World’s HIV spotlight shining on Sydney

A world shell-shocked by the impact of AIDS will focus on Sydney this Sunday desperate for answers in scientific research where policy and warnings have failed.

More than 5000 delegates will present new findings at the world’s largest HIV research conference, known as IAS2007, next week hoping to improve the way the virus is understood, treatments for those already carrying it, and methods to help prevent further spread.

Co-chair of the 4th International AIDS Society conference, Professor David Cooper, said lifelong condom-use – whether in Sydney or developing countries – was an unreasonable expectation, making it urgent that research was not forgotten in the wash of public and private money thrown at stopping the epidemic.

“Good research drives good policy, so we’re urging national governments and private donors to allocate no less than 10 percent of all HIV resources for research,” Cooper said.

The findings to be presented offer hope that research does have the answers, Cooper said, including several new studies into vaccines, the holy grail of HIV research, and late breaking findings into new classes of drugs.

Research is also expected on circumcision and lubricant gels as a means of halting the spread in developing countries, but Cooper suggested such research, along with advances in PEP treatments, would remain controversial in wealthy countries.

“PEP in particular has generated much controversy because of worries over cost, behavioural disinhibition and long-term use of antiretrovirals by uninfected people,” he said.

Sydney’s gay community – sometimes attributed with African levels of HIV infection – will not be left out as ACON and PLWHA co-host a free public forum on Tuesday 24 July, 7pm at the Y Hotel on Wentworth Avenue. The forum will discuss epidemiology, prevention and treatment, human rights and the role of people living with the virus.

The public will also have be able to watch the key sessions via free webcasting provided by the Kaiser Family Foundation at kaisernetwork.org/ias2007.