For more information on this session, including access to speaker presentations, please see the conference Programme-at-a-Glance.

Despite years of prevention efforts, HIV incidence has been inadequately controlled and the HIV/AIDS epidemic remains a global public health crisis. The global response has not been sufficient and the current economic crisis threatens recent gains. Given the gravity of the situation, it is not surprising that the question of how best to use antiretroviral treatment (ART) for prevention has emerged. There is increasing evidence that ART has an effect on both horizontal and vertical HIV transmission, and that it reduces mortality in TB/HIV co-infection. Some experts believe that the implementation of voluntary universal testing programmes, with immediate initiation of ART for individuals who test positive, could significantly reduce HIV incidence. However, expert evaluation and further research are required to assess this novel approach, evaluate its appropriateness and feasibility, and define the requirements for public health decision-making on how to best use ART for prevention. The benefits of antiretroviral drugs can also be extended further into prevention for HIV-negative individuals through antiretroviral pre- and post-exposure prophylaxis. A number of clinical trials to study the effectiveness of pre- exposure prophylaxis are ongoing and results will most likely be available before data from planned field trials on the use of universal test and treat (for HIV-positive individuals). This session will explore the potential synergies of the use of antiretrovirals for HIV-positive and HIV-negative individuals.

Event Date

Jul 21, 2010