Highlights from AIDS2022
Montréal, Canada and virtually | 29 July — 2 August
The 24th International AIDS Conference #AIDS2022 was held in Montreal, Canada, and virtually. Convened by IAS – the International AIDS Society, the annual event unites scientists, policy makers and activists to galvanize the scientific response, build global solidarity and enhance human dignity for all those living with and affected by HIV. NAPWHA has compiled a selective list of program highlights that may be of interest for our communities below. Also access NAM aidsmap: The official scientific media partner for the conference.
U=U Global Summit

Chamut Kifetew and Richard Angell of @THTorguk share the impact the #CantPassItOn campaign. When patients hear about Can’t Pass It On from their providers, they are more likely to believe the message and have improved health outcomes! #UequalsUSummit22 https://t.co/JB96pxKogb pic.twitter.com/RuKk30eOqO
— Prevention Access (@PreventionAC) July 28, 2022

“Despite the definite evidence of #UequalsU, the law has not caught up with science. When it comes to #sexwork, governments remain resistant to evidence and science.” Jules Kim of @scarletalliance in Australia #UequalsUsummit22 #AIDS2022 pic.twitter.com/V4PO8ytYOm
— PK (@paulkidd) July 28, 2022
“U=U is a message of hope. Did you hear me? U=U is a message of HOPE!” – @LucyWanjikuN of @GirlsWomenPower at #UEqualsUSummit22 #UequalsU https://t.co/8iuGmmRdF4 pic.twitter.com/TX4Wh6F7mL
— Prevention Access (@PreventionAC) July 28, 2022


“We want U=U to stop being a class privilege!” Powerful speech by Franco Luciano Bova of Argentina calling for data, resources, energy globally in support of U=U @iasociety #AIDS2022 #UequalsU pic.twitter.com/t6z2PiCjie
— Julia Zigman (@JuliaZigman) August 2, 2022
These lucky ducks just discovered the science of U=U. #UequalsU means there is ZERO risk of HIV transmission.
Don’t let some “Quack” tell you otherwise. ALL healthcare providers need to share the TRUTH about U=U or we will share it for you!#ZeroRisk#DontBeAQuack #LuckyDuck pic.twitter.com/4dmciIUkSE— The Accidental HIV Activist (@AccidentalHiv) July 31, 2022
Activists marching through the #AIDS2022 exhibition hall singing “we are ready for #UequalsU.” Effective treatment prevents the transmission of HIV. pic.twitter.com/OMWCo4U3iw
— Treatment Action Group (TAG) (@TAGTeam_Tweets) July 31, 2022
Professor Sharon Lewin address as she takes the reins as President of the IAS
I am truly honoured to serve as @iasociety President.
I will work tirelessly toward the organization’s vision of a world in which #HIV no longer presents a threat to public health and individual well-being. https://t.co/0dbXw8N0CY #AIDS2022 pic.twitter.com/G3s91mmdGG
— Sharon Lewin (@ProfSharonLewin) August 2, 2022
Except: I look forward to IAS 2023, the 12th IAS Conference on HIV Science, taking place next year in Australia. I had the honour of serving as Local Co-Chair at AIDS 2014 in Melbourne, a memory cast in shadow by the 280 lives that were lost on flight MH17; many were IAS Members, including former IAS President Joep Lange.
It felt impossible to hold a productive meeting after such a tragedy, just as the challenges of today can feel insurmountable. But the secret of success of the HIV movement has always been how we come together – diverse communities, diverse disciplines, from all corners of the world.
Together, harnessing the strength, passion and talent of this movement, we will end this epidemic once and for all.”
“The secret to the #HIV movement has always been how we come together.”
– New @iasociety President @ProfSharonLewin #AIDS2022 pic.twitter.com/l1QvKHLn0y
— IAC – the International AIDS Conference (@AIDS_conference) August 2, 2022
HIV Cure Research: Rapportage by Jillian Lau
At AIDS2022, Infectious Diseases doctor, Jillian Lau, who has been involved in HIV cure clinical research at Alfred Health (Monash University) based in Melbourne, and completing a PhD in this field, reported back about HIV cure research being presented through the @HIVCureAU Twitter handle.
