March 2007 The International AIDS Society (IAS) is a global membership organization of professionals committed to the fight against HIV/AIDS. The IAS Newsletter is a tool for the organization’s diverse members to find out more about past, ongoing and future activities at the IAS and to learn how to become involved. For more information about the IAS, to search for and contact other members, or to find breaking news in HIV/AIDS prevention, care and treatment, and updates on upcoming IAS conferences, please visit the website at www.iasociety.org

Image: HIV daughter cells bud off the surface of a T-Cell

AIDS Denialists This edition’s feature article examines the global impact of AIDS denialism page 4-5

Message from the President page 2 IAS 2007: Narrowing the Gap Between Science Initiatives Update page 9 Recent Public Statements from the IAS page 2-3 and Practice page 7 Letter of Intent Signed for FORO 2007 page 10 Message from the Executive Director page 3 Education Activities at IAS 2007 page 7 IAS Adopts Regional Development Strategy page 10 The AIDS Denialists are Still Around page 4-5 AIDS 2008 Conference Coordinating Committee The IAS Talks With Dr. Hector Perez page 11 Members page 7 The XVI International AIDS Conference: Will it IAS Member Map page 12 Governing Council Approves Policy and Advocacy Have a Legacy? page 6 Download Free HIV/AIDS Slides and Images page 12 Framework page 8  From the President IAS Newsletter March 2007

In this issue of the IAS newsletter, you well as better integrate the research, best will find an article on the continued dam- practices and lessons learned presented at age being done to our efforts to implement these meetings with the International AIDS effective prevention, care and treatment Conference. programmemes by those who, despite all evidence to the contrary, continue to deny Finally, our education and training that HIV is the cause of AIDS. These “HIV initiatives are also expanding and, in part- denialists”, as the article by Mark Wain- nership with the Australasian Society for berg, Joanne Bergman and John Moore HIV Medicine (ASHM), we are delivering make clear, have caused untold damage a pilot education programme for young in- and death, particularly in the developing vestigators in basic, clinical and biomedical From the President world, through their concerted disinfor- prevention science immediately prior to the mation campaign. I believe that the IAS, 4th IAS Conference on HIV Pathogenesis, Two thousand and seven promises to as an organization which supports an evi- Treatment and Prevention (IAS 2007) being be another landmark year for the IAS as dence-based approach to HIV/AIDS, has held 22 – 25 July in Sydney. we expand our work in three key strategic a unique responsibility to challenge the areas addressed at the November 2006 unconscionable messages promulgated Regarding the next IAS Conference on Governing Council (GC) retreat: policy by this small but determined group. I hope Pathogenesis, Treatment and Biomedical and advocacy, regional development, and you will read this article and pass it on to Prevention, I am confident that we are build- education and training are all areas that friends and colleagues. ing a program containing the highest level will have increased staffing capacity and of scientific information in the field. direction, based on the guidance from the IAS’ profile at the regional level con- GC and our Strategic Framework. Our tinues to increase, and IAS staff and GC We look forward to seeing you in Sydney. ■ members may have noticed that the IAS members are working closely to support profile on international AIDS advocacy has regional meetings, such as the Interna- already increased, with a series of position tional Conference on AIDS in Asia and the statements immediately prior to the holiday Pacific (ICAAP). Our efforts are intended break on breaking stories related to AIDS. to strengthen the IAS’ engagement in and And of course we will be seeking input from support for regional capacity-building, to our membership over 2007 on key policy offer technical and logistical support to Pedro Cahn and advocacy issues. the regional conference organizers, as IAS President

