REQUEST FOR SUPPORT May 2019

www.interestconference.org INTEREST 2018

12TH ANNUAL INTEREST CONFERENCE MOST SUCCESSFUL YET

A diverse group of delegates recently united at the 12th “We chose because it allows us to showcase the su- INTEREST Conference to work towards a common goal: perb job in responding to the HIV epidemic; they’ve got gre- ending the HIV epidemic. The Conference provided a plat- at examples of scientific knowledge translation into action,” form to share pivotal findings, promote collaboration, and said Dr. Cate Hankins, AIGHD researcher and co-chair of the transfer experiences across several fields and many con- Conference. tinents. “INTEREST gives a chance for young Rwandan researchers to present at an international conference for the very first Active participants totaled 592 and came from 32 countries time. INTEREST’s overall goal is to help build the next gene- to collaborate, network, and share leading research findings ration of African scientists and foster networking.” at the annual HIV-focused Conference. The Conference took place in Kigali, Rwanda at the Kigali Convention Centre from It is this focus on developing and supporting young Afri- May 29 to June 1. can researchers that sets INTEREST apart from other More than 380 peer-reviewed abstracts were submitted; conferences. the top 38 were selected for oral and mini-oral presentati- “What I found very unique about INTEREST is that it’s open ons, with registration, travel, and accommodation, funded to young researchers that have the opportunity to present through a grant from the USA National Institutes of Health results – at other conferences, they might not have that op- and the Fogarty International Center. portunity,” said Pascale Ondoa, Director of Science and New Delegates ranged from three local high school students in- Initiatives at the African Society for Laboratory Medicine. terested in research careers to some of the world’s leading “They can meet with very experienced researchers that scientists involved in HIV treatment, pathogenesis, and pre- can, not only discuss their results, but also mentor them,” vention research. she said, noting senior researchers provide practical gui- dance around things like code of conduct and insight into “The main reason behind [INTEREST} is to encourage young potential publications for young researchers to publish scientists in our region to become bold and continue with their specific results. their scientific career,” said Dr. Elly Katabira, Professor of Medicine in the School of Medicine, Makerere University Col- The event was kicked off by the Rwanda Minister of Health, lege of Health Sciences, . Dr. Diane Gashumba followed by a press conference where “We have a lot of young people and when I come to these local media, including IRwanda24 and Xinhua, had the op- meetings and see them, it makes me very happy – without portunity to ask questions of the co-chairs, partner organi- the youth taking on research, we are done.” zations and Minister. An interactive and lively debate closed “It’s an opportunity for researchers to meet, exchange, and out the formal programme on the opening day and was follo- build better research questions for the future,” added Dr. wed by a celebration that included a traditional inganzo ngari Sabin Nsanzimana, director of the National HIV Program for dance performance. Rwanda and Division Manager for HIV/AIDS and Viral Hepati- tis at the Rwanda Biomedical Center. For participants, the opportunity to learn from peers and to “[INTEREST also helps with] knowing what is going on and network had a significant impact. what is happening to improve health in the community be- “I attended because I’m very curious about research that’s cause at the end of the day, research is about improving prac- going on with non-communicable diseases and HIV,” said tices and having an impact on people’s health,” he added. Angella Namwase, research capacity building coordinator with the Infectious Diseases Institute in Uganda and first- Known as the “African CROI”, the INTEREST Conference time INTEREST attendee. featured a number of sessions and presentations including “I have an abstract [at INTEREST]… and I have been able to oral abstract, poster, mini-oral abstracts, and symposia. learn from other people that are doing research in that area.” Participants also had the opportunity to attend an early morning program that included Joep Lange early-career The conference co-chairs are Dr. Cate Hankins and Dr. Elly mentoring sessions, grantspersonship discussions pre- Katabira, Professor of Medicine in the School of Medicine, sented by NIH, ANRS, and EDCTP, and themed poster Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Uganda. discussions. The Rwanda local chair for 2018 was Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana of the Rwanda Biomedical Center.

www.interestconference.org INTEREST 2019 - MEETING PROSPECTUS 2 WELCOME

Dear Colleague, CHAIRS

It is our great pleasure to announce INTEREST 2019, the 13th edition of the International Workshop on HIV Treatment, Pathogenesis, and Prevention Research in Resource-Limited Settings.