All that shaking and baking wraps up the #HIVcure program at #AIDS2022 @AIDS_conference. Thanks for joining me for these updates, I’m going to hop back to my usual Twitter home @JillianLau1 for the rest of the conference. Give me a follow if liked what you saw this week ✌️ pic.twitter.com/RN2eG1TPCR
— HIV cure (@HIVcureAU) August 2, 2022
@ProfSharonLewin, co-chair of the @iasociety Towards an HIV Cure Initiative takes us through the research priorities in #HIVcure. The 2021 publication was recently summarised at https://t.co/k2Hv7BjcWm pic.twitter.com/iVbnV6oyOk
— HIV cure (@HIVcureAU) July 28, 2022
Exciting work presented at #AIDS2022 and beautifully explained by the wonderful @sciencecohen Single-cell studies offer new view of how HIV infections persist—and might be cured https://t.co/otBUTBJM7j
— Sharon Lewin (@ProfSharonLewin) August 4, 2022
The #AIDS2022 Conference reminds us that we CAN stop HIV and eradicate AIDS.
A 66-year-old man has possibly been cured of HIV via a stem cell transplant.
A woman has been in HIV remission for over 15 years after an immune-boosting regimen. https://t.co/lzVVL9K6VE
— Global Health Strategies (@GHS) July 31, 2022
HIV Criminalisation and HIV Law: Rapportage by Paul Kidd
At AIDS2022, research and action on HIV criminalisation and HIV law were well represented, summarised in this twitter thread by @PaulKidd.
1️⃣ GLOBAL: just before the conference, @HIVJusticeNet released 'Advancing #HIVJustice 4' (AHJ4), a global survey of the state of #HIVcrim. HJN tracked 275 cases in 39 countries over a three-year period, but estimates the true number to be over 700. https://t.co/FB7qu2CtRL
— PK (@paulkidd) August 10, 2022
A poster from Natalia Sidorenko of EWNA provided a chilling insight into how prevalent violence against women living with HIV is in Eastern Europe. The threat of #HIVcriminalisation is used to trap women in abusive relationships. pic.twitter.com/9SqCjUSD4X
— PK (@paulkidd) August 10, 2022
Vikas Parwani of @halcNSW presented a case-study of a client who, while ultimately not convicted, was the first known prosecution under NSW's new mandatory precautions law (s79). 'I followed the law and it still ruined my life," the client says. https://t.co/mshaw7H0HB pic.twitter.com/kIJexMULrh
— PK (@paulkidd) August 10, 2022
Alex Stratigos @halcNSW and Aaron Cogle @napwha had a poster about the proliferation in Australia of anti-scientific mandatory testing laws for people who spit at police officers. They are based on 'misplaced fear', they argue. https://t.co/FrNjCsgyFL pic.twitter.com/4ue5a9JoJo
— PK (@paulkidd) August 10, 2022
8️⃣ THE WRAP-UP. #HIVcrim research and advocacy was very visible at #AIDS2022, perhaps more so than ever before. Progress is painfully slow, but great work is being done. Kudos to @MatthewWeait63 whose leadership no doubt helped to highlight that work. pic.twitter.com/gMOB7ArCHa
— PK (@paulkidd) August 10, 2022
The Silver Zone: a Networking Zone for Older Adults Living with HIV
Starting Saturday!#SilverZoneAIDS2022 pic.twitter.com/dm9MjWuVIf
— Realize (@HIVandRehab) July 27, 2022
The Silver Zone in the AIDS2022 Global Village is a place for older people living with HIV to re-engage with the HIV community and follow the science on HIV and ageing; to feel included and celebrated.
It was so good seeing the opening of the Global Village and the #SILVERZONE at #AIDS2022. NAPWHA'S Dr John Rule was engaged in helping bring this project to life and we are looking forward to attending and engaging with the sessions being held in the coming days. https://t.co/6rvTOmMiNT
— NAPWHA — info@napwha.org.au (@napwha) July 30, 2022
The eloquence and warmth of this interview style session at the #SilverZone has been beautiful to behold. Real humans sharing their HIV journey, and what brings them health, joy, and quality of life.
This channel is now a @BrentAllanKidd fan club.