lulose sulfate was associated with increased Open Letter to the Libyan Secretary of Recent Public Statements risk for HIV infection among women in the Justice Calling for Release of Health- from the IAS CONRAD-sponsored trial. Earlier trials of Care Workers the same compound involving 500 partici- Dear Secretary Ali Umar al-Hasnawi Microbicide Trails Halted pants did not indicate safety concerns. The IAS acknowledges the February 2007 The International AIDS Society (IAS) is announcement that two Phase III trials of “While extremely disappointing, this the world’s leading association of profes- Ushercell (a cellulose sulfate based topical setback is also an opportunity to learn why sionals working in HIV/AIDS, with over gel being testing for HIV prevention in some women who used Ushercell were 10,000 members in 171 countries. We are women) have been halted due to preliminary found to be at increased risk of HIV infec- writing to you to express our shock and results at some sites indicating potential in- tion,” said Dr. Pedro Cahn, President of the dismay at the guilty verdict and subsequent creased risk for HIV among women who use IAS and Director of Fundación Huésped death sentences imposed on five Bulgarian the compound. The findings of increased in Buenos Aires, Argentina. “This will nurses and a Palestinian doctor in relation to risk were identified at some sites in a trial strengthen future microbicide research and the spread of HIV at Benghazi Hospital. sponsored by CONRAD, a cooperating increase our overall knowledge of how such agency of USAID administered through the compounds work.” It is alleged that these health workers de- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology liberately spread HIV amongst 426 children at Eastern Virginia Medical School in the “The importance of developing a safe and in the hospital, and caused the subsequent United States. The CONRAD trial was being effective microbicide to protect women from death of 52 of these children. While we are conducted in South Africa, Benin, Uganda HIV infection cannot be understated,” said certainly not indifferent to the tragedy of and India. While emphasizing the urgent Dr. Cahn. “We must give women the tools the deaths, and extend our condolences to need for the timely development of an ef- to protect themselves, independent of their the families of the children, we are outraged fective microbicide to protect women from partners’ actions.” that the blame for these infections and HIV infection, the IAS also recognizes the deaths has been placed at the feet of the utmost importance of safety, and applauds The halted trials were two of six Phase heath-care workers. the decision to halt the studies to evaluate III microbicide trials underway at the start the preliminary findings. of 2007. Four additional Phase III trials of Evidence has confirmed that the doctor other candidates are ongoing. and nurses are not responsible for the Family Health International, sponsor spread of HIV at Benghazi Hospital. Both of the second halted trial in Nigeria, had Further data on microbicides and other Luc Montagnier, the co-discoverer of HIV, not found similar results but halted the biomedical prevention tools will be dis- and Vittorio Colizzi of Rome University have trial as a precautionary measure, given the cussed during the upcoming 4th IAS Con- testified that the HIV infections pre-dated preliminary results in the CONRAD trial. At ference on HIV Pathogenesis, Treatment the defendants’ arrival at the hospital. In this point, it is not clear why the use of cel- and Prevention in Sydney. addition, a study of the children’s blood con- IAS Newsletter March 2007 Message from the Executive Director 

Coordinator, Nicolas Faurès – Webmaster, Fight AIDS, TB and Malaria. ■ Olivia Mettler – Senior Accountant, Isabel Gonzalez – Conference Programme Project Officer and Pattharaporn Meinich – Junior Administration Assistant. Christian Öborg has changed position within the organization – his new post is Senior Manager – Quality Assurance and Business Integration. Florin Craig McClure Costea is now Team Leader for the IT De- IAS Executive Director partment. In addition, the first local staff for AIDS 2008 Mexico are in place: Luz Alcocer Message from the – Local Conference Project Coordinator, and Katja Suarez – Local Conference Logistics Executive Director Officer. And finally, the IAS wishes a warm farewell to Olivia Dunlop, our former Senior The Secretariat is charging ahead with Accountant. the implementation of our workplan for 2007. We are pleased to have exceeded On the Governing Council, the IAS bids our targets for 2006 in “Stronger Together goodbye to Dr. Jaap Goudsmit of the Neth- – IAS Strategic Framework 2005-2009”. erlands and thanks him for his six years AIDS 2006 in Toronto demonstrated the of service. Replacing him until the end of significant strides that have been made his term in 2008 is Dr. Andrzej Horban of over the past two years towards permanent Poland. We welcome Dr. Horban back to capacity and expertise in the Secretariat to the Council and thank him for stepping in deliver on our goals. temporarily to fill this vacancy.

Following decisions made at the annual Finally, the IAS Governing Council and Sec- retreat of the IAS Governing Council in No- retariat are thrilled to congratulate Professor vember 2006, the Secretariat has expanded Michel Kazatchkine, European Governing 4th IAS Conference on HIV Pathogenesis, in a few key areas. The following individuals Council member, on his recent appointment Treatment and Prevention | 22-25 July 2007 have joined: George Valiotis – Education as Executive Director of the Global Fund to

