[Nancy]

The study team might respond to this incident by working with the CAB to re-launch (because I’m assuming there was some information about the trial disseminated at its inception) to publicize the goals of the trial, perhaps with an emphasis on the medical aspects and the potential benefits.  Some “True” and “False” social media campaigns might also be helpful. This would be the time for the study team to refer to its issues mitigation plan in their trial communications strategy. It might also be helpful to reach out to local advocacy groups (in addition to CABs). Community stakeholders, especially MSM, should definitely have been part of efforts to inform the protocol before its launch. It’s best to try to have as much input on risk mitigation from the onset, especially CABs and advocacy groups.