The IAS2017 Conference on HIV Science held in Paris in July highlighted the progress made internationally to eradicate AIDS. But it also emphasised that we cannot be complacent and we need to roll up our sleeves to maintain momentum. Nearly 8000 researchers, advocates and policy makers came together to demonstrate that the science that comes out of research centres such as the Desmond Tutu HIV Centre (DTHC) do impact on public health policy and save lives.
Globally, 36.7 million people were living with HIV in 2016. 19.5 million of these are now accessing antiretroviral therapy (ART). (1) AIDS deaths are almost half what they were in 2005 thanks to the research, interventions, and treatment over the years. However, with over 17 million HIV-positive people not accessing ART, there is still much to be done.
Deputy Director of the DTHC, Professor Linda-Gail Bekker, is the current President of the International AIDS Symposium. She gave the opening address at the conference.
Professor Linda-Gail Bekker at IAS2017
Bekker commented during the speech that “New prevention options are helping us really move forward to reducing transmission,” and the latest prevention tools were generating a lot of buzz.
The HIV prevention pill, Truvada or PrEP (PreExposure Prophylaxis), has been tested for the first time in adolescents in an African context and found to be safe over a twelve month program. These findings were presented by Dr Katherine Gill also from the DTHF, who presented her research in the ‘PlusPills‘ study. The study shows promise that with focused and funded intervention, the drug Truvada (PrEP) can prevent new HIV infections in adolescents.
Katherine Gill presenting at IAS2017 | Roger Peabody, AIDSmap
The results from a short-term immunisation trial were well-received.The immunisation is achieved from a drip thatcontains an infusion of HIV antibodies. There is hope that this may lead to an infusion injection every two months instead of a daily HIV prevention pill. Additionally,there may also be a similar, injectable antiretroviral treatment that will be long-lasting and replace daily HIV suppression medication.
Representing DTHF with their research posters were Philip Smith and Millicent Atujuna
Funding was another matter on everyone’s mind. Bekker insisted in her opening speech that cuts to funding would push progress back and must be avoided. She stated that, ”The battle is half won and we cannot afford to lose the headway that has been made. I think there is certainly room for optimism in our field. We have made great strides….but now is the time to really keep the eye on the target, redouble our efforts and join all our forces to move to a swift, efficient and compassionate point where HIV need no longer be considered a global public health threat.”
References
(1) IAS fact sheet.
