Abstract Guidelines - Tracks and Categories

Tracks and Categories

Track A: Biology and Pathogenesis of HIV

Scope and Objectives

This track will encompass all aspects of fundamental HIV biology and the host response to HIV. Areas of focus will include HIV infection and replication, transmission, genetics, evolution, structure and function, pathogenesis, adaptive and innate immune responses to HIV, genetic susceptibility to HIV, interaction of micronutrients, co-infection and progress in animal models. Pre-clinical vaccine, microbicide, and drug development will be important themes of this track.

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Track B: Clinical Research, Treatment and Care

Scope and Objectives

This track will highlight the latest research findings, complexities and controversies related to the diagnosis, natural history and management of HIV infection; prevention, diagnosis and treatment of opportunistic infections; co-infection and other co-morbidities; antiretroviral therapy and immunotherapy. Issues for discussion related to antiretroviral therapy will include new drug therapies, pharmacokinetics, drug interactions, adherence and retention in care including pre-ART care, short- and long-term adverse events, clade types and drug resistance. Approaches to treatment, care and support in specific populations including infants and children, adolescents, women (including prevention of mother-to-child transmission) and marginalized groups and innovations related to diagnosis and to provision of HIV care in resource-limited settings will be addressed.

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Track C: Epidemiology, Prevention and Prevention Research

Scope and Objectives

This track will focus on HIV/AIDS prevention research and issues related to the design, implementation and evaluation of prevention programs. It will include examination of methodological and programmatic advances in the continuum of prevention research, particularly best practices in HIV prevention for vulnerable populations in resource-limited settings. Strategies to put HIV prevention research into practice, efforts to promote preparedness for bio-medical prevention technologies, and research on new prevention approaches including microbicides, vaccines, pre- and post exposure prophylaxis, circumcision and other methods will be presented.

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Track D: Social and Behaviour Sciences

Scope and Objectives

This track aims to highlight new knowledge and address gaps in the translation of behavioural and social science evidence into practice, and to contribute to the building of theory and understanding in HIV-related social science. The track also aims to promote understanding of the individual and social determinants of HIV-related risk, vulnerability and impact, to inform development of effective and sustainable HIV responses.

This track will feature research, analysis and evaluation on psychosocial factors that shape individual attitudes, experiences, and behaviours; social and structural factors that shape vulnerability and risk; social and cultural norms that underlie individual risk and community vulnerability; programmes that promote access to HIV and STI prevention, treatment, care and support; social and structural factors that shape vulnerability; and methods and outcomes of individual and community engagement, leadership, empowerment, and self-determination.

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Track E: Policy, Program and Health Economics

Scope and Objectives

This track will analyze the quality of health systems in the context of the decentralization of treatment and care, as well as the funding of those systems. At the same time, issues related to health economics, integration of health programs, and the role and responsibilities of media will be discussed. Ethics and human rights are also important issues in sharing experiences of HIV and AIDS and STI management

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Others

In addition, there will be oral non-abstract, moderated presentations on topics of current and future significance to the HIV and STIs response in Africa. Please submit a non-structured summary in no more than 300 words related to the above subject.