Rapid advances in molecular genetics and bio-informatics allow more and better data on the phylogeny of HIV to be collected. The genetic diversity among HIV strains within individual patients, communities and globally allows the dynamics of transmission and evolution of the virus to be studied in ever greater detail. The implications for drug resistance, vaccine development, transmission networks and evaluation of prevention interventions are beginning to be understood. The challenge is to translate the new science into more effective ways to prioritize the HIV response and to monitor the impact of different intervention approaches. This meeting brought together scientists, policy makers, and international organizations dedicated to advancing our scientific knowledge of HIV and translating that information into the most effective programs for reducing transmission of the virus.

A list of speakers can be found here

The event will also be broadcast as a webinar

The seventh South African AIDS Conference (SA AIDS) took place 9-12 June at the International Conference Center in Durban, South Africa. Featured below are details on selected events related to HIV prevention research and implementation and more!

SA AIDS is a biennial meeting, serving as the primary opportunity to discuss South Africa’s HIV/AIDS epidemic. This year’s conference theme was Reflection, Refocus and Renewal.

It is a crucial time for biomedical HIV prevention research and rollout in South Africa. Please see our updated map and tables listing all biomedical HIV prevention studies recently completed, currently ongoing or planned in South Africa.

SA AIDS 2015 featured many relevant presentations and events. AVAC and partners have pulled together a full roadmap. Below, we’ve highlighted a few key sessions, as well as ways to link with AVAC and other advocates—both at SA AIDS and from afar.

Download the roadmap here (PDF, XLS).

• Women’s Networking Zone: AVAC partnered with The Centre for Communication Impact (formerly JHHESA) in the Women’s Networking Zone. We hosted two skills building workshops on HIV prevention research basics, covering ARV-based prevention on Wednesday, 10 June 2015, 13:30-14:30 and vaccines and cure on Thursday, 11 June, 11:30-12:30. On Thursday at 16:30-17:30, we also hosted a discussion on the Global Village Main Stage with young women about what prevention means to them.

• Results to Roll-out—Accelerating Approvals and Access of Biomedical Products after Clinical Trial Results: This symposium, co-chaired by WRHI and AVAC, discussed the latest research on strategies of delivering new products to people who need them. It took place Wednesday, 10 June, 14:00-15:30 in Hall 4.

• Hormonal Contraceptives and HIV—Evidence, Expanding the Method Mix and ECHO: This roundtable discussion explored current reproductive health options in South Africa, gaps in evidence about their link to HIV risk and plans for the future. It took place Wednesday, 10 June, 16:00-17:30 in Hall 8A.

• Not Just for Research Studies: Rolling Out Good Participatory Practice across Projects Implementation Programmes This Skills Building Workshop provided an overview of GPP principles, facilitate debate around GPP concepts and examined how GPP can be adapted and utilised for improving stakeholder engagement of implementation projects and programmes. It took place on Thursday, 11 June, 14:00-15:30 in Hall 10.

There was also a booth to meet the AVAC team, learn about the Advocacy Fellows Program and pick up copies of our materials at Stand A13 in the Women’s Networking Zone. There was also a special information session on the Fellows Program and how to apply.

As always, AVAC posted live updates from the conference on our <Facebook and Twitter pages. Follow the conference on Twitter @SAAIDS2015 and the hashtag #SAAIDS2015.

Boldly Queer. African Perspectives on Same-sex Sexuality and Gender Diversity is a new book, co-edited by Theo Sandfort, professor at Columbia University, contains original contributions by LGBT activists and scholars from various African countries, including Kenya, Malawi, South Africa, and Uganda. It is a rich collection of articles, essays, stories and photographs that showcase a growing understanding of LGBT rights struggles and realities on the African continent.

Participants viewed WHO CAN TELL an exhibit of
portraits token by Daniel Jack Lyons of participants to the conference on
which the book is based. The photographer was present.

The book presentation took place on July 16, 2015, from 6 to 8 PM at
315 GALLERY, 315 West 36th Street, Manhattan.

The event and conference was co-organized and sponsored by Hivos.

The status of HIV vaccines and how the U.S. will need to change its response to the global epidemic were discussed at the Center for Strategic and International Studies

Speakers include

• Dr. Anthony Fauci- Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
• Mitchell Warren- Executive Director of AVAC
• Margie McGlynn- President and CEO of International AIDS Vaccine Initiative 

Following HIV R4P, AVAC held a webinar focused on the “state of the prevention union” according to civil society partners who attended the meeting and/or are working on relevant issues in their countries and communities. 

In the US, the “State of the Union” is the President’s address on the range of issues facing the nation. On this webinar, participants proposed, explored and debated some of the areas where prevention research and implementation is well coordinated—and places where more union is needed.