Known as the “African CROI” INTEREST brings together scientists involved in HIV treatment, pathogenesis, and prevention research in Africa to share pivotal findings, promote collaboration, and transfer experiences across several fields and many continents. INTEREST showcases cutting-edge knowledge in the fields of HIV diagnosis, Catherine Hankins treatment, and prevention of HIV-1 infection as well as to continue to foster the building MD, PhD, FRCPC of a community of African physicians and scientists who will discuss implementing local Institute solutions for the management of patients living with HIV-1 infection and for the prevention for Global Health and of HIV transmission. Development, Canada / The INTEREST is now a recognized fixture in the HIV conference calendar. It focuses on Netherlands HIV treatment, pathogenesis, and prevention in resource-limited settings, particularly in Africa. Young researchers and established international HIV experts share original research and state-of-the-art reviews on a wide range of HIV and related topics. INTEREST offers lectures, abstract-driven oral and poster sessions, debates, Joep Lange early career guidance sessions, and meet-the-expert lunches.

We look forward to seeing you in 2019!

Sincerly, Elly Katabira MD, FRCP Catherine Hankins, MD, PhD, FRCPC Makerere University, Elly Katabira, MD, FRCP Uganda

Kwasi Torpey MD, PhD, MPH, FGCP University of Ghana College of Health Sciences, Ghana

www.interestconference.org INTEREST 2019 - MEETING PROSPECTUS 3 COMMITTEES

WORLD’S LEADING EXPERTS

The INTEREST Conference proudly collaborates with a large number of international and local experts in the field of HIV treatment, pathogenesis, and prevention research in resource-limited settings. By working together with our extensive global network of experts from various backgrounds in the field, we can ensure to design and deliver the most relevant and state-of-the-art programme.

INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE COMMITTEE

The members of the International Conference Committee (ICCC) are carefully selected experts and inspirational leaders in their respective fields. They come together on a frequent basis to develop the scientific programme tailored to the needs of Healthcare professionals in the field. Furthermore, they identify clinical cases and research projects within their organizations/ network and review and select abstracts. They actively participate as session chairs and join the Q&A sessions, discussions and debates during the Conference.

Linda-Gail Bekker, Charles Boucher Elizabeth Bukusi, Guido Ferrari, MD MBChB, FCP, PhD MD, PhD MBChB, MD, MPH, Duke University Desmond Tutu HIV Erasmus Medical PhD Medical Center, USA Foundation/ University Center, Kenya Medical of Cape Town, South The Netherlands Research Institute, Africa Kenya

Pierre-Marie Girard, James Hakim Catherine Hankins Andrew Kambugu, MD, PhD MBChB, MMedSci, MD, PhD, FRCP MBChB, MMed Hôpital Saint-Antoine, FRCP Amsterdam Institute Infectious Diseases Université Pierre et University of for Global Health and Institute, Makerere Marie Curie, France Zimbabwe, Development University College ZimbabweNetherlands Canada / The of Health Sciences, Netherlands Kampala, Uganda

www.interestconference.org INTEREST 2019 - MEETING PROSPECTUS 4 INTEREST 2018

Elly Katabira Peter Kilmarx Nagalingeswaran Chewe Luo MD, FRCP MD, FACP, FIDSA Kumarasamy, MD MD, PhD Makerere University Fogarty International YRG Centre for UNICEF, College of Health Center NIH, AIDS Research and USA Sciences, Uganda USA Education, India

Timothy Mastro, MD, Sam Phiri Anna Laura Ross, Mauro Schechter, MD, FACP, DTM&H DCM, MSc, PhD PhD PhD FHI 360, University Lighthouse, UNITAID, Federal University Rio of North Carolina at Malawi France de Janeiro, Brazil Chapel Hill, NC, USA

Kwasi Torpey Coumba Touré Kane, François Venter, MD Stephen Watiti, MD MD, PhD, MPH, FGCP PharmD, PhD University of the Mildmay Hospital, University of Ghana Laboratoire de Witwatersrand, Kampala, Uganda College of Health Bacteriologie-Virologie South Africa Sciences, CHU Le Dantec, Dakar Ghana University, Senegal

www.interestconference.org INTEREST 2019 - MEETING PROSPECTUS 5 COMMITTEES

EMERITUS GROUP

The members of the Emeritus Group (EG) are hand-picked by the OC and the Conference Secretariat based on their significant contributions and commitment to the field. They assist the OC by providing them with topic and speaker suggestions. In addition, members of the EG participate in reviewing submitted abstracts, and play an active role during the Conference.

