Collaborative AIDS prevention research in the developing world: the CAPS experience.

BACKGROUND

Prevention through behavior change is the only way to control the spread of HIV infection in the developing world. Success in prevention requires consistent and persistent intervention over time, a clear understanding of the realities of target populations and involvement of members of these populations in prevention efforts. Applied local research is urgently needed, especially in the developing world, to design interventions that meet these criteria and to test their effectiveness.

CENTER FOR AIDS PREVENTION STUDIES (CAPS) MODEL OF INTERNATIONAL COLLABORATIVE RESEARCH: Each year, eight to 10 scientists from developing countries visit CAPS in San Francisco for 10 weeks of intensive learning and collaboration. The main emphasis is on designing a protocol for a research project related to AIDS prevention in the visiting scientist's home country. CAPS provides pilot study funding and technical assistance to implement the project.

RESULTS

The quality of the resulting collaborative research is represented by the articles published in this volume and by the many alumni of the program who have undertaken additional research projects and/or assumed leadership positions in AIDS control efforts in their countries.