This brief, the third in a series of three, discusses the ethical issues arising from HIV phylogenetic analyses in both research and public health settings and offers guidance on how to minimise risks for analyses that generate sensitive data. The first brief, The Application of Phylogenetics to HIV—Insights into Biology and Epidemiology of HIV, explains the methods and approaches used to generate genetic and phylogenetic data and analyses. The second brief explores what we have learned from HIV phylogenetic studies and how HIV phylogenetics can and should be used to support public health programmes.

This is the second brief in a series of three on HIV phylogenetics. The first brief, The Application of Phylogenetics to HIV—Insights into Biology and Epidemiology of HIV, explains the methods and approaches used to generate genetic and phylogenetic data and analyses. This brief summarises the ways in which phylogenetic (and other sequence-based) analyses are currently being used and reflects on how they could be used in the future in the field of HIV research and public health. The third brief discusses the ethical challenges of using HIV phylogenetics in research and public health surveillance.

This brief introduction to HIV phylogenetics is the first of three briefs on the phylogenetics of HIV. This brief introduces phylogenetics, explains how the genetic code can be read, and shows how the sequences can reveal insights into HIV biology and epidemiology. The second brief explores what we have learned from HIV phylogenetic studies and how HIV phylogenetics can and should be used to support public health programmes. The third brief discusses the ethical considerations of HIV phylogenetics, including the need for appropriate care and safeguards of sensitive information.

This report synthesizes the available information on the value of community-led monitoring in four key areas: HIV and health services; creating an enabling environment; community systems strengthening; and crafting better-defined policies and investments.

UNAIDS Executive Director Winnie Byanyima's report to the 53rd meeting of the UNAIDS Programme Coordinating Board, Geneva, Switzerland, 12 December 2023