Community

The MCTU-CAB was constituted in 2004 when establishing the site as part of the ACTG. The MCTU-CAB’s initial mission was to integrate community involvement into the AIDS Clinical Trials Unit (ACTU) to advance HIV/AIDS research. As the unit has expanded to include studies funded through other sources, including local investigator-initiated studies, the CAB’s role has expanded. The MCTU-CAB has six members who meet twice per month: one represents teachers, three represent the patients (two adult and one youth), one represents a community based organization focused on human rights, and one represents women’s issues. They review protocols utilizing project-developed summary sheets and provide feedback early in the protocol development and initiation stage. They are responsible for community sensitization and dissemination of results to the community. They also act as a conduit for community concerns about research and as educators of the community about HIV and research.