Abstract Track Descriptors

Description: This track will encompass all aspects of fundamental HIV biology and the host response to HIV. Areas of focus will include HIV infection and replication, transmission, genetics, evolution, structure and function, pathogenesis, adaptive and innate immune responses to HIV, genetic susceptibility to HIV, interaction of micronutrients, co-infection and progress in animal models. Pre-clinical vaccine, microbicide, and drug development will be important themes of this track.

Description: This track will analyze clinical features of opportunistic infections, malignancies, severe bacterial diseases, co-morbidities in people living with HIV. Issues in antiretroviral therapy, response to ART, adherence, retention, long term follow -up, management of side effects, ART in specific populations (adolescents, Elderly, pregnant women) will also be addressed. Emerging topics such as aging, frailty and in other age-related comorbidities such as cardiovascular, renal, neurocognitive, bone mineral and metabolic diseases will be discussed. Issues of resistance and management of failure including salvage therapy which is a concern in resources limited settings will be addressed.

Description: This track will focus on HIV and AIDS prevention research and issues related to the design, implementation and evaluation of prevention programs to reach the SDG. It will include examination of Research, methodological and programmatic advances in the continuum of prevention, particularly best practices in HIV prevention for vulnerable populations in resource-limited settings. Strategies to put HIV prevention research into practice, efforts to promote preparedness for bio-medical prevention technologies, and research on new prevention approaches including microbicides, vaccines, pre- and post-exposure prophylaxis, circumcision and other methods will be presented. This Track will also address co-morbidities (Hepatitis, Tuberculosis, and STI’s, communicable end emerging diseases) and emerging.

Description: This track aims to highlight new knowledge and address gaps in the translation of behavioral and social science evidence into practice, and to contribute to the building of theory and understanding in HIV-related social science. The track also aims to promote understanding of the individual and social determinants of HIV-related risk, vulnerability and impact, to inform development of effective and sustainable HIV responses that are based on human dignity and individual entitlements. This track will feature research, analysis and evaluation on psychosocial factors that shape individual attitudes, experiences, and behaviors; social and structural factors that shape vulnerability and risk; social and cultural norms that underlie individual risk and community vulnerability; programmes that promote acceptation of human diversity and fast track access to HIV and STI prevention, treatment, care and support; social and structural factors that shape vulnerability; and methods and outcomes of individual and community engagement, leadership, empowerment, and self-determination. In addition, this track will examine evidence underpinning HIV related stigma, discrimination and exclusion, lessons emerging from the practice of restoring dignity and coping capacities of those affected.

Description: This track will aim to provide new insights into the status of the health systems and its capacity and challenges to expanding treatment and prevention in resource-limited settings. At the same time, issues related to health economics, integration of health programs, country ownership of national health and HIV programs, and advancement of a comprehensive and integrated approach to health and rights will be discussed. This Track must show the need for a holistic vision of the fight against the disease by the effective strengthening of health systems. The verticalization of the fight is not a proper and appropriate response in a context where we have recurrent epidemics.