8^th World Congress on Control and Prevention of HIV/AIDS, STDs & STIs June 24-25, 2020 Rome, Italy

Biography:

Paioyi Chiou has completed her PhD at department of Nursing, National Yang Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan and visting research at Sheffield University, UK. She is the assistant professor and member of the council of many Taiwan’s AIDS related NGOs and Society. She also volunteered in many AIDS social welfare agencies to provide care for community AIDS/HIV+ patients. Her research on contact tracking and partner notification, emerging HIV testing strategies, has been applied to Taiwan's HIV screening policies and indicators.

Abstract:

Men who have sex with men (MSM) tests for HIV often self-recognize when they have been exposed to unsafe sexual behavior and many sexual partners. It would therefore be important to include the sexual networks to the HIV testing campaign. The study aimed to elicit and deliver the HIV test to the sexual partners of MSM who received HIV pre-test counseling and discover the unknow link of sexual network. Recruitment was done through purposeful and snowball sampling. A ten minutes structured personal risk network interview was conducted to elicit the referral of sexaul partners within three months. An anonymous HIV quick test was delivered at a time and place where convenient to the sexual partners. There is 28.2% (75/266) of the index subjects referred or disclosed the information of 167 sexual partners; 127 of them accepted the HIV test which was 1.7 times more than the index subjects and 40 of them only been disclosed. The tested sexual partners have higher HIV risk behavior and HIV positive rate (3/127, 2.36%) than the index subjects and the tested subject who did not refer sexual partners. Four of prior HIV+ sexual partners were disclosed by the index subjects. The sexual network analysis revealed that 21.9% (53/242) of the subjects had directly sexual link to the HIV+ subjects. Non-tested sexual partners play an important role of directly linking with HIV + subjects and transmission bridge. The results hold important implications for HIV community screening and contact tracing for HIV case finding and surveillance.

Biography:

Vsevolod A Zinserling is pathologist working in the field of infectology in Saint-Petersburg, Russia. His research is devoted to viral, bacterial, fungal and mycoplasma lesions of brain, lung, liver, intestine, placenta on autopsy, clinical and experimental material. Investigations of pathomorphology of Influenza, HIV and its complications, infections due to herpes viruses, viral hepatitis, mixed infections of different localisation are of special interest. He is collaborating at Saint-Petersburg University, Center of infectious pathology at S.P. Botkin hospital for infectious diseases and department of pathomorphology in the Institute of Experimental medicine at National Medical Research Center named after V.A. Almazov. He is active member of European Society of Pathology (working groups infectious diseases, autopsy pathology and history of pathology). Author of more than 400 publications.

Abstract:

Relevance of the problem of a new covid-19 coronavirus infection is obvious. Among its most important aspects that require special study, are pathogenesis and morphological changes in severe forms of the disease.

Material and methods. The analysis of 18 autopsy observations was carried out. Along with routine assessment of macro - and microscopic changes (hematoxylin-eosin, azur, PAS), immunohistochemical studies of lungs and other organs were performed using sera  against antigens CD2,3,4,5,7, 20,31,34, 56,57,69

Results and discussion: In typical cases macroscopic changes were most typically found in the lower lobes of the both lungs, they appeared reddish, slightly firm without any specific hallmarks. In different cases the degree of manifestation varied. Microscopically the lesions included several components. We considered that proliferation of ciliary epithelium and alveolocytes developed due to direct effect of the virus. We also consider to associate with viral propagation appearance of macrophages and alvelocytes of irregular form, frequently binucleated. Intranuclear inclusions were observed as well. Inflammatory infiltration was predominantly mononuclear presented mostly by CD3+ , CD8+, CD2+, CD5+, CD7+ lymphocytes and numerous CD68+ macrophages , only with focal neutrophilic admixture due to bacterial superinfection.  Hyaline membranes were presented in the most of the cases, but their number differed critically. Very typical, especially in certain cases, were blood vessel thrombosis and hemorrhages, probably due to virus lesion of endothelium.  In two cases we succeeded to detect intra and extracellular inclusions similar with typical for Chlamydia. Thus, we can suppose reactivation of this infection. Many organs (lymph nodes, spleen, intestines, brain, adrenal glands) show changes that may indicate generalization of viral infection, and infiltration of CD8+ lymphocytes in the kidneys, liver, adrenal glands, pericardium and intestines indicates a probable autoimmune component of pathogenesis. The conclusion is made about the necessity for further complex study of the pathogenesis and pathology of COVID-19.

