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