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[link removed] February 5, 2026


** Impact of US Withdrawal from WHO; New Data on PrEP (both positive and negative); Cure Academy Applications Open
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New this week: resources on the impact of harmful US policies on the HIV response; updated infographics on the ups and downs in PrEP; and an opportunity to apply for the US HIV Cure Academy in North Carolina this April.
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** US withdrawal from the WHO harms the HIV Response
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The US withdrawal from WHO has made Americans less safe, further damaged diplomatic relationships and will ultimately make America less healthy, writes AVAC Executive Director Mitchell Warren in Positively Aware ([link removed]) .
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infographic


** Speeding Up Access to PrEP
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Milestones for access to injectable lenacapavir for PrEP (LEN) are being met faster than any other PrEP product before it. Learn how and why.
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infographic


** Change in PrEP Initiations from 2024 to 2025 in Five Countries
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The PEPFAR stop-work order resulted in major declines in initiations of PrEP. Between January–September 2024 and January–September 2025, PrEP initiations dropped by 13–66% in high-volume countries, with the steepest declines occurring in PEPFAR-dependent programs disrupted by stop-work orders.
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** One year after US aid freeze, HIV care in Africa is in retreat
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From Devex’s The AID Report, this article features the voices of veteran HIV advocates ([link removed]) including AVAC’s Maureen Luba ([link removed]) and HEPS-Uganda’s Kenneth Mwehonge. The article traces the impact of the US foreign aid freeze, illuminating how outreach, prevention and monitoring systems are fraying across four African countries critical to the HIV response.
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** What Will HIV Funding Look Like in 2026?
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This Bhekisisa piece explores how HIV programs must adapt after US funding cuts. AVAC’s Mitchell Warren argues that survival requires consolidation, new partnerships, boosting domestic government contributions, and sharply refocusing on HIV prevention.
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** The US HIV Cure Research Academy: April 22-24, 2026
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The US HIV Cure Research Academy brings together researchers and community members from across the United States to learn about HIV cure science and translation. This two and a half-day intensive training program includes interactive discussions, skill-building workshops, and networking sessions. Full scholarships will be awarded for up to 15 attendees. Applications close February 13 at 11:59pm ET. Apply here: US HIV Cure Research Academy 2026 ([link removed]) ! For further information please contact [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])

In solidarity,

AVAC
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AVAC Global Advocacy for HIV Prevention
+1 212 796 6423 [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) www.avac.org ([link removed])
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