Biography:

I hold degree in Social Work and Social Administration, work with the Elderly Widows Orphans Family Support as an Organization Director for two years. I secured legal registration of the organization as a Community Based Organization and got 20 children: 11girls and 9boys individual education sponsors. Introduced several programs that support orphans such as community counselors who follow up children at home to provide them with emotional support. School drama clubs which sensitize children about HIV/AIDS, football competitions during public holidays that bring youth together for entertainment ad talent development. I also introduced income generating projects for the orphans and child headed households like cattle keeping. These have helped children earn extra income to meet daily home expenses. Practiced in HIV/AIDS field for over 10 years now and gained more knowledge and skills that I would like to share with others. Also, am a person who likes to learn from others: and hope the knowledge that I will have acquired in the conference will be shared back in my community for improvement of our services. I advocated for the rights of People Living with HIV/AIDS, especially orphans affected and infected with HIV/AIDS. This is done by availing them services they need such as education which I secure through writing their biography and sharing it with friends who in the end accept to support them.

Abstract:

Studies on the spread of HIV/AIDS in Kapchorwa especially among youths have shown that they have poor knowledge on sexuality issues. Most young people become sexually active at a very young age when they have little or no information on their sexuality. These situations expose them to careless and casual sexual behaviors, unwanted pregnancies, which increases their risk of contracting HIV/AIDS. Worse still, is the culture of silence, which have created information gap between youths, parents, elders and health providers. Adults feel uncomfortable and unwilling to discuss sexuality education with youths because they feel that discussing with them will expose the youths to early sex.

To reduce the vulnerability to HIV infection among youths, Elderly Widows Orphans Family Support has trained peer educators to facilitate the HIV/AIDS awareness and sensitization programmes for out of school youths, orphans and vulnerable children in Kapchorwa. Peer educators disseminate information on sexuality education to their peers in selected intervention sites as means of preventing HIV infection and propagating behavioral changes.

A multiplier effect among peers has been recorded leading to increase in the level of knowledge of youths on HIV/AIDS. Youth are now able to discuss sexuality issues with their peers including sexual practices among youth plus the use of condom for prevention.

Experience shows that adequate and correct information and involvement of influencers and religious leaders are keys to successful implementation of sexuality and reproductive health programmes.

Biography:

Alessandra Serrao has completed his PhD at the age of 24 years from “Sapienza”, University of Rome and then completed medical specialization in Ematology. She is working in the Hemostasis and Thrombosis Center of Hematology, Department of Translational and Precision Medicine. She is the author and co-auhors of more than 40 articles in different journals.

Abstract:

Recent evidence suggests that HIV may be involved in a major incidence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) related both to HIV pro-inflammatory changes and to viral affection of haematological system. Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) have changed the treatment of VTE; however, co-administration with highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) should be considered with caution, because of potential drug–drug interactions. We report 3 cases of HIV-infected patients successfully treated with edoxaban while on HAART. A 63-year-old man while on HAART with emtricitabine/rilpivirine (as hydrochloride)/tenofovir disoproxil for 10 years with undetectable HIV RNA started edoxaban for recurrent VTE on October 2018. The second case is a 62-year-old man who had been on HAART with emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil and raltegravir for 10 years. In November 2018, edoxaban was started for acute DVT. The third case is  a 60-year-old man who was diagnosed with HIV infection, pulmonary embolism and DVT in November 2018. He started HAART with emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil and dolutegravir and edoxaban. Edoxaban plasma levels were in the expected therapeutic range (10–39 ng/mL): 33 ng/mL for patient 1, 24 ng/mL for patient 2 and 10 ng/mL for patient 3. The patients did not report any haemorrhagic or thrombotic adverse events during the clinical follow-up and HIV RNA remained undetectable. Edoxaban is minimally metabolized by Cytochrome P450 3A4 (< 10%) and is transported via P-glycoprotein (P-gp). Our patients were on HAART with drugs that are metabolized predominantly by cytochrome P450 and that do not affect the P-gp pathways, co-administration was safe at the full dose.

