To achieve a meaningful community partnership for its clinical research activities, JHP established its first Community Advisory Board (CAB) in 1989. The CAB is one of JHP’s most valued partners. Its members represent different perspectives and stakeholder groups, including healthcare workers, teachers, religious leaders, civil society, business sector and the youth. All research studies at JHP are introduced first to the CAB members. The CAB’s questions and comments help inform JHP staff about community perceptions, for specific studies and health research in general. 

The CAB represents a coordinated, formal effort by JHP to ensure that the ideas of the community are considered during study development (review of draft protocols, consent forms, and local language translations); preparing recruitment and retention strategies; managing myths and misconceptions; and dissemination. JHP’s Community Engagement Department and the CAB work hand in hand to keep the Blantyre City Council informed about progress in HIV research, including through booths at World AIDS Day events.