Site Community Advisory Boards

Community Advisory Boards (CABs) build and foster partnerships between researchers and local study communities impacted by HIV/AIDS. An active CAB with a committed membership is an integral part in the effort to combat AIDS. CABs can help strengthen local capacity to respond to critical research needs in the future.

The success of the IMPAACT Network’s research agenda depends upon active participation by the communities involved in the studies. Including community members at all levels of the research process helps build trust and mutual understanding of research issues and ensures that values and cultural differences among participants are respected.

Community advisory boards (CABs) serve as a voice for the community and local study participants. CABs provide input into study design and local study procedures. CABs work to ensure that research strategies acknowledge and respect the values and cultural/ethnic differences among participants. Members of a CAB vary according to locale and situation. Membership may include community members who share characteristics of study participants (or study participants themselves), representatives of local agencies working with HIV-related services or programs, religious or community leaders, and professionals with relevant research and/or scientific expertise.

To learn more about CAB functions and responsibilities, click here for a PDF fact sheet.