Insights
Perspective

Experts Discuss Progress to End HIV During COVID Years

January 12, 2022

The COVID pandemic has highlighted existing public health problems founded in inequitable access to quality health care. A larger audience is now aware of the impact on different communities and their ability to navigate health challenges. COVID has also demonstrated science in real time, as scientists and public health professionals scramble for solutions. Westat’s Asking the Experts Webinar Series wanted to dig deep on the parallels and lessons from the effort to end HIV in the U.S. In our first conversation, Ending HIV in the U.S.: Progress, Challenges, and Opportunities on Thursday, December 2, 2021, we heard from researchers and community leaders with their perspectives on turning challenges into successes.

Belinda Gaston, MPH, of Westat’s Public Health & Epidemiology Practice, moderated the panel, which included the following experts:

The discussion was wide ranging, including the panelists’ take on what progress and challenges have arisen in the fight to end HIV since the beginning of the pandemic and what essential changes they believe still need to be made. Takeaways include:

  • Greater engagement between communities and researchers is critical. Barriers to established communication should be broken down. Science needs to listen to communities, get their perspectives, and community leaders need a stronger presence in informing who, where, and how to reach these communities.
  • Lived experiences need to be shared, bringing experiences and actionable information to researchers in ways that are unparalleled in any other approach.
  • Use science better to translate discoveries into services and interventions.
  • Lessons learned need to be documented to fight pseudoscience that pervades the internet, social media, and other communication vehicles.

“We are thrilled to have had the opportunity to engage with these experts in conjunction with World AIDS Day and on such important questions,” notes Ms. Gaston. “From the chat comments that came in during the event it was obvious that our audience was inspired and excited to apply some of the ideas our panelists discussed.”

See the full webinar and enjoy the exchange of ideas and perspectives of the panelists: Ending HIV in the U.S. in the Age of COVID (YouTube Video)

Insights

Deep Dive with Our Experts

view all insights
  • Perspective

    Diverse Journeys: Westat Women in Leadership

    March 2024

    In celebration of Women’s History Month, we’re shining a spotlight on the remarkable women leaders at Westat. Their diverse backgrounds, experiences, and insights have helped…

  • Perspective

    Spotlight on Maternal Mental Health

    March 2024

    Mental health conditions are the most common complications during pregnancy and the postpartum period. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) identifies mental health…

  • Perspective

    Access to Birthing-Friendly Facilities for Maternal Care

    February 2024

    Preventable maternal mortality in the U.S. has grown considerably and spurred the federal government into action, most noticeably with the development of the White House…

How can we help?

We welcome messages from job seekers, collaborators, and potential clients and partners.

Get in Contact

Want to work with us?

You’ll be in great company.

Explore Careers
Back to Top