Molecular Virology/Epidemiology HIV Training in Kazakhstan (MoVE-Kaz)

From 2010 to 2020, the number of new HIV infections in Eastern Europe and Central Asia increased by 43%, while in Kazakhstan, the estimated number of people living with HIV infection (PLWH) increased by 133%, an indication that the key populations transmitting the infections are poorly understood and not effectively linked to harm reduction services, warranting a need for effective training and capacity building for efficient surveillance. Molecular epidemiology approach to reconstruct viral transmission networks forms an explicit part of the Ending the Epidemic program (https://www.cdc.gov/endhiv/index.html). As part of a NIDA-funded grant, we have obtained key information through molecular epidemiology approaches and provided pin-point data regarding high-risk communities in which currently emerging infections suggest their prioritization for intervention. While our NIDA grant has been instrumental in training a handful of young Kazakhstani scientists in cutting-edge molecular epidemiology tools, capacity for such skills is scarce in Kazakhstan. Here, we propose a D43 training program, Molecular Virology Epidemiology in Kazakhstan (MoVE-Kaz), to build capacity for molecular epidemiology research in Kazakhstan. Our specific aims are: 1. To build a pool of well-capacitated Kazakhstani faculty who conduct molecular virology research, we will: a) collaborate with international mentors from Yale University, SUNY-Downstate, and Katholieke Universiteit Leuven in Belgium for the training of two cohorts of 6 Kazakhstani health professionals and young scientists in Molecular Virology (12 trainees total), b) engage local and international mentors to mentor the trainee in applying molecular epidemiology tools for investigating Public Health problems, c) train Kazakhstani health professionals and scientists in the field of molecular virology and epidemiology through short- and long-term training within Kazakhstan, and in New Haven and Leuven. 2. To enhance research capacity for HIV molecular epidemiology in Kazakhstan, our MoVE-Kaz program will train young Kazakhstani physicians and scientists: a) in basic and advanced concepts of molecular virology and epidemiology through two 3-month certificate courses, b) to develop hands-on research skills through an 18-month research certificate course molecular virology for studying transmission and emergence of infection, drug resistance, and viral variants – applying this knowledge to improve HIV surveillance and patient care, c) in ethical conduct of research that meets international standards, and d) in developing competitive grants to fund research in molecular virology and epidemiology. Given the continued surge of HIV in CA, we believe the topic and timing of the training grant is compelling. With our experienced and internationally recognized team of experts in phylogenetic analysis, we believe that we can make a substantial leap in capacity-building for young individual scientists in Kazakhstan.