#AIDS2022 pic.twitter.com/mnHB1or4Uq
— NAPWHA — info@napwha.org.au (@napwha) August 1, 2022
Brilliant quote from @TezAnderson from the Global Village #SilverZone at #AIDS2022 pic.twitter.com/qvj5QCOU28
— NAPWHA — info@napwha.org.au (@napwha) August 1, 2022
Bi+ People Living with HIV: Positive Networking Zone
From the audience “I’m not 50% gay, I’m not 50% straight…I’m 100% bisexual” pic.twitter.com/nTF93abGME
— NAPWHA — info@napwha.org.au (@napwha) August 1, 2022
If you are at #AIDS2022 we hope you can join us on monday for what is set to be a dynamic session that focuses on the need for targeted research and interventions for Bi+ people, and going beyond tacking them on to MSM approaches.
True and effective representation matters. pic.twitter.com/bYCRr73mGQ
— NAPWHA — info@napwha.org.au (@napwha) July 30, 2022
See the awesome definition of Bi+ ("Bi Plus") sexuality below from @napwha #AIDS2022 #Bi #LGBT #LGBTQ #MultiGenderAttraction pic.twitter.com/4oosSYfo9E
— Rhiannon Owen (@RhiannonOwenRN) August 2, 2022
We will be bringing the work of @syd_bi_network’s #HIV project to the #AIDS2022 Conference in Montreal on Monday. Connecting bi+ people living with HIV is the first step to advocating for our visibility and rights globally. pic.twitter.com/p0KQYWSyH8
— Steve Spencer (@Steve_Spencer_) July 28, 2022
Women’s Networking Zone
📣 Find us at the #AIDS2022 Global Village!
Come by and stop by our booth-GVE 109 at the @AIDS_conference and let's talk about the benefits of sisterhood! ✊🏻 #IamICW pic.twitter.com/3ciUnLhIq1
— ICW (@ICW_Global) July 30, 2022
Energy, excitement and power in full force at the opening of the Women’s Networking Zone at #AIDS2022! This must be a permanent feature at all @AIDS_conference. We should not have to fight for this space. #FeministFuturesHIV pic.twitter.com/kSJ2k41KMB
— Winnie Byanyima (@Winnie_Byanyima) July 31, 2022
We had the honor of being joined by peer advocate @_mphuthithato of @ee_enabled at the Research Literacy Zone as she shared with #AIDS2022 that all planning and interventions should center the experiences of Black and Brown women and women with disabilities. Watch more here! ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/1FEGxuh2lD
— AVAC (@HIVpxresearch) July 31, 2022
Breast/chestfeeding guidance and advocacy
Fantastic session on breastfeeding & infant feeding options for WLHIV. Shocked to hear of an American woman threatened with social services by a doctor for wanting to breastfeed. 9 WLHIV in East & Southern Africa have faced criminal prosecution for breastfeeding #AIDS2022 pic.twitter.com/boNZZLT761
— UCL Clinical Research in Infection & Sexual Health (@UCL_CRISH) July 31, 2022
Also featured was this awesome quote from Katherine Leane from the National Network of Women Living with HIV Australia & @PositiveLifeSA pic.twitter.com/XhAB0qTWzT
— NAPWHA — info@napwha.org.au (@napwha) July 31, 2022
PozQoL (Quality of life among people with HIV) and AusQoL (the Australian Accord)
⬆️quality of life and ⬇️ stigma for people with HIV has been a theme at #AIDS2022. https://t.co/AAdzVLLB2U is a short validated scale developed by and for people with HIV for use in community, clinical and research settings – now translated into 15 languages. #AIDS2022
— Graham Brown (@DrGrahamBrown) August 2, 2022
PRESS RELEASE | Montréal, 30 July 2022 @napwha is presenting a poster at the International #AIDS2022 Conference on the Australian Community Accord on Quality of Life for People with HIV.
Details: https://t.co/hfVXBMJgss
— NAPWHA — info@napwha.org.au (@napwha) July 30, 2022
When we make plans to end the HIV epidemic as a public health threat, we also need to ensure we end its impacts on personal health and wellbeing as well.
