Our overarching goal is to create a nimble multi-institutional infrastructure that promotes equity and will connect and support investigators affiliated with both institutions to advance critical HIV science. The UCLA-CDU CFAR strengthens and amplifies the impact of existing research activities and launches new partnerships across Los Angeles and globally through our focus on three themes: STOP HIV by preventing new HIV infections (Prevention), reducing morbidity among people living with HIV (Treatment) and developing strategies for eradication (ART-free Remission). The UCLA-CDU CFAR will fund AIDS-related activities and programs conducted by investigators at UCLA, CDU and our Affiliated institutions, which include Harbor-UCLA Medical Center in Torrance; the UCLA CARE Clinic and the VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System in Westwood; the UCLA Vine Street Clinic in West Hollywood; and the Drew CARES, the CDU PUSH coalition and the MLK OASIS Clinic at CDU. These facilities are at ground zero for the AIDS epidemic in Los Angeles County, with the greatest number of persons living with HIV residing in the neighborhoods directly served by our hospitals and clinics. In addition to the facilities and programs based in Los Angeles, researchers at UCLA and CDU have extensive partnerships with HIV programs around the globe that are aimed at building global capacity.
The UCLA-CDU CFAR delivers research at the interface of community by reaching communities most in need and by bringing to bear the talent of CDU and UCLA researchers to address problems from a multi-disciplinary perspective while mentoring the next generation who better reflect the diversity of communities being served.
The overall organization of the UCLA-CDU CFAR allows us to efficiently and effectively manage AIDS research activities by harnessing the diverse expertise in our CFAR, and by including linkages to community-based clinician investigators and communities.