Molecular Virology/Epidemiology HIV Training in Kazakhstan (MoVE-Kaz) - From 2010 to 2020, the number of new HIV infections in Eastern Europe and Central Asia increased by 43%,
while in Kazakhstan, the estimated number of people living with HIV infection (PLWH) increased by 133%, an
indication that the key populations transmitting the infections are poorly understood and not effectively linked to
harm reduction services, warranting a need for effective training and capacity building for efficient
surveillance. Molecular epidemiology approach to reconstruct viral transmission networks forms an
explicit part of the Ending the Epidemic program (https://www.cdc.gov/endhiv/index.html). As part of a
NIDA-funded grant, we have obtained key information through molecular epidemiology approaches
and provided pin-point data regarding high-risk communities in which currently emerging infections
suggest their prioritization for intervention. While our NIDA grant has been instrumental in training a
handful of young Kazakhstani scientists in cutting-edge molecular epidemiology tools, capacity for
such skills is scarce in Kazakhstan. Here, we propose a D43 training program, Molecular Virology
Epidemiology in Kazakhstan (MoVE-Kaz), to build capacity for molecular epidemiology research in
Kazakhstan. Our specific aims are: 1. To build a pool of well-capacitated Kazakhstani faculty
who conduct molecular virology research, we will: a) collaborate with international mentors from
Yale University, SUNY-Downstate, and Katholieke Universiteit Leuven in Belgium for the training of
two cohorts of 6 Kazakhstani health professionals and young scientists in Molecular Virology (12
trainees total), b) engage local and international mentors to mentor the trainee in applying molecular
epidemiology tools for investigating Public Health problems, c) train Kazakhstani health professionals
and scientists in the field of molecular virology and epidemiology through short- and long-term training
within Kazakhstan, and in New Haven and Leuven. 2. To enhance research capacity for HIV
molecular epidemiology in Kazakhstan, our MoVE-Kaz program will train young Kazakhstani
physicians and scientists: a) in basic and advanced concepts of molecular virology and epidemiology
through two 3-month certificate courses, b) to develop hands-on research skills through an 18-month
research certificate course molecular virology for studying transmission and emergence of infection,
drug resistance, and viral variants – applying this knowledge to improve HIV surveillance and patient
care, c) in ethical conduct of research that meets international standards, and d) in developing
competitive grants to fund research in molecular virology and epidemiology. Given the continued
surge of HIV in CA, we believe the topic and timing of the training grant is compelling. With our
experienced and internationally recognized team of experts in phylogenetic analysis, we believe that
we can make a substantial leap in capacity-building for young individual scientists in Kazakhstan.
