People have the right to be protected from harm and exploitation, and to make their own decisions regarding how they will participate in HIV/AIDS vaccine research. They must therefore be informed about vaccine research and about the risks and benefits resulting from it. The rights and responsibilities of vaccine volunteers must be formally recognized and safeguarded. No person should be stigmatized or discriminated against during the vaccine research process. 1. Guiding principal 1: Vaccine development: Given the severity of the HIV and AIDS epidemic on human, public health, social and economic terms, sufficient capacity and incentives should be developed to foster the early and ethical development of effective HIV vaccines at country level in collaboration with sponsors and partners. • Include vaccine development in national HIV prevention and treatment and control plans; • Assess capacity to participate in HIV vaccine development activities nationally, regionally and internationally including identification of resources, partnerships, strengthening scientific and ethical sectors capacity and involvement in clinical trials and conducting readiness studies and campaigns; • Identify and collaborate with donors, international agencies, funding sources, to make vaccines a reality and sustainable; 19