The International AIDS Society (IAS) is hosting the 5th HIV Research for Prevention Conference (HIVR4P 2024) in Lima, Peru, from October 6 to 10.
This marks the first time the conference is held in Latin America, spotlighting the region’s urgent HIV prevention needs.
The event has gathered around 1,500 participants, both in person and virtually, from 78 countries, with 350 abstracts being presented.
Beatriz Grinsztejn, President of the IAS, emphasized the significance of the conference’s location. « By holding the conference in Lima, we hope to draw attention to the urgent need to scale up HIV prevention efforts across Latin America, » she said.
Despite global advancements, new HIV acquisitions in Latin America increased by 9% between 2010 and 2023, highlighting the region’s growing epidemic.
During the HIVR4P 2024 official press conference on October 7, 2024, several groundbreaking research findings were highlighted:
Women in Africa Opt for New HIV Prevention Methods
African women are embracing new choices for HIV prevention. The dapivirine vaginal ring (DVR), which offers women more control over their HIV prevention, is gaining popularity.
Elizabeth Irungu of Jhpiego presented data from the CATALYST study, which surveyed over 3,900 women across Kenya, South Africa, and other countries.
The study revealed that 30% of the women opted for the DVR, while 66% preferred oral PrEP. Notably, the ring was particularly popular among pregnant and breastfeeding women.
The DVR’s appeal lies in its convenience—users are not required to take daily pills, making it a promising option for women with multiple partners or those using contraceptives.
The dapivirine vaginal ring is a flexible silicone device that releases the antiretroviral drug dapivirine over 28 days to help prevent HIV infection in women.
« These findings show the importance of giving women options that suit their lifestyles, » said Irungu.
The ongoing CATALYST study will continue to track how these preferences evolve and inform strategies to increase HIV prevention uptake across Africa.
New HIV Prevention Tool on the Horizon
Even more promising, a three-month version of the dapivirine vaginal ring is on its way, offering women an easier, longer-lasting option.
New data from South Africa suggests this three-month ring could be just as effective as the current one-month version.
By reducing the need for frequent replacements, it could make HIV prevention more accessible to women worldwide, particularly in low-resource settings.
The study, conducted by the Population Council’s Center for Biomedical Research, found that the three-month ring maintained effective drug levels for longer, potentially improving adherence and reducing HIV transmission.
Breakthrough HIV Prevention: Lenacapavir Cuts HIV Risk by 96% in Global Trial
Groundbreaking findings from the PURPOSE 2 trial, unveiled today at the HIVR4P 2024 conference, are set to revolutionize HIV prevention efforts worldwide.
Colleen Kelley of Emory University shared the results, showing that the subcutaneous injection of lenacapavir, administered every six months, proved highly effective in reducing HIV acquisitions.
Of the 2,184 participants, only two cases of HIV were reported, marking a significant leap in prevention science.
The trial included a diverse group from across the globe—participants hailed from countries like South Africa, Argentina, Thailand, and the United States, with the study population comprising cisgender gay and bisexual men, transgender individuals, and others.
Lenacapavir’s impressive 96% efficacy rate, which outperformed current daily medications, follows the earlier success of the PURPOSE 1 study in Africa, where a 100% reduction in HIV acquisitions was noted among cisgender women.
As the IAS continues to advocate for a world where HIV no longer threatens public health, HIVR4P 2024 serves as a crucial platform for addressing the biggest challenges and opportunities in HIV prevention.
The conference aims to galvanize the scientific response and promote equitable access to prevention tools worldwide, bringing hope to millions.
By Gladys Asu Ngouana in Lima, Peru