Biography:

Dr.Shahroz Khan has completed his PhD at the age of 34 years from Quaid-i-Azam University  in Molecular Virology. He is Asisstant Professor at Noor Nursing College Daggar Buner. He has published more than 25 papers in good journals.

Abstract:

The objective of the study was to characterize the Untypable HCV
isolates from various geographical areas of Pakistan by sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of
their 5′UTRs. The emergence of large number of HCV Untypable isolates among chronically
infected Pakistani subjects pose challenges to accurate diagnosis, optimal regimen, dose and
duration of antiviral therapy as well as for estimating the response rate. During the course of this
study, a total of 415 Untypable HCV strains were detected from different parts of the country in
which 50 (12%) randomly selected serum samples were used for sequence analysis of 5′UTR of
HCV. The derived consensus sequences in case of all the 50 isolates were later used for genotype
prediction using NCBI BLAST (ncbi.nlm.nih.gov) and online HCV genotype prediction tools.
The results indicated that all the 50 samples (100%) were very close to HCV 3a. Self-alignment
of all the 5' UTR sequences identified 10 diverse types circulating in Pakistan. Most common
sequence variations were conserved (*), deletion (-) and transversion. Phylogenetic analysis of
HCV Untypable isolates based on the 5' UTR sequences indicated that most of these isolates
were genetically closer to Pakistani HCV 3a isolates with high bootstrap value as compared to
some regional isolates. However, One Untypable isolate PK3 clustered with isolates from other
regions and was distant from the Pakistani isolates which indicates that HCV 3a of different
origins are distinctly evolving in Pakistan. The genetic diversity and phylogenetic analysis point
towards the rise of variants of HCV 3a in this region in the form of the Untypable strains which
need through characterization.

Biography:

Abstract:

Biography:

Sekatuka Abubaker is a Clinician,HIV,Mental health and Human Rights advocate aged 28 years working with Love to Love organization a non-profit organization creating awareness on HIV/AIDS and supporting children and youth affected and infected with HIV.He is a member of International AIDS Society(IAS), Amnesty International and Africa free of New HIV Infections(AfNHI) a coalition of advocates,researchers and medical professionals advancing HIV Biomedical research and prevention in Africa. In 2019,he presented the Science behind U=U and the role of Clinicians in incorporating U=U message in routine care on the first U=U conference in Africa that took place in Uganda on 12th February.He loves inspiring others through knowledge and skills exchange a passion he shares as a World Literacy Foundation Ambassador 2020.

Abstract:

COVID-19 is a disease that is caused by a corona virus known as SARS CoV2.Its effects have been paramount world all over and more so among People living with HIV in developing countries.In Uganda, the institution of a lockdown on the directives of the president in abid to control community transmission of the virus exacerbated these effects upon the lives of people living with HIV.This meant that businesses were to be closed and majority were left jobless; food scarcity became an issue that hindered people living with HIV from taking their ARVs resulting into Non-adherence to their medication.On top of that,suspension of public transport hindered them from collecting their ARVs from their health facilities which contributed further to non-adherence and hence putting them at risk of contracting COVID-19 and other opportunistic infections like Sexually Transmitted Infections due to the reduced Immunity.Therefore, we need a comprehensive multisectoral approach involving all actors  if we are to combat the virus.

Biography:

Jackeline Clemena – Aborde MD, has completed her doctorate in Medicine from the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, in Manila, Philippines. She finished her residency training in Family and Community Medicine at the AMOSUP Seamen’s Hospital Manila. She is now practicing as a Family Medicine and Occupational Health physician in Manila, Philippines.