Serge Eholié, MD, PhD (Co-chair 2016) – CHU de Treichville, University of Abidjan, Ivory Coast

Sinata Koulla, MD (Local Chair 2016) - Ministry of Health, Yaoundé, Cameroon

Richard Koup, MD – Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), USA

Anton Pozniak, MD – Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and Imperial College of London, United Kingdom

Helen Rees, MD – WITS Reproductive Health and HIV Institute (WRHI), University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa

Stefano Vella, MD – Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Italy

Grace John-Stewart, MD, PhD – University of Washington, USA

Saidi Kapiga, MD, MPH, ScD – Mwanza Intervention Trials Unit (NIMR)/LSHTM, Tanzania and London, United Kingdom / USA

Robert Schooley, MD – University of California, USA

Sabin Nsanzimana MD PhD (Local Chair 2018) – Rwanda Biomedical Center, Rwanda

Debrework Zewdie, PhD – CUNY School of Public Health and Public Policy, USA

www.interestconference.org INTEREST 2019 - MEETING PROSPECTUS 6 NEEDS ASSESSMENT

NEEDS ASSESSMENT

The INTEREST Conference focuses on issues of particular relevance for the African continent and offers young researchers the opportunity to present their data. The size of the conference and the atmosphere facilitates discussion and interaction between participants. 12 successful meetings have been convened since INTEREST’s inception; in Uganda, Senegal (twice), Zambia (twice), Mozambique, Tanzania, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Cameroon, Malawi & Rwanda. The Confernece has been held annually bringing together between 500- 600 global and regional experts in HIV research each year.

Meeting objectives With this Conference, we aim to:

• Provide cutting-edge knowledge in the fields of treatment, pathogenesis, and prevention of HIV-1 and related infections and chronic conditions • Exchange ideas on how to provide and support HIV testing services and clinical care provision to adults, adolescents, and children living with TARGET AUDIENCE HIV in Africa to achieve 90-90-90 goals • Researchers & clinicians involved • Foster new research interactions among leading investigators and in HIV treatment and care; those who represent the potential future scientific leadership of health • Medical students / Masters and care and research on the African continent PhD students; • Expand our focus on capacity building and to add an implementation • HIV program planners, policy science focus makers, and advocates.

ESTIMATED NUMBER Learning objectives OF PATICIPANTS After attending the Conference, the participants will be able to: 500-600 participants

• Summarize the most recent findings in HIV treatment, pathogenesis, TARGET REGION and prevention research Africa • Describe the social determinants of health and HIV risk in order to contribute optimally to national, local, and individual HIV prevention strategies • Integrate the latest scientific results into daily clinical care to improve the quality of life of individuals living with HIV • Recognize future challenges in the screening, monitoring, and diagnosis of patients living with HIV

www.interestconference.org INTEREST 2019 - MEETING PROSPECTUS 7 PROGRAMME

PROGRAMME DESCRIPTION

INTEREST will have 3,5 days of plenary lectures on HIV prevention and treatment presented by world renowned and upcoming invited speakers, oral abstract presentations, debates, roundtable discussions, and poster sessions. There are meet-the-expert sessions and research capacity building meetings with ample time allocated to Q&A and discussion in order to foster an interactive workshop.

• The INTEREST Conference offers a unique platform to discuss issues of particular relevance to the African continent.

• The INTEREST Conference provides a forum for high-level scientific interchange on developments that will improve the prevention of HIV infection and care for people living with HIV in Africa.

• The INTEREST Conference is a critical element for strengthening the African community and forging new collaborations to advance the scientific research agenda.

www.interestconference.org INTEREST 2019 - MEETING PROSPECTUS 8 ENDURING MATERIALS

INFECTIOUS DISEASES ONLINE

Enduring information presented at the conference will be freely accessible and widely disseminated to reach thousands of virtual participants beyond the walls of the conference center. Infectious Diseases Online is a premier online platform offering scientific materials in special topical areas and proceedings of conferences. All the content on Infectious Diseases Online is organized by workshop and date, making it easy to find.

Visitors of the website will have full access to: • Abstract Books • Meeting Reports • Workshop Presentations • Webcasts

www.interestconference.org INTEREST 2019 - MEETING PROSPECTUS 9 ASSESSMENT

LEARNING ASSESSMENT METHOD

To assess the meeting, Virology Education provides each delegate with a detailed feedback form to assess the speakers, whether or not the meeting objectives were met, their intent to change, the rationale behind their motivation to attend, the general logistics of the meeting, and more.

