Montreal is hosting the 24th International AIDS Conference, all weekend at the Palais des Congrès.
9,500 HIV/AIDS specialists from around the world have come together to put this pandemic back at the heart of discussions. 3,000 people also attend virtually.
After more than two years of the COVID-19 pandemic, event organizers hope to shed some light on HIV, because while far fewer people are dying of AIDS, HIV is still very much around.
In 2021, the World Health Organization (WHO) counted 1.5 million new infections worldwide, or 4,000 per day. The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) targets the immune system and weakens the body’s defenses against many infections and certain types of cancer.
The most advanced stage of HIV infection is AIDS, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, which can take years to appear.
The first cases of HIV were reported 40 years ago; a lot has changed since then. Very effective antiretroviral treatments exist and, although they do not cure HIV infection, they actively suppress the replication of the virus in the body, which allows the immune system to be strengthened.
“If the COVID-19 pandemic has redirected funds once earmarked for HIV research, the development of messenger RNA vaccines is certainly encouraging,” Dr Thomas pointed out.
Certain risky behaviors, such as unprotected sex and sharing needles or syringes when injecting drugs, can transmit HIV.
“Sometimes I see people who haven’t been tested in 10 years with risky behavior. Often, it is those who are HIV-positive,” notes Dr. Réjean Thomas, co-founder of the Clinique médicale l’Actuel.
All the experts are clear: regular screening is the key.
The international conference continues until Tuesday at the convention center. It takes place almost exclusively in English. For the general public, it is possible to visit the Global Village free of charge, where there are various information kiosks on HIV and how to protect themselves as well as art exhibitions, among other things.