Abstract:

This study determined the significant psychological and structural factors affecting the utilization of HIV services among patients ages 20-49 years old in Seamen’s Hospital Manila. Factors were determined using a validated self-administered questionnaire. Statistical analyses were performed using STATA Statistical Software, Version 13, College Station, TX: StataCorp LP. A p value ≤0.05 was considered statistically significant. Several factors were identified as significantly affecting their decision to seek for HIV care: Among the younger population (20-24 years old): “do not know where to go for an HIV test”, “afraid of my privacy/anonymity” and “not sexually active”. Among the older population (35-49 years old): “long queue in the health facility”. Among the males, the following factors were noted: “have been tested in another facility” and “health facility opening hours”. Among the females, the following were significant: “not sexually active”. Among those who have already utilized the hospital’s HIV services: “have been tested in another facility”. To those who haven’t utilized the hospital’s HIV services: “afraid of my privacy/anonymity”, “getting tested means sexual promiscuity”, “lack of awareness of available services in the hospital” and “too far to travel”. Overall, the most frequent factors that the participants chose were the following: “have a faithful relationship”, “trust in partner”, “taking precautions”, “have not done anything risky”, “have been tested in another facility”, “fear of having a positive result, “not sexually active”, “annoying to return for results”, “long queue in the health facility” and “too far to travel”.

Biography:

Gbriela Zambrano is an young investigator with a specialty in Internal Medicine and experience in HIV, antimicrobial stewardship, infection control and infections related to health care in Quito, Ecuador. Internal Medicine Hospital Healthcare Provider at Metropolitan Hospital of Quito, Quito-Ecuador  and UTE Researcher and Associate Professor of Clinical Areas at Equinoccial Technological University, Faculty of Health Sciences Eugenio Espejo, Quito Ecuador 

Abstract:

DRESS (Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms Syndrome), is a drug related hypersensitivity reaction that occurs three to eight weeks after medication is instituted. It is characterized by the appearance of several kinds of rashes, lymphadenopathies, hematological abnormalities and systemic organ involvement

Case description

A 49-year-old female HIV positive patient consults for the sudden apperance of submaxillary and cervical lymphadenopathies. She is diagnosed with lymph node tuberculosis for which first line antituberculosis medications are instituted. Three weeks after beginning her treatment, she returns with maculo-papular skin rash and fever and is hospitalized for evaluation. Among her laboratory, there is the presence of leukocytosis with neutrophilia and eosinophilia, a positive serology for IgM herpes 1, a cholestatic pattern as well as discrete cytolysis and the presence of leucoytes, hematuria and proteinuria in the urine exam. A CT scan showed the presence of  pretracheal, axillary and mediastinal nodes of small diameter.

Discussion and Conclusions

In order to adequately cathegorize this patient as a case of DRESS we calculated her RegiSCAR Score which was of 7 points, compatible with a definitive case of DRESS. It should be emphasized that the patient did not receive any antiretrovirals before her initial symptoms, yet it is described that first line treatments such as Abacavir are not mentioned as potential causes of DRESS in patients with HIV (1). Of all the antituberculosis medications, Rifampicin is the most likely culprit as causative agent of this reaction (2). Our patient was also serologically positive to type 1 Herpes, a finding that strongly suggests a virus-drug interaction due to viral reactivation (3). These disorders, which are far more common than classic DRESS, could be designated “virus reactivation with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms” (VRESS) according to some authors.

Biography:

Mache Tsadik has completed his PhD at the age of 45 years from Mekelle University. Currently, he is the working as a director of kilte-Awlaelo Health and demographic surveillance System and senior academician and researcher in school of public health.

He published more than 20 papers related to STIs/HIV in reputed journals and serving as an editorial board member of African demographic journal

Abstract:

Delay healthcare seeking is one of the major impediments to successfully prevent and control sexually transmitted infections (STIs) including HIV. Gambella is one of the HIV hot spot areas and the most HIV prevalent region in the country.  Considering the empirical knowledge of the link between STIs and HIV, gathering information on health seeking behaviour and the associated factors among STI patients is helpful to design interventions that enhance early seeking and treatment adherence. A facility based cross-sectional study was employed to collect data from 424 STI patients from February 15 to April 15, 2017, using a face-to-face interview. A consecutive sampling method was used until the allocated sample for each facility was fulfilled.  A multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with health-seeking behavior.

