. Not only does the Act endanger the lives of all LGBTQIA+ persons, but also the broader population as it threatens to undo decades of work against HIV and other public health crises in the country. The Desmond Tutu Health Foundation remains firmly committed to our goal of ending HIV and enhancing health and wellbeing for all without leaving anyone behind.

See below statements from others united against the Act:

• AVAC
• Convening for Equality
• Global Fund, UNAIDS, PEPFAR
• OUT LGBT Well-being
• Parents, Friends and Families of South African Queers (PFSAQ), Lerato la Basadi and Isikhala Women’s Group

Click here for our previous statement, issued at the passing of the Bill in Ugandan parliament on 21 March 2023.

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According to Statista, homosexuality is illegal in 32 African countries. While this is not the case in South Africa, where same sex marriage and joint child adoption is legal, the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transexual, Queer, Intersexual, Asexual+ (LGBTQIA+) community in the country still experiences high levels of systematic discrimination and societal exclusion based on their sexual orientation.

It is this backdrop which inspired the Desmond Tutu Health Foundation (DTHF) to establish a unit dedicated to addressing challenges faced by this population group. The DTHF LGBT division, based at Groote Schuur Hospital in Cape Town, aims to promote equitable access to appropriate and affirming healthcare for LGBTQIA+ populations through research, community engagement and advocacy.

The team recently hosted advocacy days in the Central Karoo, where they brought together the LGBTQIA+ community, government, civil society and service providers in Beaufort West and Prince Albert to discuss challenges faced by this community, and how stakeholders can work together to address these.

“Stigma is a very real and serious problem for the LGBTQIA+ population. Not only is this group often shunned by their own communities and loved ones; they also have to deal with lack of access to services which the heterosexual community has access to. They are often victimised and discriminated against when seeking help such as basic health care at clinics, which results in them avoiding these places and suffering in silence,” said Lynn Bust, Project Manager for the LGBT division at DTHF.

The event was officially opened by Beaufort West Mayor, Ashley Sauls, who pledged his support for the LGBTQIA+ community and vowed to help in the fight against discrimination.

Also in attendance were the Central Karoo’s Departments of Health, Education and Social Development who acknowledged the significant role that the local government and the individual departments play in the journey to ending service discrimination against the LGBTQIA+ community and providing support in their quest for system and social acceptance.

The advocacy days were the start of a conversation which the DTHF plans to continue as the organisation, in partnership with various stakeholders, works to find solutions to the issues raised.

“We are carrying on with the discussion following the advocacy events and are tapping into our established networks to find appropriate ways and processes to follow in the fight for recognition and respect for the LGBTQIA+ community and their rights as equal members of society,” said Bust.

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The Desmond Tutu HIV Centre (DTHC), in partnership with the Desmond Tutu Health Foundation (DTHF), seeks to recruit a post-doctoral research fellow who will use quantitative or mixed methods approaches to study men’s health in the context of HIV and/or TB prevention and treatment. DTHC is a world-renowned research centre at the University of Cape Town committed to the pursuit of excellence in research, treatment, training and prevention of HIV and related infections in Southern Africa. Our teams use quantitative and qualitative methods, as well as socio-behavioural and implementation science to rigorously examine interventions. We welcome applications with innovative approaches and enthusiasm for these goals.

The fellow will be based at the new DTHC research site in East London, Eastern Cape Province, and will support the research portfolio of DTHC’s Division of Men’s Health. The goal of this fellowship is to evaluate and promote high-quality evidence to improve the lives of all men, including cis-gender heterosexual men, in resource-limited settings. The postdoctoral fellows will contribute to these goals by leading study implementation teams, conducting quantitative or mixed methods analyses, and providing methodological support, advice and mentorship to early career researchers.

Conditions of Award:

Eligible applicants must have completed their doctorate within the past 5 years and may not previously have held a full-time permanent professional or academic post.

The successful candidate will have:

• A doctorate in public health or social science with a focus on quantitative methods;
• Experience in analysing quantitative or mixed-methods (quantitative and qualitative) cross-sectional and longitudinal data from low- and middle-income countries;
• Conducted research on men’s health, TB or HIV prevention/treatment in lower- and middle-income countries, including experience in sub-Saharan Africa;
• Experience conducting advanced quantitative data analyses using software packages (Stata and R would be an advantage);
• Published first-authored and co-authored papers in peer-reviewed journals;
• Presented research findings at conferences, seminars, and/or workshops;
• The ability and willingness to teach quantitative methods;
• Experience leading but also working effectively as part of a team; and
• The ability and willingness to travel for work.

The successful candidate will be required to complete the following research deliverables:

• Oversee the implementation of randomized control trials focused on men’s health in the context of HIV and/or TB treatment and prevention;
• Plan and conduct quantitative data analyses on topics agreed on with their advisor(s);
• Conduct literature reviews on topics related to research;
• Support data cleaning and data management (as needed);
• Provide quantitative capacity-building support to early career researchers;
• Prepare and edit study protocols and ethical approval packages (as needed);
• Present research findings at seminars, workshops and conferences; and
• Prepare research findings for publication in peer-reviewed journals.

Advantageous skills/experience:

• Previous implementation of research studies focused on adult men and/or adolescent boys and young men;
• Experience conducting advanced quantitative data analyses using STATA or R;
• Experience working on analyses of multiple databases or conducting meta-analyses;
• Previous experience in implementation science;
• The ability to communicate technical research considerations to policymakers in a non-technical manner;
• Convened courses/supervised students at the post-graduate level.

The candidate will be supervised by Associate Professor Andrew Medina-Marino and mentored by a senior team of researchers from UCT and collaborating international universities.

