Journal of Vaccines & Vaccination

Partnerships a key strategy in HIV vaccine trials-TASO masaka experience

International Conference & Exhibition on Vaccines & Vaccination

22-24 Nov 2011 Philadelphia Airport Marriott, USA

Livingstone Ssali and Kabaale Timothy

Accepted Abstracts: J Vaccines Vaccin

Abstract:

Background: Pre-ART and ART clients registered with TASO are referred from HIV testing agencies including Ministry of Health facilities. TASO Masaka has so far registered a cumulative of 30,000 clients, with referrals from partners contributing as signifi cant percentage of 90%. Partnership, acknowledged by TASO Uganda as one of the pillars of the organizational success embraces the utilization of comparative merits of other organizations to the benefi t of TASO and her clientele. Description: Th e success of partnerships is best seen in access to critical services outside the TASO Masaka areas of professional expertise such as. Th e center has partnered with other AIDS service organization in a network called the Masaka District Network of AIDS service Organization (MADNASO). Th e center has partnered with Medical Research Council (MRC) and Rakai Health Sciences Program (RHSP) to conduct diff erent studies. Lessons learnt: Holistic HIV/AIDS management entails addressing the needs of the PHA, their families and society which cannot be handled through a single intervention thus the need for partnerships to address all the emerging needs of the PHAs. Symbiosis is critical in building lasting and eff ective partnerships. Premising partnerships on the principle of comparative advantage serves to strengthen the interventions of diff erent. Th ere�s need of more partnership of civil society organization, so that the issues of PLWHAS are collectively addressed. TASO Masaka in collaboration with MRC successfully conducted the microbisides study, and currently they are coordinating the Septrine prophylaxis cessation study (Costop study). Th e center was able to collaborate with RHSP to conduct an Acyclovir study in 2010 Conclusion/Recommendation: Th e success of any HIV vaccine trial depends on partnerships. Partnerships is an eff ective way of enhancing HIV prevention through sharing best practices and strategies which can be used to provide a good quality services to clients