Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a very common and lethal cancer in Africa, and as patients with HIV live longer, the HCC burden may increase. In prior studies, our team identified chronic infection with hepatitis B and C viruses (HBV, HCV), HIV and Schistosomiasis mansoni as independent risk factors for HCC. Compared to the US, HCC in sub-Saharan Africa occurs at younger age and more advanced stage with survival of only months. Proposed is an East and West African partnership between colleagues at Makerere University in Uganda, Fann University in Senegal and Johns Hopkins University focused on HIV and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in Africa: The H2A Consortium. Building on long-standing collaborative research, mentoring and clinical activities in both countries, our overarching goal is to reduce the heavy burden of HCC in sub- Saharan Africa. We advocate investigating cancer interception strategies using appropriate medical treatments to interrupt or reverse the impact of these HCC-causing infections. The Administrative and Coordinating Core (ACC) will provide overall leadership for implementing the scientific agenda of the H2A consortium. Using best practices from decades of international research collaboration, the H2A Consortium proposes an effective organizational structure and strong leadership with a track record of international research collaboration. The organizational framework builds upon the ongoing close working relationship between prior co-PIs from Uganda and Hopkins and welcomes the Senegalese team as equal partners. The ACC will establish transparent structures to support rigorous study oversight, effective communication, and efficient problem- solving. The H2A Consortium effectively integrates ACC activities within a closely interacting Steering Committee (SC) comprised of the Overall Co-Leaders and the Project /Core PIs. For each Project or Core, the leadership represents an equitable partnership with PIs from each site sharing responsibilities. This leadership nucleus is further supported by an External Advisory Panel (EAP) and a Community Advisory Panel (CAP), with collaborative links to NCI Program leadership and other U54 Consortia sites. The impact of our integrated research and capacity development activities will be establishment of the H2A Consortium as partnered Centers of Excellence on HIV and HCC in East and West Africa.
