CASPR

1. Advocacy Networks- Strengthen and expand an informed, action-oriented global advocacy network to support the HIV prevention research agenda and active, informed engagement.
2. Research Translation- Strengthen sharing & translation of research into policies & practices to ensure support for a research agenda that reflects stakeholder needs & interests.
3. Research Preparedness– Ensure that the rights and interests of trial participants, eventual users & communities are represented & respected throughout the process of research to rollout.
4. Policy Engagement– Develop and advocate for policies that support efficient and ethical development, introduction, and use of new HIV prevention options.

Pangaea Zimbabwe has two focuses which are:

1. the Vaccine Confidence sub-project.
2. the HIV prevention sub- project.

Vaccine Confidence

The overall objective:

• To improve Vaccine Confidence through a series of activities as a pathway to support future vaccine rollout. This will be through qualitative assessments, community dialogue, IDIs, vaccine IEC material development, and dissemination and participation in COVID-19 technical working groups.

Under this workstream, CASPR conducted a COVID-19 rapid assessment.

The objectives of the rapid assessment were:

• To understand the motivators and barriers to taking the COVID-19 vaccine among vaccine recipients and those who are hesitant
• To document experiences and provide informational support.
• To combat vaccine hesitancy and improve vaccine confidence.

The results from the rapid assessment showed that religious and cultural beliefs, fear of adverse side effects of the vaccines, vaccine effectiveness, lack of knowledge regarding the vaccination process, and eligibility issues were some of the major factors that were acting as barriers to COVID-19 vaccination.

Conclusions from the Rapid Assessment

• Generally, people are aware of COVID-19 vaccines, however, there are still a lot of myths and misconceptions that need to be addressed.
• Vaccine confidence is likely to increase by:

1. using these trusted and preferred channels of communication (radio, healthcare providers)
2. Using messages that resonate with people’ motivators or address concerns

From the findings, radio programs have been conducted to:

• To address emerging factors for COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy
• To strengthen COVID-19 vaccine literacy
• To expand understanding of COVID-19 vaccine experiences and how perspectives influence uptake

IEC material has also been developed and distributed to promote the COVID-19 booster vaccine.

The overall objective:

• To strengthen and expand an informed, action-oriented national advocacy network of civil society and community-based organizations that support and facilitate HIV prevention research.

Under this workstream, CASPR conducted an HIV needs assessment with 31 civil society organizations in Zimbabwe working on SRH/HIV and/or AGYW.

.The objectives of the needs assessment were:

• To assess current gaps and opportunities for support around HIV prevention research literacy on the HIV prevention products in the pipeline including Dapivirine Ring and Injectable Cabotegravir, overall women’s sexual reproductive health (SRH), and HIV prevention and intervene appropriately.
• To develop an action plan to strengthen capacity for evidence-based advocacy around Dapivirine Ring introduction, HIV prevention research literacy on the injectable cabotegravir, and overall women’s sexual reproductive health and HIV prevention.

The gaps identified during the Needs Assessment findings include limited CBOs’ involvement in the new HIV Prevention options, lack of financial resources to conduct HIV Prevention work, research literacy capacity and knowledge on Dapivirine ring; and CAB-for PrEP.

Opportunities in HIV prevention included:

• The need for training and provision of IEC materials to conduct HIV prevention research literacy.
• Interest in improving knowledge and raising awareness around Dapirivine Ring and CAB-LA in Zimbabwe.
• The necessity for capacity strengthening and mentorship around Dapirivine Ring, CAB-LA, and HIV prevention research literacy
• Linkage to HIV prevention networking platforms to create partnerships and collaborations.
• Requirement of technical support around HIV prevention programming from biomedical research experts and partners who are currently working on new HIV prevention methods.

Action plan

• To develop an action plan to strengthen CSO capacity for evidence-based advocacy around Dapivirine ring introduction, HIV prevention literacy on injectable Cabotegravir, and overall women’s SRH
• To strengthen and expand an informed, action-oriented national advocacy network of civil society and community-based organizations that support and facilitate HIV prevention research

The focus is on improving SRH services and HIV prevention for women in their diversity i.e. women living with HIV, women with disabilities, AGYW, pregnant women, and other vulnerable groups of women in communities.