Dr. Joseph J. Eron, Dr. Sonia Napravnik, and Dr. Thibaut Davy-Mendez, Center for AIDS Research directors and scientists published a recent study, “Changes in the Prevalence of Non-AIDS Conditions Among Hospitalized Persons with HIV in the United States and Canada, 2008–2018.” This study found a rising burden of non-AIDS conditions—including cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, and mental health disorders—as well as an increase in multimorbidity that cannot be explained by aging alone. Understanding these trends is essential to shaping better hospitalization and readmission prevention strategies and ensuring high-quality, long-term care for individuals living with HIV. To read the full study, click .��

Four principal investigators affiliated with ������ Center for AIDS Research are featured authors in the recently published 2025 JAIDS Supplemental Issue: State of US HIV Implementation Science: Progress and Priorities to End the Epidemic by 2030. This open-access issue, released on March 31, 2025, highlights key implementation science findings from over 120 NIH-funded Ending the HIV Epidemic in the US (EHE) projects conducted across 40 high-priority jurisdictions. Among the 24 collaborative papers featured in the issue, the following ������ CFAR investigators contributed important research that advances our understanding of HIV prevention, community engagement, and implementation strategies: Adam C. Sukhija-Cohen, Courtney Bonner, Allysha C. Maragh-Bass, and Katryna McCoy. This supplement reflects the significant progress made by EHE projects, while also identifying key next steps for scaling up effective interventions. To read the full 2025 JAIDS Supplemental Issue: State of US HIV Implementation Science: Progress and Priorities to End the Epidemic by 2030 click .��

Dr. Monica Maria Diaz a member of the ������ Center for AIDS Research (CFAR) has been awarded the 2025 Mridha Spirit of Neurology Humanitarian Award by the American Brain Foundation (ABF). This humanitarian award recognizes her exceptional dedication to neurology, particularly her altruism, compassion, and leadership in providing quality neurological care to underserved populations. Dr. Diaz is an assistant professor of neurology at ������, specializing in multiple sclerosis and neuroimmunology. She has worked extensively in Peru since 2019, leading studies on neurological conditions such as dementia, cognitive impairment in HIV patients, and transverse myelitis. Her work is focused on improving neurological health outcomes in Latin America. The award honors her significant contributions, which include co-directing a neurology residency exchange program between ������ and a Peruvian university. To read the full article on Dr. Monica Maria Diaz’s work on the ������’s website, click here.��

April 10 is National Youth HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NYHAAD). #NYHAAD reminds us about the importance of investing in young people’s health and education. School-based #HealthEd allows youth to learn about HIV prevention and care. Explore more from @CDC_DASH:����#NYHAAD��

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1 in 5 new HIV diagnoses occur in young people ages 13–24. This National Youth HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, review @CDC_DASH’s #WhatWorksInSchools program. And learn why investing in health education and services for youth is critical to ending HIV:��. #NYHAAD��

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HIV Cure Research: State of the Art and Navigating Presentations at CROI 2025 with Dr Joseph J. Eron, Jr – In this episode of Going Anti-Viral, Dr. Michael Saag speaks with Dr. Joseph Eron, Director of the Clinical Core within the Center for AIDS Research at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, about HIV cure research in anticipation of the 2025 Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections (CROI). Dr. Eron explains the challenges in developing a cure for HIV, discussing the difference between a complete HIV cure and a functional cure. They explore ongoing research efforts, including strategies to block or lock HIV in human DNA, and the potential role of CRISPR-Cas9 (molecular scissors) in curing HIV. They also preview the cure research presentations at CROI, including Dr. Ole Søgaard’s plenary on “HIV Cure: A Translational Research Perspective.” For more insight, Dr. Saag references an earlier episode about vaccine development with Dr. Richard Koup. Click to listen to the podcast episode.����

Nilu Goonetilleke Discusses Latest HIV Research During CROI 2025 – Nilu Goonetilleke, PhD, presented two important studies on HIV research during the 2025 Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections (CROI). Those studies included; The M&M Study: Age-Related T Cell Response in PWH on ART in MVA.HIVconsvX Vaccine Trial and The CM Study: Bivalent HIV Vaccine Induces Stronger T Cell Responses in PWH on ART. Both studies, which she led alongside first author Cindy Gay, MD, MPH, focused on HIV vaccine trials and their impact on immune responses in people with HIV (PWH) on antiretroviral therapy (ART). To read the full article regarding these two studies click .��

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The ������ Center for AIDS Research International Core’s Director Jeff Stringer shifted his focus to women’s health after a transformative experience during his medical training in the 1990s. Dr. Stringer is a leader in global women’s health, heading a team that addresses issues like birth outcomes and HIV prevention worldwide.��He is currently working on developing a portable ultrasound device that plugs into smartphones and uses AI to interpret pregnancy scans, which could improve healthcare in areas with limited resources, such as rural parts of the U.S. and sub-Saharan Africa. This innovation aims to address the lack of expensive ultrasound machines and trained professionals.����

Dr. Stinger’s career led him to Zambia, where he worked on HIV research and established the Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia (CIDRZ). In Zambia, he identified the lack of accessible ultrasounds as a major barrier to care for pregnant women, which inspired his current project. Since returning to the U.S. in 2012, Dr. Stringer has led efforts to combine affordable ultrasound technology with AI to make prenatal care more accessible globally. His team has already conducted clinical trials and developed AI algorithms for determining gestational age and detecting potential complications. The technology is now being tested in Zambia and could significantly improve women’s health worldwide. Dr. Stringer aims to get FDA approval for the device by the end of 2025. To read the full article from ������ Research Stories and listen to Dr. Stringer discuss this impactful work click .��

Rahima Benhabbour, PhD, a biomedical engineering professor at NC State University and ������-Chapel Hill, is leading a groundbreaking effort to revolutionize women’s health. She is developing the AnelleO PRO, the first 3D-printed intravaginal ring that offers a self-administered, controlled release of progesterone to treat infertility. Unlike traditional methods that require daily injections, this ring provides a month’s worth of treatment. Benhabbour’s work focuses on creating affordable, accessible, and empowering drug delivery systems for women, especially in regions with high HIV prevalence like sub-Saharan Africa.����

Her research, which has also explored treatments for HIV, chronic pain, and menopause, aims to address long-standing gaps in women’s healthcare. The AnelleO PRO, developed using continuous liquid interface production (CLIP) 3D printing, overcomes limitations of conventional drug delivery systems and is designed to be comfortable and effective for all women.����

Benhabbour’s team is now working on clinical trials and FDA approval, with plans to extend the technology to other women’s health issues, such as cancer and menopausal hormone therapy. She emphasizes the need for greater collaboration across research, clinical, and policy sectors to improve women’s health and ensure innovative, personalized treatments. The project, led by a predominantly female team, highlights the importance of women in STEM, especially in advancing healthcare for women.����

To read the full article on the ������ Health and ������ website click .��

The Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases and ������ Global Women’s Health have announced the first two PhD graduates from the ������-UNZA-Wits Partnership for HIV and Women’s Reproductive Health Training Program. This program, led by co-principal investigators Dr. Carla Chibwesha, an associate professor of obstetrics and gynecology and Dr. Benjamin Chi, an associate director within the International Core at the ������ Center for AIDS Research (CFAR)��is funded by the Fogarty International Center of the NIH. This programs aim is to build research capacity at the intersection of HIV and women’s reproductive health in Zambia. It leverages collaborations between ������, the University of Zambia (UNZA), and the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits).

The program offers PhD training at Wits for Zambian faculty members from UNZA, combining coursework in Johannesburg and research in Lusaka. Seven individuals have been supported through this initiative, with Mwana “Ketty” Lubeya and Twaambo Hamoonga being the first to graduate. Lubeya’s research focused on HPV vaccine implementation in Zambia, while Hamoonga studied HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Both projects align with Zambia’s health priorities and offer insights applicable across the African region.

Dr. Chibwesha praised the graduates’ perseverance, while Dr. Chi highlighted how the program advances science and builds research capacity in global health. The Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases, which fosters interdisciplinary global health research, continues to strengthen its partnership with ������ Project-Zambia, one of five global research sites advancing global health initiative.

To read the whole article on the ������ Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases website click

Researchers Dr. Vivian Go and Dr. Bill Miller from the ������ Center for AIDS Research (CFAR) are conducting multiple clinical trials in Vietnam to prevent HIV spread and support people living with HIV. Dr. Go, a professor in health behavior, and Dr. Miller, a professor in epidemiology, focus on HIV care and prevention strategies. One study found that tailored counseling for people who inject drugs was more effective than a standard approach. Other trials are testing new drugs and interventions for tuberculosis prevention, hepatitis B vaccination, and alcohol reduction among people living with HIV and at-risk groups.

The pair works closely with Vietnam’s health ministry to implement successful trial interventions in clinics. They also have a grant from the NIH to train people in Vietnam to implement evidence-based interventions. Their work extends beyond treatment to include building trust with vulnerable populations, as seen in St. Petersburg, Russia, where participants found a safe, nonjudgmental space in their research. They emphasize the importance of collaboration with local health authorities to ensure the sustainability and effectiveness of their efforts.

To read the whole article by Scott Jared in the ������ Newsletter click��

Stallings’ work also involved exploring the structural challenges facing Dzama, such as a lack of educational resources, long walks to school for children, and the fact that many students do not have access to higher education. Despite these challenges, she witnessed the potential for improvement, particularly through the Charlie Scholars Program, which helps students attend private schools with scholarships. On her last day, Stallings participated in a village walk with the children, a moment that highlighted the strong bonds she had formed within the community. Reflecting on her experience, she expressed a deep commitment to returning to Malawi next summer to further explore early childhood education practices and hopes to pursue a career in international development at the community level.

To read the full ������ Institute for Global Health and Infectious Disease article, please click

In collaboration with NC Central University and NC A&T University, the ������ Center for AIDS Research is looking for their next cohort of interns for the 2025-2026 year.

Please see the information below if you are interested in applying:

About:

• Paid internship tailored to student interest
• Research teams working on pressing issues in HIV, emerging
  infectious diseases, and other infectious disease comorbidities
• Opportunities available for clinical, public health, or bench research
  based on student interests
• Mentors and supervisors from NCCU, NC A&T and ������

Time Commitment:

• 10-15 hours per week during spring/fall, full-time
  (40 hrs.) during summer
• Start Date: June 2025

Eligible Students:

• Interested in learning about HIV/AIDS
• Currently enrolled undergraduate and graduate students at NCCU or NC A&T
• Must be at least in the third year of undergraduate program
• Interested in a career in Science, Technology or Mathematics

Interested? Submit your application, resume/CV, cover letter, statement of interest, and one letter of reference to Grace Galphin (grace_galphin@med.unc.edu). *Please put “NC-SHOP Internship Application” as the subject line.

Applications are��DUE March 14th, 2025.