The proportion of delayed healthcare seeking among patients treated for STIs was 56.8%. knowledge, behavior and perception variables were found significantly associated with early seeking behavior in multivariate logistic regression: patients who had good knowledge of STIs (AOR = 1.74, 95% CI = 1.10, 2.73), had single sexual partner (AOR = 1.83, 95% CI = 1.19, 2.78), those who perceived stigma for STIs (AOR = 0.52, 95% CI = 0.34, 0.79), and perceived severity of STIs (AOR = 1.97, 95% CI = 1.18, 3.29). This study reported a high proportion of delayed healthcare seeking. This may challenge the prevention and control effort and alarms the potential threat to the spread of STI/HIV in the region. Provision of intensive health education is crucial to improve awareness and to avoid risk behaviors and negative perceptions.

Biography:

Mfochive Njindam Iliassou completed his medical training in Niger followed by a Master of Public Health from Johns Hopkins University after several years of clinical practice Africa. Njindam spent five years implementing a large key populations research program in Afghanistan.  Following completion of this study, Njindam joined the Department of Epidemiology at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore(USA) and has been leading epidemiologic and implementation research elements of the Continuum of Prevention, Care and Treatment of HIV / AIDS with Most-at-Risk Population – CHAMP in Cameroon. He is also leading the design and implementation of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis and HIV self-testing

Abstract:

Background: In Cameroon, key populations (KP) have consistently been shown to be disproportionately affected by HIV and the rate of new infection is significantly high among them. In June 2019, Cameroon launched PrEP implementation through community-based organizations (CBO) for KP. 

Method: Since June 28^th, 2019, five CBOs in Yaoundé and Douala have been offering daily oral PrEP to KP. Peer-leads monitor clients on PrEP with follow-up done at first visit, one month and every three months thereafter.  PrEP uptake and retention were assessed at 3 and 6 months. Throughout implementation, qualitative data were collected to inform strategies to improve uptake, retention and mitigate challenges.

Results: From June 28^th to December 31^st, 2019, 5,779 KP were approached in the community and sensitized on PrEP among whom 980 (17%) [MSM (40%); FSW (60%)] potential PrEP candidates arrived at DIC and screened for HIV risk behavior. 554 (57%) with high risk behavior and consented, were offered biological testing (HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B and kidney function). 511 (91%) were found eligible and offered PrEP of whom 283 (54%) [MSM (64%); FSW(36%)] were initiated. 186 (66%) [MSM (80%); FSW (20%)] were retained on PrEP as of December 31^st.

PrEP uptake increased from 53% (208/390) to 82% (75/91) among eligible candidates in June-September and October-December 2019, respectively. Three-month retention also improved from 53% (208/390) to 80% (60/75) in the same periods. 

Qualitative themes that of emerged barriers included low HIV risk perception, potential resistance to PrEP use in the community, anticipated PrEP-stigma due to conflation of PrEP and antiretroviral therapy, preference for on-demand PrEP which is not nationally approved, perception of little incentive by PrEP users to attend their regular appointments.

Conclusion: Encouragingly, there have been significant improvements in PrEP uptake and retention between successive quarters of implementation.  These successes have been attributed to a broad coalition supporting PrEP implementation including the government, USAID, CBO leadership, peer-leads, social influencers, and PrEP users.  Collectively, this group has addressed ongoing and emergent challenges in real-time in Cameron by evaluating implementation data, facilitating enhanced capacity of peer-leads to use SOPs, and constantly adapting in-person and online PrEP messages to address mistrust.

Biography:

Parvaiz Ahmad Naik received his M.Sc degree in Mathematics from the University of Kashmir, Kashmir, India in 2008 and Ph.D. degree from Maulana Azad National Institute of Technology, India in 2015 with major mathematical modeling. In 2016, he joined the Islamic University of Science and Technology, Srinagar, Kashmir as Assistant Professor and served there from 2016-2017. From 2018, he is working as postdoctoral research fellow with Prof. Jian Zu at the school of Mathematics and Statistics, Xi'an Jiaotong University, P. R. China. He has published more than 15 research papers in the journals of international repute like World Scientific, Elsevier, Springer, American Scientific, Taylor & Francis etc. He has received two young scientist awards (gold medals) for his outstanding research work in the field of mathematical biology. His area of interest includes differential equations, calcium dynamics, mathematical biology and disease dynamics.

