IMPRINT: A Bold Step in the Fight Against HIV-Associated Mycoses

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The International (HIV) Mycoses Prevention, Research, Implementation, Networks & Training consortium, better known as IMPRINT, is a ground-breaking global health research initiative that is reshaping how we address life-threatening fungal infections among people living with HIV (PLHIV). These infections, particularly cryptococcal meningitis (CM), continue to cause thousands of deaths every year, especially in sub-Saharan Africa where access to timely diagnostics and antifungal treatments is limited.

What Is IMPRINT?

Cryptococcal meningitis (CM) alone accounts for approximately 15% of all HIV-related deaths globally, translating to over 112,000 deaths each year, with the vast majority occurring in sub-Saharan Africa. Despite the availability of antiretroviral therapy (ART), CM remains a leading killer of people living with HIV due to late diagnosis, inadequate access to diagnostics and life-saving treatment, and gaps in health system capacity.

However, hope lies in the development of novel, safer, and more effective treatment regimens. The AMBITION-cm trial has demonstrated the success of a simplified single-dose regimen of liposomal amphotericin B (L-AmB) combined with fluconazole and flucytosine (5FC). This new approach is not only less toxic than traditional therapies, but also easier to administer and better suited for resource-limited settings.

IMPRINT is a multidisciplinary research group dedicated to reducing mortality from HIV-associated fungal infections, with a strong focus on cryptococcal meningitis. It brings together a unique blend of researchers, clinicians, policymakers, community advocates, and people living with HIV to ensure that solutions are effective, equitable, and rooted in community priorities. The consortium is co-led by Professor Joseph Jarvis from the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine and Professor Nelesh Govender from the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits), South Africa.

IMPRINT’s Work Packages

The consortium is structured around six dynamic Work Packages (WPs). WP1 focuses on Advocacy & Community Engagement, promoting treatment literacy, stigma reduction, and the integration of community voices into research and policy. WP2 supports Clinical Trials & Implementation Research by evaluating simplified treatment regimens and operational strategies, such as those developed through the ACTA and AMBITION-cm trials. WP3 strengthens Diagnostics & Laboratory systems, particularly enhancing access to CrAg testing and lumbar puncture services. WP4 centres on Access & Treatment Scale-Up, working to ensure that life-saving antifungal drugs like flucytosine, fluconazole, and liposomal amphotericin B (L-AmB) are available and integrated into national health systems. WP5 is dedicated to Training & Capacity Building for healthcare providers and community educators to improve the management of fungal infections. Finally, WP6 emphasises Health Economics & Policy Impact, producing cost-effectiveness data and advocating for the inclusion of fungal infection interventions within Universal Health Coverage schemes and national HIV programs.

IMPRINT CAB: Grounding Science in Real-Life Experience

The IMPRINT Community Advisory Board (CAB) is a vibrant body of 16 members drawn from Botswana, South Africa, Mozambique, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Guinea, Malawi, Tanzania, and Vietnam, including people living with HIV, youth leaders, women’s groups, and journalists. It ensures the meaningful participation of communities in shaping research, reviewing trial protocols, advocating for access to life-saving antifungals, and promoting treatment literacy.

As part of our efforts, we have developed the Treatment Literacy Manual on HIV-Associated Mycoses and Cryptococcal Meningitis, empowering patients, peer educators, and community health workers with knowledge to demand quality care and support early diagnosis and treatment.

Final Word

IMPRINT is more than a research project, it’s a people-powered movement committed to health equity, community empowerment, and evidence-based action. Together, through research, advocacy, and collaboration, we are transforming how the world responds to fungal infections in the HIV response.

I am Kennedy Mupeli, the Community Engagement Lead for the IMPRINT research consortium. It’s an honour to contribute to this life-saving work alongside an inspiring team of researchers and  community advocates across Africa and Asia.

Co-Leads: Prof. Joseph Jarvis (London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine) and Prof. Nelesh Govender (University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa)

Welcome to my blog dedicated to community engagement in HIV research. Here, we delve deep into the latest advancements and discussions surrounding HIV cure, treatment, prevention, and management of advanced HIV infection. My goal is to bridge the gap between complex scientific research and community understanding, ensuring that knowledge is accessible and actionable. Join me as I explore these critical topics, engage with community insights, and contribute to the ongoing fight against HIV.

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