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

Professor Sharon Lewin address as she takes the reins as President of the IAS

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.”

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.

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.

The Silver Zone: a Networking Zone for Older Adults Living with HIV

Globally, the face of HIV is an ageing one. Although in supportive systems people are living longer with access to effective treatments, many older adults living with HIV and HIV Long-Term Survivors are coping with the lasting impact of untreated HIV, age-related comorbidities and loss. In the era of COVID-19 and “working to end the HIV epidemic”, many feel isolated and uncertain about the future.

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.

Bi+ People Living with HIV: Positive Networking Zone

Women’s Networking Zone

Breast/chestfeeding guidance and advocacy

PozQoL (Quality of life among people with HIV) and AusQoL (the Australian Accord)

Panel discussion on Person-centered Care

‘Key Populations’

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.

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