The new Australian Community Accord on Quality of Life calls for a 95% target of good quality of life by 2030. #AIDS2022 pic.twitter.com/hz7A4c3w3z
— Daniel Reeders 🏳️⚧️ (@engagedpractx) July 30, 2022
Panel discussion on Person-centered Care
Panel discussion underway on person-centered care at #AIDS2022, with @ASHMMedia’s Brent Allan 🇦🇺, Lighthouse’s Doan Thanh Tung 🇻🇳, @TASOUganda's Baker Bakashaba 🇺🇬, @GPLI08’s Rodein Olete 🇵🇭, and Daisy Kwala 🇰🇪. pic.twitter.com/czTtHAtIf0
— IAS – the International AIDS Society (@iasociety) July 31, 2022
It has been deeply impressive seeing the brilliant @BrentAllanKidd in action during #AIDS2022, first at the #UequalsU global summit, and now communicating the need to prioritise quality of life at the heart of the response for PLHIV. https://t.co/jE4ftq45bE
— NAPWHA — info@napwha.org.au (@napwha) July 31, 2022
‘Key Populations’
'Key Population should not be considered as mere implementing partners nor beneficiaries, but rather 'leaders' of initiatives for their communities', says Inad Rendon, Community Strengthening Consultant, @apcom, #AIDS2022, #HIVPrevention, #GPC2022, @UNAIDS pic.twitter.com/mKzg20fqzB
— #GlobalHIVPreventionCoalition (@GPCoalition) July 31, 2022
*click click click* pic.twitter.com/zTXoZjGpJq
— Daniel Reeders 🏳️⚧️ (@engagedpractx) August 2, 2022
— Brent Allan (Mæ Bē)☮️🏳️⚧️🏳️🌈 (@BrentAllanKidd) August 2, 2022
Final session of the day on stigma related to HIV in clinical settings. All panellists were denied entry into the country. Appalling #AIDS2022 pic.twitter.com/x2pxjcY7Jr
— Dave Gillespie (he/him) (@DaveGuk87) August 1, 2022
📌Introducing our new home for Community-led Monitoring
🔗https://t.co/GEKxzrmwXQ#WatchWhatMatters pic.twitter.com/4AQq2aaH7N
— ITPC Global (@ITPCglobal) August 2, 2022
Long-acting ARV Treatment
Video: What’s new in long-acting formulations of HIV medications for prevention and treatment? CATIE (Canada’s source for HIV and Hepatitis C information) spoke to Professor Chloe Orkin at Queen Mary University of London at this year’s International AIDS Conference who covers the new data on long-acting treatment, and their thoughts on the drug pipeline and on equity of access.
ViiV to Allow Generics of Its Long-Acting Injectable PrEP to Prevent HIV @trentonstraube https://t.co/8oGVHhg8rn #PrEP #prevention #AIDS2022
— POZ Magazine (@pozmagazine) July 31, 2022
Could long-acting injectable cabotegravir and rilpivirine be self-administered? New formulations and alternative injection sites might allow administration of this long-acting treatment. Liz Highleyman reports back results from two studies which were presented to the 24th International AIDS Conference (AIDS 2022), which was held in Montreal, Canada.
HIV/AIDS in the Asia-Pacific
#AIDS2022 endorsement of KPLHS by @UNAIDS @Winnie_Byanyima a key milestone! But important challenges in scaling up remain, Rena Janamnuaysook urges all government & health ministry reps to life these restrictions & support KPLHS deliver! Deserved applause! Bravo Rena!! pic.twitter.com/pMvbooAwAK
— Laura Waters 🇺🇦 (@drlaurajwaters) August 1, 2022
Prof Budi Utomo presented the preliminary data from the national roll out of community HIV screening among key populations in indonesia.
It showcased the power of community based screening & the need for more investment into community led responses to HIV in Indonesia.#AIDS2022 pic.twitter.com/fcnIiHS3G2— Beau (@BeauNewham) August 2, 2022
Indonesia has consistently experienced some of the highest numbers of AIDS related deaths in the world but is largely invisible at #AIDS2022 – can we call this a global conference if the Asia Pacific is consistently overlooked? pic.twitter.com/Gp0eVsuAbt
— Beau (@BeauNewham) August 1, 2022
The new Global AIDS Update 2022 reveals shocking data on the state of the global AIDS response and highlights the urgent actions needed to get us back on track to end AIDS by 2030.
— UNAIDS (@UNAIDS) August 3, 2022
To make the new HIV Prevention 2025 Road Map a success, communities must be involved from the outset in the design, implementation and monitoring of programmes.
"We need to make this real at a local level," says @EamonnMurphy63 at #AIDS2022. pic.twitter.com/adbqOoEan7
— UNAIDS (@UNAIDS) July 31, 2022