History

The Forum began its work on March 1, 1997, as a project of the Center for Health Services Research and Policy (CHSRP) and is now housed at the Department of Prevention and Community Health at the George Washington University School of Public Health and Health Services. The launch of the Forum grew out of an initiative to enhance collaboration in clinical HIV research.

In February 1996, Vice President Al Gore held a meeting with leaders from the pharmaceutical industry and other government officials to discuss further steps in the development of anti-viral therapies for HIV infected persons. He stated that the Administration would collaborate with all major stakeholders to develop a better understanding of HIV drugs already approved by the FDA to determine the best uses and long-term effectiveness of these drugs.

At the Vice President's request, the Keystone Center, a public-interest organization coordinating discussions on scientific and environmental issues, held a series of meetings between representatives from the pharmaceutical industry, public and private third-party payors, health care delivery system groups, government agencies, clinical research centers, and patient advocacy groups to discuss HIV medical management issues in the new era of highly-active anti-viral therapy (HAART), research design and methodologies, and development of a framework to promote collaboration.

As a result of these meetings, a report was generated proposing the development of a project to continue the discussion amongst appropriate stakeholders regarding the development of long-term strategies for the optimal use of anti-viral therapies for HIV infection. This report was presented to the Vice President on August 2, 1996, which further recommended that such work and guidance continue through the creation of The Forum for Collaborative HIV Research.

Forum for Collaborative HIV Research
Department of Prevention and Community Health
School of Public Health and Health Services

2175 K St NW Ste 700
Washington, DC 20037
Phone: 202 530-2370
Fax: 202 530-3923
info@hivforum.org