Safety, effectiveness and immunogenicity of heterologous mRNA-1273 boost after prime with Ad26.COV2.S among healthcare workers in South Africa: The single-arm, open-label, phase 3 SHERPA study.

Limited studies have been conducted on the safety and effectiveness of heterologous COVID-19 vaccine boosting in lower income settings, especially those with high-HIV prevalence., The Sisonke Heterologous mRNA-1273 boost after prime with Ad26.COV2.

Safety and pharmacokinetics of subcutaneous administration of broadly neutralizing anti-HIV-1 monoclonal antibodies (bNAbs), given to HIV-1 exposed, uninfected neonates and infants: study protocol for a phase I trial.

Background: The ambitious goal to eliminate new pediatric HIV infections by 2030 requires accelerated prevention strategies in high-risk settings such as South Africa. One approach could be pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) with broadly neutralizing anti-HIV-1 monoclonal antibodies (bNAbs). The aim of our study is to define the optimal dose(s), the ideal combination(s) of bNAbs in terms of potency and breadth, and timing of subcutaneous (SC) administration(s) to prevent breast milk transmission of HIV.

Midwifery Autonomy and Employment Changes During the Early COVID-19 Pandemic.

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic presented the midwifery workforce with challenges for maintaining access to high-quality care and safety for patients and perinatal care providers. This study analyzed associations between different types of professional autonomy and changes in midwives' employment and compensation during the early months of the pandemic.

Methods: An online survey distributed to midwifery practices in fall 2020 compared midwives' employment and compensation in February 2020 and September 2020.

Early Perinatal Workforce Adaptations to the COVID-19 Pandemic.

The objective of this study was to describe the system's initial pandemic response from the perspectives of perinatal health workers and to identify opportunities for improved future preparedness. An exploratory survey was designed to identify perinatal practice changes and workforce challenges during the initial weeks of the COVID-19 pandemic. The survey included baseline data collection and weekly surveys.

Impact and experience of participant engagement activities in supporting dapivirine ring use among participants enrolled in the phase III MTN-020/ASPIRE study.

Background: Low adherence to investigational products can negatively impact study outcomes, limiting the ability to demonstrate efficacy. To continue advancing potential new HIV prevention technologies, efforts are needed to improve adherence among study participants. In MTN-020/ASPIRE, a phase III randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of the dapivirine vaginal ring carried out across 15 sites in sub-Saharan Africa, a multifaceted approach to adherence support was implemented, including a strong focus on participant engagement activities (PEAs).