When: May 18, 2004
Where: Nationwide
Institute: National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)

To continue spreading the word about the need for HIV research and vaccines, the NIAID-funded HIV Vaccine Trials Network organized the nationwide Seventh Annual HIV Vaccine Awareness Day. The Network, formed at NIH in 1999, works to develop and test preventive HIV vaccines.

The events this year had the theme Real People, Real Progress. The special day is designed to educate Americans about the need for vaccines to prevent HIV and also thank clinical trial volunteers and researchers.

Activities such as documentary viewings, town hall meetings, HIV testing, and press conferences were hosted in cities across the nation. In addition, bilingual print and radio ads appeared in more than 20 cities across the U.S. thanking those who have volunteered for a trial and encouraging people to wear their red AIDS ribbon upside down to form a "V" for vaccines and the vision of a world without AIDS.

Next Steps
To learn more about HIV Vaccine Awareness Day or HIV vaccine research, visit www.aidsinfo.nih.gov or call (800) HIV-0440 for a free brochure (in English or Spanish). You may also contact Matthew Murguía (301) 435-7164.