Modeling HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STI, and TB to Improve Public Health - CAMP 3.0: The Coalition for Applied Modeling for Prevention - Significant challenges exist in the control of HIV, viral hepatitis, sexually transmitted diseases (STD), and tuberculosis (TB) in the United States, even amid advances in evidence-based strategies for prevention and treatment. When prevention and treatment interventions are available but not yet optimally implemented, models can help guide resource allocation and decision-making, using data to show the potential of such interventions to reduce disease and health disparities. Models are critical tools for quantifying burden of these infections, projecting impact of interventions for reducing health disparities, and increasing our understanding of how policies impact health at national, state, and local levels. NCHHSTP, along with academic and stakeholder partners, have engaged collaboratively over nearly ten years (NEEMA 1.0 and 2.0) to expand availability of models, tools, and other resources for reducing HIV, viral hepatitis, STD, and TB infections and associated adverse outcomes. As a grantee under both NEEMA 1.0 and 2.0, the multi-institution Coalition for Applied Modeling for Prevention (CAMP), supported CDC and public health partners to advance quantitative methods that have improved our understanding of population-level impacts of HIV, viral hepatitis, STD, and TB, as well as the effectiveness of prevention and control strategies. Deliverables over this period (projected through end of current grant period) total more than 100 published manuscripts, over 10 reports for internal consideration and to advance CDC priorities, and 9 tools. The value of such models to impact public health lies in their utility to influence a range of stakeholders, and CAMP outputs, including the aforementioned deliverables, have significantly impacted policy and programs at federal, state, and local levels. In the new NEEMA 3.0 period, we will build on this successful platform and performance. The team described here comprises expertise in the areas of modeling, economic analyses, causal inference, evaluation and implementation science, policy and advocacy, and service provision. This proposal describes how long-standing modeling partners will expand work into areas of importance as identified by NCHHSTP Center and Divisional leadership while also expanding a multi-disciplinary team with expertise in modeling and applied public health to optimally respond to emerging NCHHSTP priorities. We propose creating and using models to improve effectiveness of public health decision-making for reducing disease burden and health disparities across HIV, viral hepatitis, STDs, and TB. Activities will increase scientifically robust models across disease areas, address syndemics, and support intervention evaluation. We will develop communications materials, issue briefs, and tools to help stakeholders efficiently allocate resources to priority interventions. We will work with strategically identified partners to pilot test these materials and tools for optimal public health impact. CAMP will generate models and associated manuscripts, tools, and other communications materials to improve public health decision-making for preventing and controlling the spread of HIV, viral hepatitis, STDs, and TB. Long term, we expect products to inform development, and increase public health impact, of guidelines, policies, and interventions at national, state, and local levels.