Abstract:

In this paper, we investigate and analyze a nonlinear fractional order SIR epidemic model with Crowley-Martin type functional response and Holling type-II treatment rate. The existence and stability of the equilibrium points are investigated. The sufficient conditions for the persistence of the disease are provided. First, we obtained a threshold value , which determines the stability of equilibria, then model equilibria are determined, and their stability analysis are considered by using fractional Routh-Hurwitz stability criterion and fractional La-Salle invariant principle. The fractional derivative is taken in Caputo sense and the numerical solution of the model is obtained by L1 scheme method which involves the memory trace that can capture and integrate all past activity. Meanwhile, by using Lyapunov functional approach, the global dynamics of the endemic equilibrium point is discussed. Further, some numerical simulations are performed to illustrate the effectiveness of our theoretical results.

Biography:

Paioyi Chiou has completed her PhD at department of Nursing, National Yang Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan and visiting research at Sheffield University, UK. She is the assistant professor and member of the council of many Taiwan’s AIDS related NGOs and Society. She also volunteered in many AIDS social welfare agencies to provide care for community AIDS/HIV+ patients. Her research on contact tracking and partner notification, emerging HIV testing strategies, has been applied to Taiwan's HIV screening policies and indicators.

Abstract:

Men who have sex with men (MSM) tests for HIV often self-recognize when they have been exposed to unsafe sexual behavior and many sexual partners. It would therefore be important to include the sexual networks to the HIV testing campaign. The study aimed to elicit and deliver the HIV test to the sexual partners of MSM who received HIV pre-test counseling and discover the unknow link of sexual network. Recruitment was done through purposeful and snowball sampling. A ten minutes structured personal risk network interview was conducted to elicit the referral of sexual partners within three months. An anonymous HIV quick test was delivered at a time and place where convenient to the sexual partners. There is 28.2% (75/266) of the index subjects referred or disclosed the information of 167 sexual partners; 127 of them accepted the HIV test which was 1.7 times more than the index subjects and 40 of them only been disclosed. The tested sexual partners have higher HIV risk behavior and HIV positive rate (3/127, 2.36%) than the index subjects and the tested subject who did not refer sexual partners. Four of prior HIV+ sexual partners were disclosed by the index subjects. The sexual network analysis revealed that 21.9% (53/242) of the subjects had directly sexual link to the HIV+ subjects. Non-tested sexual partners play an important role of directly linking with HIV + subjects and transmission bridge. The results hold important implications for HIV community screening and contact tracing for HIV case finding and surveillance.

Biography:

Rahul Hajare was fortunate enough to be recognized for hard work with scholarships from India Council of Medical Research Ministry of Health Research New Delhi scholarship including a centenary post doc National AIDS Research Institute Pune that is presented by Respected Dr. R.S.Paranjape, Immunologist and World Renowned Scientist., Retired Director & Scientist ‘G’ National AIDS Research Institute Pune. His initial journey was a quest to heal with a different kind of highly education and did a sponsorship at the Ana Laboratory in Mumbai. After completing his training, he was privileged to practice in KLE College of Pharmacy Bangalore as a board certified Secretary KLE society Belgavi, .he was work to formerly reputed Pune University and services to be recognized by special Investigation team (SIT) for work in education. 

Abstract:

Meditation has the same effect on our brains as sex. 20 new normal orgasms in a research row and affordable in all color of skin. Orgasms can a sexual event, which has attained at the culmination of a sexual activity. However, not all orgasms have derived from sexual activity to extended act. There are other activities, beyond sex, that also give the same feeling as an orgasm. Meditation can accept surprised to note that meditation has the same effect on our brains as sex. In both cases, there is a rush of blood to the pre-frontal area by side brain. Sex and meditation both lead us to a state of bliss and lack of self awareness. Sexual context become immune to our thoughts, desires, worries, pain and other worldly feelings. The only difference between a sexual orgasm and a meditation led one has that while the former gives us physical delight; the latter has spiritual in experience. Coregasms Orgasms can achieve by non-sexual and non-meditative activity performance smart coworker.

