Grant: Planning and Dissemination Grant - Institute Community Support

Global progress has been made in HIV prevention, yet challenges persist, especially among marginalized populations. Despite a 38% decline in new infections since 2010, an estimated 1.3 million people acquired HIV in 2022, with 51% in Sub-Saharan Africa and heightened risks among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (MSM). Gaps in access to prevention and care persist due to stigma, discrimination and structural violence. With dwindling funding, there is a crucial need for research to identify local HIV risk drivers, leading to tailored programs and resource prioritization. Mathematical models play a crucial role in guiding global and national responses to the HIV epidemic. Organizations like UNAIDS and Health Ministries use these models to inform policies and interventions. However, developing accurate models requires addressing complex socio-behavioral factors and ensuring community relevance. Traditional models have often labeled individuals based on risk, but we propose a novel approach by considering sexual network typologies among MSM, acknowledging that network-level characteristics influence HIV transmission. Challenging conventional modeling norms, we aim to move beyond hierarchical research structures and engage community organizations and MSM directly in co-designing a mathematical model. Participatory modeling involves stakeholders in every decision-making step, democratizing knowledge creation. This method not only enhances community ownership and governance but also captures community dynamics and improves model relevance. Our multi-disciplinary team proposes to meet virtually and in person (in Kenya) over a year to solidify the partnership, review existing participatory modeling methods, and co-design a work plan to do this work. Our proposal stems from concerns raised by the MSM HIV Prevention Network in Kenya, reflecting a commitment to community-centered HIV prevention strategies through innovative and inclusive research practices.