All the questions are then fully analyzed and a comprehensive report is created and shared with the committee members. These reports help us to better understand our delegates’ needs and how to improve the meeting in the future.

For a maximum response rate, we invite the chairs of each session to encourage the participants to take a few minutes and complete the feedback forms.

Conference Participation Grants (CPG)

The Conference Participation Grants (CPG) provide healthcare professionals with the opportunity to attend a conference they would otherwise be unable to attend due to financial restrictions. All applications include a CV, a motivation letter, and potentially an abstract (requirements vary depending on the workshop). These are submitted via an independent CPG portal and are evaluated against the assessment criteria using a robust, impartial and independent peer review process. This process will ensure that the most qualified candidates will receive CPGs.

The grants are supported by the financial contributions allocated by the sponsor, who has no control, influence, or involvement in the selection process of the CPG candidates whatsoever. Priority is given to applicants who have actively participated in original research or scientific work that is being presented at the meeting and/or those who will profit most from participating in order to improve their daily clinical management.

These grants help defray costs for registration, travel and accommodation for delegates and foster their ability to form valuable professional networks and develop vital collaborations. Conference Participation Grant applications will be solicited, selected and awarded by an expert Grant Review Committee.

Please note that the PLATINUM and GOLD support levels will reduce the costs for Conference Participation Grants.

www.interestconference.org INTEREST 2019 - MEETING PROSPECTUS 10 SUPPORT

INTEREST HAS PREVIOUSLY BEEN SPONSORED BY

PREVIOUS ENDORSERS

www.interestconference.org INTEREST 2019 - MEETING PROSPECTUS 11 SPONSORSHIP

SPONSOR BENEFITS

As a sponsor of INTEREST you will have the unique opportunity to connect with clinicians and researchers from academia, research institutes and governments. Engage with potential collaborators and experts and discuss the latest advancements and information in the field of HIV Treatment, Pathogenesis, and Prevention Research in Resource-Limited Settings.

Sponsoring this program will give you the following benefits:

Visibility • Prominent placement of your logo on Conference materials (online and offline) • Pre-event marketing and branding through: - Banners posted on the homepage of the website - Traffic generation to your website via the Conference website - Your logo placed on monthly newsletters which are delivered to thousands of opt-in subscribers - Electronic advertising posted on several calendars linked to the event website

Contribution to the programme • A chance to organize satellite symposia • Participate in discussions

Commercial benefits • Exhibition opportunities • Promotion option to display marketing materials such as pamphlets, flyers, postcards and other materials on the marketing table (subject to approval and if available)

Privileges Your contribution entitles you to the following privileges: • Exhibition space • Symposia inclusion • Complimentary registrations to the event to increase your networking opportunities • Other benefits described under various sponsorship levels

www.interestconference.org INTEREST 2019 - MEETING PROSPECTUS 12 ABOUT US

AIGHD CONTACT INFORMATION The Amsterdam Institute for Global Health and Development (AIGHD) is an interdisciplinary research institute focused on global health research, education, and policy. To realise its vision of ‘access to high quality health care for all’, AIGHD closely collaborates with its global network of public and private sector implementing partners and organisations. AIGHD links the expertise, resources, and programs of organisations involved in health-related research, education, capacity building, and policy-making to bring a delivery perspective to health research and a quality aspect to health care services. With its partners, AIGHD is pioneering innovative approaches to the delivery, financing, and improvement of health care in resource-limited settings. Karin Siebelt Project manager [email protected] VIROLOGY EDUCATION

With over 20 years of experience, Virology Education is a leading provider of innovative scientific and educational programs worldwide. Our programs provide excellent platforms for scientific exchange, education and knowledge-sharing tailored to the needs of healthcare professionals in the fields of infectious diseases, pharmacology, liver disease, and more. Our activities include the initiation and organization of real-time and online platforms for international exchange, knowledge-sharing and education for medical professionals. We have developed long-standing collaborations with world-leading experts and work together with other important stakeholders to achieve the greatest impact for our programs and to provide top quality scientific content. Our programs range from international abstract-driven workshops to small and large scale educational series, masterclasses, advisory boards, expert rounds, satellite symposia, and more.

www.interestconference.org INTEREST 2019 - MEETING PROSPECTUS 13