The scientific cooperation network HIV Obstruction by Programmed Epigenetics (HOPE Study) launched, on April 6, 2023, a video that didactically explains the strategies that have been explored for the cure of infection by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) with a new approach, called “block-lock-excise”. The video is the result of the active participation of several international research institutions to raise awareness of HIV studies as well as healing approaches, and to understand society's concerns about treatments and curative measures.

The creation of the video was organized by Dr. Vivian Avelino-Silva, infectologist and researcher at the Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo (FMUSP). The video translates strategies used by the HOPE Study to develop a cure for HIV in a layman's and captivating language based on the concerns and discoveries of the group.

“Effective communication between scientists and community members is crucial to advancing research. However, scientists often use very complex and difficult language. Scientific language can sound precise and convincing to scientific ears, but it can be intimidating or even distrustful to non-experts,” says Dr. Vivian. She adds: “this communication challenge is very common in medicine”.

The video is one of many ways the HOPE network intends to meet this challenge, combining the science of “block-lock-excise” with input from the expert community and the artistic talent of its team members.

The HOPE Study follows an equitable operating model. The community engagement group, under the supervision of Patricia Defechereux, provides education and hope to non-scientific communities, as well as feedback to researchers using a variety of tools, including art workshops, HIV art project development discussions, member interviews from the community and scientists, interactive presentations on Instagram and YouTube videos, educational animations and academic publications.

The HOPE Study is one of ten consortia belonging to the Martin Delaney Collaboratory funded by the US National Institutes of Health (NIH) to develop HIV cure strategies. The HOPE Study is led by Dr. Melanie Ott of Gladstone Institutes, Dr. Lishomwa Ndhlovu of Cornell University and Dr. Susana Valente, from Scripps/University of Florida. The HOPE Study comprises FMUSP and 15 other academic institutions spread over 5 continents, as well as a pharmaceutical company and several community partnerships.

Watch the video at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QXVAUM9Gl0A