Biography:

Sekatuka Abubaker is a Clinician, HIV, Mental health and Human Rights advocate aged 28 years working with Love to Love organization a non-profit organization creating awareness on HIV/AIDS and supporting children and youth affected and infected with HIV. He is a member of International AIDS Society(IAS), Amnesty International and Africa free of New HIV Infections(AfNHI) a coalition of advocates, researchers and medical professionals advancing HIV Biomedical research and prevention in Africa. In 2019,he presented the Science behind U=U and the role of Clinicians in incorporating U=U message in routine care on the first U=U conference in Africa that took place in Uganda on 12th February. He loves inspiring others through knowledge and skills exchange a passion he shares as a World Literacy Foundation Ambassador 2020.

Abstract:

COVID-19 is a disease that is caused by a corona virus known as SARS CoV2.Its effects have been paramount world all over and more so among People living with HIV in developing countries. In Uganda, the institution of a lockdown on the directives of the president in abid to control community transmission of the virus exacerbated these effects upon the lives of people living with HIV. This meant that businesses were to be closed and majority were left jobless; food scarcity became an issue that hindered people living with HIV from taking their ARVs resulting into Non-adherence to their medication. On top of that, suspension of public transport hindered them from collecting their ARVs from their health facilities which contributed further to non-adherence and hence putting them at risk of contracting COVID-19 and other opportunistic infections like Sexually Transmitted Infections due to the reduced Immunity. Therefore, we need a comprehensive multisectoral approach involving all actors  if we are to combat the virus.

Biography:

Vicent Lwanga hold degree in Social Work and Social Administration; work with the Elderly Widows Orphans Family Support as an Organization Director for two years. He secured legal registration of the organization as a Community Based Organization and got 20 children: 11girls and 9boys individual education sponsors. Introduced several programs that support orphans such as community counselors who follow up children at home to provide them with emotional support. School drama clubs which sensitize children about HIV/AIDS, football competitions during public holidays that bring youth together for entertainment ad talent development. He also introduced income generating projects for the orphans and child headed households like cattle keeping. These have helped children earn extra income to meet daily home expenses. Practiced in HIV/AIDS field for over 10 years now and gained more knowledge and skills that he would like to share with others. Also, and he is a person who likes to learn from others: and hope the knowledge that he will have acquired in the conference will be shared back in my community for improvement of his services. He advocated for the rights of People Living with HIV/AIDS, especially orphans affected and infected with HIV/AIDS. This is done by availing them services they need such as education which he secure through writing their biography and sharing it with friends who in the end accept to support them.

Abstract:

Studies on the spread of HIV/AIDS in Kapchorwa especially among youths have shown that they have poor knowledge on sexuality issues. Most young people become sexually active at a very young age when they have little or no information on their sexuality. These situations expose them to careless and casual sexual behaviors, unwanted pregnancies, which increases their risk of contracting HIV/AIDS. Worse still, is the culture of silence, which have created information gap between youths, parents, elders and health providers. Adults feel uncomfortable and unwilling to discuss sexuality education with youths because they feel that discussing with them will expose the youths to early sex. To reduce the vulnerability to HIV infection among youths, Elderly Widows Orphans Family Support has trained peer educators to facilitate the HIV/AIDS awareness and sensitization programmes for out of school youths, orphans and vulnerable children in Kapchorwa. Peer educators disseminate information on sexuality education to their peers in selected intervention sites as means of preventing HIV infection and propagating behavioral changes. A multiplier effect among peers has been recorded leading to increase in the level of knowledge of youths on HIV/AIDS. Youth are now able to discuss sexuality issues with their peers including sexual practices among youth plus the use of condom for prevention. Experience shows that adequate and correct information and involvement of influencers and religious leaders are keys to successful implementation of sexuality and reproductive health programmes.