Short abstract:

This paper explores what ‘globalizing’ HIV cure research entails in practice for researchers involved in the design of a multidisciplinary research consortium which seeks to contribute to further equitable and ethical HIV cure research on the African continent.

Long abstract:

In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the need to expand HIV cure research to include low- and middle-income countries, particularly those most affected by the HIV epidemic, such as those in sub-Saharan Africa. This shift reflects a broader commitment to global health equity and the recognition that diverse populations must be included in research efforts to ensure that any advances in HIV cure are applicable and accessible to those most in need. As a result, there has been increasing investment in building research capacity, laboratory infrastructure, and collaborative partnerships in African countries to support HIV cure research and contribute to global efforts to end the HIV/AIDS pandemic. In this paper, we explore what ‘globalizing’ HIV research entails for those involved in funding, designing and participating in HIV cure research in Africa countries. Drawing on ethnographic insights as social scientist engaging in a multi-disciplinary HIV cure research consortium, we seek to explore the following questions: What does equitable and ethical HIV cure research mean to those involved in designing HIV cure research on the African continent? What choices, adaptations, translations during the design of HIV cure research projects are desirable to practice equitable and ethical HIV cure research through transnational partnerships?