Researchers, experts to discuss scientific developments in HIV and AIDS at 9th IAS Conference in Paris
In the coming weeks from July 23 to 26, 2017, the International AIDS Society (IAS), the organization that leads collective action on every front of the global HIV response will be organizing the 9th IAS Conference on HIV Science in Paris, France.
“This biennial gathering is the largest open scientific conference on HIV and AIDS related issues – bringing together a broad cross-section of more than 6,000 professionals from around the world to meet and examine the latest scientific developments in HIV-related research with a focus on moving science into practice and policy,” the IAS says in a press release copied to ghanabusinessnews.com.
Among other things, during the conference, the latest developments in HIV prevention science, including Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) on demand, community-based testing, and strategies to meet the needs of key populations affected by HIV will be showcased.
The organisers say the scientific highlights include:
- New analysis of the IPERGAY trial, evaluating PrEP on demand among men who have sex with men less frequently or who engage in “chemsex”
- Estimates of time of infection to determine whether migrants are acquiring HIV before or after migration; Results from antiretroviral intensification to prevent mother-to-child transmission among late-presenting women with HIV;
- Correlations between LGBT inclusion in school-based sex education and education on HIV prevention;
- Evidence of the need for tailored prevention services for pregnant sex workers;
- Findings from an internet-based self-testing intervention among men who have sex with men;
- A study of treatment as HIV prevention among adolescents; Results from a study of rapid tests to prevent mother-to-child transmission of hepatitis B;
- Recent findings on the association between sexually transmitted infections and long-acting reversible contraception; and
- Insights from a community-based testing programme for young women to increase diagnoses and identify candidates for PrEP.
Meanwhile, available statistics say in 2015, there were 36.7 million [34.0 million–39.8 million] people living with HIV, and as of June 2016, 18.2 million [16.1 million–19.0 million] people living with HIV were accessing antiretroviral therapy, up from 15.8 million in June 2015 and 7.5 million in 2010.
The statistics also show that AIDS-related deaths have fallen by 45 per cent since the peak in 2005.
In 2015, 1.1 million [940 000–1.3 million] people died from AIDS-related causes worldwide, compared to 2 million [1.7 million–2.3 million] in 2005.
Available information also shows that at the end of 2015, $19 billion was invested in the AIDS response in low- and middle-income countries (not including the countries that have recently transitioned into high-income categories).
It adds that domestic resources constituted 57 per cent of the total resources for HIV in low- and middle-income countries in 2015.
“Recent updated UNAIDS estimates indicate that $26.2 billion will be required for the AIDS response in 2020, with $23.9 billion required in 2030,” it said.
The IAS also organizes the International AIDS Conference.
By Emmanuel K. Dogbevi
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