HIV - The AIDS conference is ending with positive signs
With hopeful impulses for better HIV protection worldwide, the World Aids Conference is coming to an end in Munich. The local congress president, Christoph Spinner, expressed optimism after data were presented that aligned with this, stating that HIV is now very treatable and there are significant advancements in prevention.
More efforts for the HIV goal of the UN
However, more efforts and binding funding commitments from countries are needed to achieve the UN's goal of largely defeating HIV by 2030 and reducing new infections by 90%, as stated by Spinner. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz made an important step towards this by pledging that Germany would continue to participate financially in programs such as the Global Fund.
The world's largest HIV and Aids conference returned to Germany after 30 years, with nearly 10,000 attendees and an additional 2,000 online. It was crucial to network, according to Spinner. "We brought together people from politics, science, and the community."
"Gamechanger" in prevention in sight
At prevention, there are great hopes for a medication that is sprayed half-yearly, which prevented HIV infection in more than 5300 young women and girls in southern Africa in a study. This could be a "gamechanger": "There's a chance for a breakthrough in prevention."
The question now is whether this medication, as demanded by activists and the UN Programme UNAIDS, can be made available quickly and affordably, especially in regions heavily affected by HIV.
Shortages of certain medications in Germany were also discussed. A series of studies showed treatment successes lasting up to 25 years. However, there is a need for adequate access to life-saving medications worldwide. "We generally don't have a problem here in Germany," said Spinner, as more than 95% of people with HIV receive medication that also prevents virus transmission. However, according to UNAIDS statistics, only 77% of adults and 57% of children under 14 years old worldwide receive these medications.
New medications have not been introduced or withdrawn in Germany recently, which concerns Spinner, particularly for people who have been treated for many years and rely on reserve medications. "Politics in Germany needs to act here," he said.
There is still room for improvement in prevention in Germany, as shown by rising infection rates among heterosexuals and, in particular, intravenous drug users. Spinner once again called for the establishment of drug consumption rooms and integrated support services, as they already exist in other federal states and countries.
Concerns among experts about the political development worldwide
Experts are concerned about the political situation globally. "Where right-wing forces gain strength, we see HIV infections increasing - because risk groups are criminalized," said Spinner. This is evident in Eastern Europe, a focus of the conference.
Questions remain after the reported healing of an HIV patient at the Berlin Charité. This "second Berlin patient," as he is called, had no complete rare HIV immunity from the donor but was HIV-free after a stem cell transplant as part of a cancer treatment.
"It's about understanding this healing principle in the context of new options and offering it to other patients," said Spinner. However, a stem cell transplant with its high risks is only an option for patients with a life-threatening illness.
- UNAIDS emphasized the importance of increasing funding and efforts to meet the UN's goal of largely defeating HIV by 2030.
- The Clinic right of Isar in Munich shared successful treatment results from patients with HIV, highlighting the progress in medicine.
- The Technical University Munich collaborated with UNAIDs and local organizations to research new preventive measures and treatments for HIV/AIDS.
- Olaf Scholz, the German Chancellor, reaffirmed Germany's commitment to financially supporting global HIV/AIDS prevention programs through the Global Fund.
- The World AIDS Conference discussed the potential of a new medication that can prevent HIV infection, which showed promising results in a Southern African study.
- Bavaria welcomed the World AIDS Conference, signifying its commitment towards advancing research on HIV/AIDS and improving global health.
- Experts expressed concerns about the rise in HIV infections in countries with right-wing political movements, as they often criminalize risk groups.
- During the conference, there were debates about the ethics of stem cell transplants to cure HIV, highlighting the complexities and challenges in HIV/AIDS research.
- The HIV/AIDS disease remains a significant global issue, requiring international cooperation, funds, and a united effort to eradicate it.
- Christoph Spinner, the conference president, emphasized the need for continuous research, improved access to medications, and the elimination of stigma towards HIV patients worldwide.
