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An update on HIV in the Caribbean region: Successes and challenges - ARUBA

From March 30, 2023 09:00 until March 30, 2023 17:00
Posted by Luigia Baerecke
Categories: Conference
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The Caribbean region has the second highest HIV prevalence globally, following sub-Saharan Africa. Despite access to testing and treatment, the number of new HIV diagnoses in the Dutch Caribbean region has not been decreasing, in contrast to global trends. UNAIDS has set global targets, 90-90-90, which are essential for ending the HIV epidemic: 90% of all people living with HIV will know their HIV status, 90% of all people diagnosed with HIV will receive sustained antiretroviral therapy, and 90% of all people receiving therapy will have reached viral suppression. These targets require early identification, retention in care on effective treatment, and adequate virological suppression. In the past 4 years we have conducted the SPIRIT study to gain insight into the HIV epidemic in Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao and their challenges to reach the 90-90-90 goals.

During this conference, we will provide you with an in-depth overview of the HIV epidemic on the islands and give an update on the latest scientific breakthroughs. Extensive attention will be paid to:

  • The local HIV epidemic
  • HIV diagnostics: Risk factors for late diagnosis of HIV
  • Specific risk groups such as undocumented migrants
  • HIV stigma
  • Tools for prevention such as PrEP (Pre-exposure prophylaxis)
  • Latest developments in therapy, vaccine, and cure research

This conference aims to be an interactive meeting where your input is important. 

Only together we can make an impact on the local HIV epidemic!

Dates and location
Thursday 30th of March: Alhambra Ballroom, Aruba
Saturday 1st of April: Renaissance, Curacao

Organization:
This meeting is organized by the SPIRIT Study consortium, the Dutch Aidsfonds, and NASKHO.

 Spirit Study:

- Oduber Hospitaal Aruba: Karina Kelly, Jaclyn de Kort, Bert Rodenburg.
- Curacao Medical Center: Athalia Alberto, Ashley Duits, Esther Rooijakkers, Diederik van de Wetering
- Fundashon Mariadal Bonaire: Saskia Autar, Audri Statie, Andert Rosingh
- University Medical Center Utrecht: Marije Hofstra, Monique Nijhuis, Marlous Rodriguez, Annemarie Wensing

Target audience: physicians, pharmacists, professionals in sexual health/ public health, and anyone with an interest in HIV

Goals: 

• Provide insight into the successes and challenges of the current local HIV epidemic.
• Provide an update on the newest scientific insights.

Language: English

Thursday March 30th, 2023 Session 1

From - To Subject Speaker
8.30 - 9.00 Registration Session 1  
9.00 - 9.40 Introduction on HIV and the local epidemic Prof. Ashley Duits,
Red Cross Blood Bank Foundation, Curaçao
9.40 - 10.30 HIV testing - who should be tested?  Dr. Karina Kelly, Oduber Hospital, Aruba 
10.30 - 11.00 Coffee break

 

11.00 - 11.40 Developments in HIV treatment Dr. Sabine van der Wal, Oduber Hospital, Aruba
Dr. Bert Rodenburg, Oduber Hospital, Aruba
11.40 - 12.30 HIV care for undocumented individuals Dr. Jaclyn de Kort, Oduber Hospital, Aruba
12.30 - 13.30 Lunch break  

Thursday March 30th, 2023, 2023 Session 2

From - To Subject Speaker
13.30 - 13.45 Registration Session 2  
13.45 - 14.30 HIV-related stigma: the patient perspective Dr. Bert Rodenburg, Oduber Hospital, Aruba
14.30 - 15.10 Strategies for HIV prevention: partner notification Dr. Eline op de Coul, RIVM, the Netherlands
15.10 - 15.40 Coffee break  
15.40 - 16.20 Strategies for HIV prevention: Pre-exposure prophylaxis Prof. Marc van der Valk, Amsterdam UMC, the Netherlands

16.20 - 17.00

Developments in the field of HIV cure Dr. Anne Wensing, UMC Utrecht, the Netherlands 

Registration Fee US $ 25 per session