On 24th September 2019, the first volunteer was enrolled in the IAVI-W001 study at the KAVI-Institute of Clinical Research (KAVI-ICR) of the University of Nairobi.  The occasion marks the beginning of the 12th HIV vaccine clinical trial to be conducted at KAVI-ICR since 2001. This is a first-in-human study that uses a Native-trimer HIV envelope design that will hopefully stimulate broadly neutralizing antibodies against HIV. KAVI-ICR joins two other research institutes – The Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT and Harvard and the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center-Seattle HIV Vaccine Unit- both in the USA which have already enrolled volunteers into the study.

This study also marks a critical milestone of longstanding support from the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative (IAVI) which spans over 20years. HIV continues to devastate communities in Africa in spite of the strides made in prevention and treatment. And even as the prospect of developing a vaccine against HIV/AIDS remains challenging, KAVI-ICR and its partners remain singularly focussed in achieving this goal. KAVI-ICR remains committed to supporting the global effort to develop a safe, effective and affordable HIV vaccine by collaborating with international partners to conduct high impact clinical research. The work at KAVI-ICR would not be possible without the unwavering support from a dedicated team of peer recruiters from the various communities that have stood shoulder to shoulder with the staff at KAVI-ICR through the years.

For more information about this study and other studies being conducted at KAVI-ICR visit our offices at the University of Nairobi, College of Health Sciences at the Kenyatta National Hospital or call +254722207417 and ask to speak to a clinic staff member.