6. GOALS AND OBJECTIVES To promote ethical research, development, production and evaluation of suitable HIV/ AIDS vaccines and ensure sufficient availability of the vaccine for the country through strategic planning and national, regional and international collaboration. To facilitate research and development of vaccines that can either prevent HIV infection (preventive) or delay progression of disease (therapeutic). 7. GENERAL GUIDING PRINCIPALS OF HIV VACCINE-RELATED TRIALS Political support is critically important for the research and development of HIV/AIDS vaccines. It is needed to create an enabling environment for researchers, research partners, funding agencies and research institutions as well as volunteers and study communities. One purpose of setting national vaccine guidelines is to involve leaders at all levels, including government officials, parliamentarians, administrators and community leaders. Women and youth leaders need to be involved at all these levels. The guidelines promote involvement and consultation with other stakeholders including, but not limited to, people living with HIV/AIDs, lawyers, journalists, health professionals, faith-based organisations and activists. The guidelines recognize the various economic, social and cultural situations that may affect HIV/AIDS vaccine research and outline appropriate measures to create an enabling legal and ethical environment. 18