IAS 2023, the 12th IAS Conference on HIV Science, Brisbane, Australia, and virtually, 23-26 July 2023

Ias, Washington D.C. DC

Investigators

Abstract

Project Summary IN 2021 UNAIDS estimated the HIV incidence to have been 1.5 million new infections, while the 2020 target was set to be under 500,000 global infections for that year. At this rate, the HIV response is sharply off target to achieve the goal of an end to the pandemic as the global public health threat by 2030. The COVID-19 pandemic has severely affected the HIV response as it has caused consequential disruption in the HIV response, HIV testing and prevention. Furthermore, with WHO’s declaration of Monkeypox as a public health emergency of international concern, and this new emergence currently occurring overwhelmingly among men who have sex with men, a community with a very high burden for HIV, there are currently three concurrent pandemics underway challenging human health and wellbeing, health systems, and fragile public health infrastructures worldwide. IAS 2023 must address HIV science in the context of a wider pandemic preparedness and with a view toward the impacts of COVID-19 and Monkeypox on persons living with HIV, and on health systems and providers. Vaccine science will be prominent, as well as antiviral agents and their interactions for all three of these viral pandemics. Accelerate basic science and clinical science innovation in the development and application of person-centered precision medicine for HIV treatment, reducing HIV transmission, vaccines, pathogenesis, co-infections, and the search for a cure will feature prominently at IAS 2023. Specific aims of IAS 2023 will be to: 1. Advance inter-disciplinary collaboration in implementation research to reduce HIV transmission and improve treatment outcomes across all life-stages with a special focus on translating research outcomes into policy and practice through simplified practical guidelines for low- and middle-income countries and key populations. 2. Strengthen HIV prevention research to improve cost-effective biomedical, behavioral and structural interventions with a special focus on understanding implementation challenges, overcoming system barriers and replicating successes in HIV prevention practice and programs. 3. Address HIV vulnerability, determinants of HIV burdens and poor clinical outcomes among key and marginalized populations, including interventions to reduce stigma and discrimination and improve access and uptake of ART for prevention and treatment with a special focus on First Nations and Indigenous communities and on person-centered approaches. 4. Re-engage and reenergize community, clinical, social and political efforts to address unmet HIV needs and strengthen HIV policy in the Asia-Pacific region in the COVID-19 era, paying special attention to the needs of marginalized First Nations and Indigenous communities. The scientific program will be structured along five scientific tracks: basic science; clinical science; epidemiology & prevention science; social and behavioural sciences; implementation science, economics, systems and synergies. Topics to be addressed in each thematic area are described below. The scientific program is developed by a multi-disciplinary international Organizing Committee whose members are selected on the bases of scientific, policy and implementation expertise, meaningful engagement and representation of key and affected populations, of civil society and / or young people and geographic and gender diversity as key competencies and attributes ensuring diversity at all levels. Cross-cutting aspects will be highlighted in plenary talks that also connect the science with community and leadership perspectives. Additionally, bridging sessions are designed to cut across the different thematic areas to provide opportunities for multi-disciplinary, multi- perspective dialogues, often using interactive formats. Building on the success of the 24th International AIDS Conference - AIDS 2022 in hybrid format, IAS 2023 will be held in-person and virtually, providing many opportunities for discussions, debates and interconnection between the in-person and virtual speakers and audiences. Expected attendance is 6,000 HIV scientists, clinicians, policy makers, and program implementers as well as civil society, community and private sector representatives (4,500 in person and 1,500 online). IAS 2023 will provide scholarships to ensure the full participation of researchers, community activists and civil society representatives, especially those from resource-limited settings and underrepresented communities. Guided by best practices, the hybrid format will maximize inclusive conference experiences for all stakeholders at all levels.