National AIDS Research Institute, Pune-411 026

Cohort of HIV Seronegative Persons :
NARI established a cohort of patients attending STD clinics and through their long term follow up collected very important information on the factors that are associated with the spread of HIV, the rate at which HIV infection is increasing in this group (Incidence) and roleof associated disease such as Herpes simplex virus 2, syphillis etc.

NARI conducted India's first HIV vaccine trial. Phase one trial of HIV-1 subtype C based Adeno Associated Virus vector based vaccine will be completed very soon. State of the art facilities have been established to carry out vaccine trials in the future also.

Clinical Trial Unit :
NARI has established a capacity to carry out clinical trials for anti-HIV drugs under international regulatory requirements. The center also provides treatment to HIV infected persons through National ARV roll out programme.

Studies on Women Controlled Methods for Preventions of HIV :
A facility to conduct studies in vaginal microbicides and female condom has been established. A number of Phase I and II studies, including one for an indigenous preparation, Praneem, have been carried out.

Starting in 1992, NARI has established a facility with trained manpower, state of the art laboratories, well equipped clinics and effective community outreach. This has resulted in an impressive array of research papers during last decade and generation of funds through extra-mural projects.

Collaborations :
NARI has established successful collaborative programme with International and National organizations. Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, USA, Family Health International. Van der Bilt University, University of California San Diego, USA are some of the major co international collaborators.

Academic Achievements:
Centre for Doctoral Studies (Ph. D) under Pune University.

Publication: AIDS Research and Reviews :
The quarterly published by NARI, AIDS Research and Reviews, attracts high quality reviews & original articles. The quarterly is aimed at catering to the research workers in the field, policy makers and medical practitioners.

Training Activities AIDS Research and Reviews :
Training programs and workshops on various aspects of HIV infection for doctors, laboratory & health care workers & counselors from different states of India.

Workshops for maintaining quality control in laboratory testing of HIV diagnosis.

Short-term training for post-graduate students in medicine and life sciences on request & Summer training for M.Sc students from various Universities in the country.

Outreach Activities:
In addition to research efforts NARI has also contributed in various ways to create awareness on HIV and AIDS. The outreach activities include:

Talks/ Awareness programmes for students, women, industrial workers and slum dwellers.

Awareness programmes through media aids such as publication of books, information pamphlets, posters.

Scientific Communications:
By the end of year 2006, over 133 scientific papers have been published by NARI scientists in National and International journals.

Chair for Technical Resource Group (TRG) on Research and Development constituted by NACO: The TRG has brought out a joint consultative document on priorities for R & D on HIV and AIDS and document on recommendations for prophylaxis against Opportunistic Infections and post-exposure prophylaxis.

National reference Center for HIV testing : NARI is one of the 12 National Reference Centers identified by NACO for HIV testing in the country. NARI is supporting HIV testing and implementing the National External Quality Assurance program for three states namely Maharashtra, Goa and Gujarat.