Udom Likhitwonnawut
My involvement in HIV clinical research started about 18 years ago when I was invited to join an HIV CAB by a research institute associated with Chiang Mai university, Thailand. From that I was nominated by the institute to be a member of GCAB of HVTN and ACTG. I also work as an independent consultant for AVAC to promote GPP (Good Participatory Practices in biomedical HIV prevention research) in Thailand. The excitement around Timothy Brown, Mississippi baby, Boston Patients, VISCONTI cohort, etc. led me to become more involved in HIV cure research as a CAB member and AVAC consultant in Thailand.
I became infected with HIV in the early 1980’s. I have now lived much longer with HIV than without it. This has offered me a breath of experience of the impact the disease holds on those infected. I now find myself working on the cure for HIV utilizing adenosine triphosphate as an immune-enhancing agent. I have started a non-profit entitled “AIDS Cure Research Collaborative” to fulfill this mission.
I have experience in research involving HIV prevention, contraception and women’s health. I also have experience with industry and investigator clinical trials.
I worked for AIDS Healthcare Foundation as A Prevention Programs Assistant which entail coordinating HTC programmes, condoms distribution and engaging with communities on their programmes. I have been CAB member for the past 10 years with ACTG, HVTN and now I4C as well as MDC.I am also member of Community Partners.
I have been involved in the care of persons living with HIV for over 15 years. I began my career as a behavioral health therapist working with MSM living with HIV, and later served as the Executive Director of the Pittsburgh AIDS Task Force. I am currently the HIV Surveillance Coordinator for the Allegheny County Health Department in Pittsburgh PA. My work has generated a lot of interest in a cure for HIV over these many years.