UNC Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases

05/15/2026

When people leave prison, they enter one of the highest-risk periods for acquiring HIV, often with the fewest resources and the greatest uncertainty about where to turn for care.

Dr. Lina Rosengren is working to close that gap through the RELEASE study, a first-of-its-kind effort to provide long-acting HIV prevention medication to individuals before they transition back into their communities. In partnership with Gilead Sciences, a biopharmaceutical company focused on advancing HIV treatment and prevention, the study combines research, clinical care, and North Carolina’s prison health network to reimagine what continuity of care can look like during one of the most vulnerable moments in a person’s life.

“Gilead has committed to helping us understand and support these individuals with access to one of the most exciting new long-acting medications for PrEP,” says Dr. Rosengren.

Chapel Hill, NC – When people leave prison, they enter one of the highest-risk periods for acquiring HIV—often with the least support, the fewest resources, and the greatest uncertainty about where to turn for care. It’s this critical gap that Lina Rosengren, MD, MPH, an infectious diseases ph...

05/15/2026

05/14/2026

UNC Health specialists are part of a small national network now coordinating the response to . UNC is one of 1️⃣3️⃣ federally designated HHS Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response Centers in the country, created to care for patients and manage exactly these kinds of emerging threats. WRAL TV NC Health News UNC Department of Medicine

North Carolina is home to one of just 13 specialized pathogen response centers in the country designed to prepare for rare infectious disease threats and quarantine patients like those infected with hantavirus after a cruise outbreak.

05/11/2026

Following a recent outbreak linked to a cruise ship, many people are left with questions. With no specific treatment available, Dr. David Weber explains the virus, risk factors, and what North Carolinians should expect.
The News & Observer World Health Organization (WHO) CDC
UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health
https://go.unc.edu/g2FLj

Hantavirus is more common in the American Southwest. Only one case has been recorded in North Carolina.

05/04/2026

04/15/2026

PhD candidate Laika Maganga is taking action against HIV stigma.

Born in Malawi, her personal connection to this marginalized population drives her commitment to creating change through research. With a background in nursing, she has a deeper understanding of the psychological impact illness can have on individuals.

Through her work, Laika hopes to advance health equity by studying HIV stigma in global health, with a focus on Malawi. UNC Project Malawi UNC School of Nursing

Read more about Laika 👉 https://go.unc.edu/Cq62R

04/08/2026

Our fellows in the T32 STI/HIV Training Program conduct research that builds skills in interdisciplinary collaboration.

Join us this Friday to hear from Cara Broshkevitch, MS; Stephanie Sweitzer, MD, MSPH; Monica Reece, PhD and Bryce Stamp, MPH as they present their work in STI/HIV research.
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Learn more: https://go.unc.edu/Gg86A

UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health UNC-Chapel Hill Graduate School UNC Microbiology & Immunology

The T32 STI/HIV Training Program trains fellows to conduct STI/HIV research, fostering skills in interdisciplinary research. The following will present their work: Cara Broshkevitch, MS – “Prevalence and incidence of bacterial sexually transmitted infections in HIV and syphilis partner services ...

04/06/2026

A single tick bite can trigger a meat allergy—and in rare cases, it can be deadly.

, once considered rare, has affected an estimated 450,000 people nationwide over the past 15 years, according to CDC.

The Institute's Dr. Scott Commins helped solve the mystery of alpha-gal syndrome about two decades ago. As cases continue to rise, researchers are working to better understand and address its impact.
UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health UNC Health The New York Times UNC Thurston Arthritis Research Center
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Learn more here: https://go.unc.edu/Hs7i9

The incidence of alpha-gal syndrome appears to be growing significantly. Patients who are bitten can develop a severe allergy to red meat, and a few have died.