Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership

Established in 1996 as a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Health and Wellness and the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, The Botswana Harvard Aids Partnership undertakes research in a myriad of disciplines, including but not limited to; virology, molecular biology, immunology, genetics, epidemiology and social and behavioral science relevant to the AIDS epidemic in Botswana and southern Africa. Mission To combat HIV/AIDS and emerging public health challenges through innovative research, education and capacity building that impacts policy and practice. Not only is the research conducted directly relevant to and useful for the Ministry of Health and Wellness, health providers and patients in Botswana and the region, it is conducted in an ethical and collaborative manner that builds capacity and supports participant rights and well-being. Areas Include: -Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission (PMTCT) during pregnancy and breastfeeding -Prevention of new adult HIV infections -Optimal treatment of HIV-infected children and adults -Identifying and characterization of acute HIV infection -Molecular characterization of Hepatitis B Virus in Botswana and its impact on HIV co-infection -Molecular epidemiology of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) in Botswana and the impact of cART on the TB incidence -Human genetics and how it affects the risk of HIV infection and disease progression -HIV antiretroviral drug resistance and surveillance of transmitted drug resistant variants -Health and neurobehavioral outcomes of HIV Exposed Infected (HEI) and Uninfected (HEU) Infants and how to improve the health of HEU infants -Effect of very early infant treatment on the HIV viral reservoir -How to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of interventions for prevention and treatment of HIV/AIDS -HIV related malignancies and long-term effects of ART exposure/interphase with non-communicable diseases.