Dear Colleague Letter
November 1, 2009
Dear Colleagues,
Starting in the fall of 2008, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention (DHAP) began the External Peer Review (EPR) process of DHAP's domestic HIV prevention activities. This important review covered DHAP's surveillance, research, and HIV prevention programs and included a planning phase, the selection of a panel of experts, development of questions to be addressed and exhaustive briefing materials, convening the panel of experts, and the development of the report contained herein.
The purpose of the peer review was to obtain external review and feedback on DHAP's domestic HIV prevention programs, including research and non-research (i.e., public health practice). The specific goals of the peer review were to:
- Provide DHAP with objective input and guidance on its scientific and programmatic priorities and direction.
- Serve as a basis for CDC's next HIV Prevention Strategic Plan.
- Provide a platform for the development of a National HIV Prevention Plan that incorporates stakeholder perspectives and needs.
This report contains the findings and recommendations of the EPR and materials that provide background to the reader on DHAP's programs and activities that were reviewed by the expert panel. This review required substantial effort from the panel members and the Division's Peer Review Planning Committee and particularly from the many DHAP staff members who worked hard to plan, develop, and carry out the steps leading to the External Peer Review.
We want to recognize the efforts of the panel members in providing their input and working for several months to finalize this report. This process will greatly assist CDC in meeting the scientific and programmatic needs of the HIV epidemic, which is vital to stopping the spread of HIV/AIDS in the United States.
Regards,
/Edward Hook, III, MD/
Edward Hook, III, MD
University of Alabama, Birmingham
Chair
/Jesse Milan, Jr., JD/
Jesse Milan, Jr., JD
Altarum Institute
Chair
