AIDS Vaccine Advocacy Coalition

was founded in December 1995 to advocate for the development of a safe, effective, and accessible HIV vaccine. It seeks to promote increased funding and investment in HIV vaccine research by government agencies, private industry and non-governmental organizations; to identify barriers to the development of a vaccine; and to increase public awareness about the need for a well funded, coordinated HIV vaccine research program. It seeks to promote increased HIV vaccine advocacy efforts by community-based organizations and increased awareness about HIV vaccine development among AIDS-affected communities. It is committed to the principle that funds for HIV vaccine research are not to be taken from basic HIV research, drug development or prevention efforts.