Moreover, the candidate:

• May not hold any other fellowships without permission of their supervisor;
• May not undertake employment of any nature without the permission of their supervisor;
• Must comply with the University’s approved policies, procedures and practices for the postdoctoral sector.

Value and Tenure:
The value of the fellowship is R450,000 – R550,000 per annum, depending on the candidate’s experience and qualifications. There is some flexibility regarding the start date of the fellowship and the fellowship amount will be prorated in line with the starting date. The fellowship is renewable for up to 3 years depending on a satisfactory academic progress and availability of funds and the candidate’s prior posts.

Application Procedure:
Eligible candidates should provide the following in ONE SINGLE PDF:

• A letter describing their research interests and their suitability for the fellowship.
• A CV that includes the complete details of:
  • Research studies conducted and their role(s) in the study;
  • Range of research methods used for study analyses;
  • Research output, including conference abstracts, peer-reviewed publications and any other scholarly research output;
  • The names of at least two academic referees who have taught/ supervised the candidate at university and can speak to their skills.
• A copy of their academic transcript and degree certificates;
• A published written sample of their work that includes quantitative research analysis led by the applicant.

Enquiries and completed applications should be forwarded to:

Associate Professor Andrew Medina-Marino: andrew.marino@hiv-research.org.za and
Mr. Riaan Beukes: Riaan.Beukes@hiv-research.org.za

Closing date for receipt of applications: September 17, 2023, or until the position is filled.

Please reference “2023 DTHC Postdoctoral Research Fellow” in the email subject line.

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42 years into the AIDS epidemic and we have made impressive strides in the development and dissemination of HIV treatment and preventative measures, supported largely through initiatives like the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, or PEPFAR. This we celebrate and are deeply grateful for.

The impact of providing access to HIV treatment and preventative pre-exposure technologies to communities ravaged by this disease, means that AIDS is no longer a death sentence. Rapid scale-up of antiretroviral therapy has meant that people living with HIV, with continued use, are living healthier and longer lives, with a near-normal life expectancy. We are seeing communities becoming strong and resilient again, countries taking ownership and new benchmarks of health and wellbeing being set on the African continent.

But the impact of ART extends beyond treatment. The effectiveness of ART lies in part in its ability to curb viral multiplication, which in turn has the potential of lowering a person’s viral load to untransmittable levels, thus, disrupting the infection cycle and spread of HIV to others. A significant caveat to remember though is that despite the ongoing, magnificent efforts in the lab and in the field, we are yet to discover an effective vaccine and a scalable cure for those living with HIV. Disengage too soon and we lose all the gains we have made to date and slide back to a situation far worse than we could ever have imagined.

Although we have experienced miraculous change to the narrative surrounding AIDS in Africa and other disease-ravaged areas, it is critical, that as we continue to refine and extend existing treatment and prevention methods and advocate for access, we do not falter in our global pursuit to eradicating HIV/AIDS. We are beyond grateful to PEPFAR, which has been essential in supporting the response to the AIDS epidemic. However, the challenge remains, and rather than approaching the efforts and investments made over the past two decades from a point of “how much more will it take”, we need to be mindful of the strides we have made and consider the magnitude and reality of the alternative if it all ends here.

Our work does not and cannot end here! Lest we forget, in 2022 alone, close to half a million young people (aged 15-24 years) were newly infected with HIV and compared to adults, adolescents have lower rates of HIV testing (i.e., do not know their status), disclosure, treatment adherence, and viral suppression.

The challenge remains, and we need continued global efforts and investment in getting this job done. Without it, we jeopardise empowering and equipping the future generation from being and staying HIV-free.

Article by Professor Linda-Gail Bekker, CEO, Desmond Tutu Health Foundation

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The Desmond Tutu Health Foundation expresses their heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Professor Jerry Coovadia who passed away today. Professor Coovadia, a giant in the world of paediatrics and a true champion of public health, leaves behind a legacy of compassion, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to improving the lives of countless individuals, especially the youngest, living with HIV. His tireless efforts to combat HIV/AIDS, particularly in the early days of the epidemic, were groundbreaking. Professor Coovadia’s pioneering research paved the way for critical advancements in the prevention of vertical HIV transmission, saving countless lives and offering hope to generations to come. Professor Coovadia was a mentor, a teacher, and a role model to many. His passion for educating the next generation of healthcare professionals was unwavering, and his influence extended far beyond the confines of the classroom. He instilled in his students not only the importance of scientific rigor but also the values of empathy, integrity, and social responsibility. Professor Coovadia’s work extended well beyond the borders of South Africa, as he actively engaged with international organizations, contributing his expertise in pragmatic paediatric care and public health which was also so critical in the global fight against HIV/AIDS. His collaborative spirit and willingness to share knowledge played a pivotal role in shaping global health policy and practice. Our CEO, Prof. Linda-Gail Bekker reflects “as a very young medical officer starting out in Northern KZN in the 1980s, I was so thrilled to meet the clinician and paediatrician who had written the “green book” on paediatrics – it was inspiring! And Jerry was an inspiration then and remained so as I got to know that his very practical and pragmatic approach to ensuring all children got excellent care extended to the HIV response and public health in general. He was a wonderful clinician, committed to the cause and plight of children in this country and on this continent. We will remember and convey our deepest condolences to his wife and family.” The Desmond Tutu Health Foundation is deeply grateful for the legacy Professor Coovadia leaves behind. His work will continue to inspire us as we strive to build a healthier, more equitable world for all. In memory of Professor Jerry Coovadia, let us rededicate ourselves to the pursuit of a world where health and well-being are accessible to all, as he so passionately believed.

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