Show-Me State Times

Saint Louis University and Washington University School of Medicine are joining forces to establish the Midwest Developmental Center for AIDS Research. This initiative, supported by funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), aims to enhance collaboration among researchers and public health professionals in the fight against HIV. The center is set to open in September.

Enbal Shacham, Ph.D., associate director of the center and a professor at Saint Louis University, stated, “This center is built on collaboration between our regional universities.” She emphasized its focus on improving HIV-related health equity and outcomes in St. Louis.

Despite advancements in HIV prevention and treatment across the U.S., Missouri has seen little improvement since 2017 in new diagnoses and deaths related to HIV. Elvin Geng, M.D., who will direct the new center, remarked, “There’s a public perception that we’re on the other side of the HIV epidemic.” He highlighted ongoing challenges in St. Louis due to isolated efforts within scientific and public health communities.

Missouri reports about 500 new HIV cases annually with nearly 200 related deaths. Thirteen counties identified by the CDC as high-risk for an outbreak are located in Missouri. Late diagnosis remains prevalent, complicating treatment efforts.

The NIH's Centers for AIDS Research program began in 1988 with 19 centers nationwide so far. The St. Louis center will undergo a five-year initiation phase as a developmental CFAR.

To foster collaboration, the center has formed a stakeholder advisory committee including local health departments and Fast-Track Cities St. Louis representatives. Planned initiatives include an annual symposium called Show Me the Response, Partner Pilot Awards for joint research teams, and internships at Harris-Stowe State University's Department of Health.

Harvey R. Fields Jr., Ph.D., dean at Harris-Stowe State University, commented on their involvement: “The Midwest Center for AIDS Research will help diversify the approach to... mitigate the AIDS epidemic.”

Initially focusing on St. Louis city and county relationships, future plans involve expanding into rural areas of Missouri where significant challenges remain. Dima Dandachi, M.D., from central Missouri’s Public Health Department also contributes to guiding research priorities.