ducted by Oxford University has shown that a comprehensive strategy to prevent new given these significant caveats,” McClure the sub-type of HIV involved was present in HIV infections worldwide,” said Dr. Pedro added. the blood of patients long before the arrival Cahn, President of the IAS and Director of the defendants. of Fundación Huésped in Buenos Aires, The IAS urged the development of inter- Argentina. “The NIH study confirms ear- national guidelines that underscore the By disregarding or not reviewing this lier research announced in 2005 in Rio de fact that male circumcision is a surgical testimony from the world’s leading HIV sci- Janeiro, and marks a significant milestone procedure that must be performed safely, entists, the Libyan justice system has failed in global HIV prevention efforts.” in a sterile, clinical environment, with op- to deliver a fair trial. We therefore request portunities for medical follow up. the immediate and unconditional release of The earlier study (Auvert et al), announced the Palestinian doctor and Bulgarian nurses at the 3rd IAS Conference on HIV Patho- Moreover, the studies in Kenya and convicted of this crime. genesis and Treatment in Rio de Janeiro, Uganda focused on the risk of female-to- showed a 60 percent reduction in female-to- male transmission, and do not address Sincerely, male transmission among trial participants. whether the female sexual partners of Dr. Pedro Cahn, President, International The study was conducted in South Africa by circumcised men are also protected. A AIDS Society French and South African researchers and separate clinical trial, led by researchers at Craig McClure, Executive Director, Inter- was supported by the French Agence Natio- the Johns Hopkins University, is evaluating national AIDS Society nale de Recherches sur le SIDA (ANRS). the effect of male circumcision on women’s risk of infection. Results of that study are Male Circumcision Together, these three studies provide expected in 2007. The International AIDS Society (IAS) conclusive evidence of the effectiveness of today hailed the results of two National male circumcision, particularly for men in “As important a finding as this is, we can- Institutes of Health clinical trials in Kenya countries with high HIV prevalence. not lose sight of equally important goals on and Uganda, which demonstrate that adult the horizon, including the development of a male circumcision could effectively halve “Male circumcision represents the most female-controlled HIV prevention method the risk of HIV infection among men. As significant new prevention tool available. such as a microbicide,” said Dr. Cahn. the world’s leading independent association However, it is no panacea,” said IAS Execu- “Microbicides, pre-exposure prophylaxis of HIV professionals, the IAS urged care- tive Director Craig McClure. “The studies (PREP) and vaccines are additional tools ful, yet rapid implementation of this new did not address men’s risk of infection that, if effective, will help put prevention in prevention tool, particularly in countries through anal sex, and circumcision does not the hands of women themselves. In addi- with high HIV prevalence. eliminate the need for continued condom tion, universal access to ARV treatment for use and related behavioral change. While people living with HIV/AIDS who need it “When performed safely, adult male doing everything we can to implement this may also prove to have a beneficial impact circumcision represents a powerful tool in new strategy, we must do so responsibly, on prevention at a population level.” ■  The AIDS Denialists are Still Around IAS Newsletter March 2007

The AIDS Denialists are Still Around By John P. Moore, Jeanne Bergman and Mark A. Wainberg When AIDS denialists are mentioned to HIV professionals, a common response is the question, “Are these people still around?” Unfortunately, they are indeed still active. Their insistence that HIV either does not exist, or that it is a real but harmless passenger virus, continues to confuse and kill. This is particularly true in South Africa where, since 1999, Presi- dent Mbeki has taken the AIDS denialists all too seriously.,

The resulting scientifically flawed poli- is perpetrated in cyberspace on sites like of a three-year old girl from AIDS. The Attor- cies of the Mbeki administration, including these is obvious to HIV professionals, but ney General’s Office will bring the charges resistance to scaling up the provision of can be highly misleading to the general before an Administrative Law Judge later antiretroviral treatment, cost South Africa public, particularly those who are gullible this year. The child’s HIV-positive mother, an uncountable number of HIV infections or desperate. Christine Maggiore, a very active denialist, and deaths during the explosive expansion proselytizes in Mothering Magazine and via of the epidemic there in the 1990s and in The real-world impact of the arguments the internet against the prophylactic use of the first years of the 21st century. Using the made by AIDS denialists is exemplified by ARVs by HIV-positive pregnant women, and 2003 model developed by the South Africa an ongoing legal case in Australia. A man in favor of . Actuarial Society, HIV prevalence within convicted for knowingly exposing two the adult population is now estimated to be women to HIV and infecting one of them is Maggiore herself took no precautions almost 20%. Recently, AIDS activists and defending himself in the sentencing phase against perinatal transmission and would scientists, led by the Treatment Action using two classic denialist claims: that HIV not allow her daughter to be tested for HIV Campaign (TAC), scored a major victory does not exist and, even if it were a real virus, even when she was desperately ill – all over the beetroot, garlic and lemon juice it cannot be transmitted heterosexually. The because she refuses to accept that HIV is a quackery promoted by South African denialist position is represented in court by potentially lethal virus. The child, tragically, Health Minister Manto Tshabalala-Msi- Valendar Turner and Eleni Papadopoulos- did not live long enough to be able to formu- mang. Improved access to antiretroviral Eleopoulos, staff members of the Royal late her own opinions. The cause of death, drugs (ARVs) to the many South Africans Perth Hospital who have never worked on according to a September 15, 2005 report who need them now seems finally to be hap- HIV themselves., Leading Australian HIV by the County Coroner, was pening, thanks in no small part to the coura- scientists have devoted significant time and AIDS-related . Justice should geous position taken by the Deputy Health effort to the trial, acting as expert witnesses. prevail, but there is always a concern when Minister, Nozizwe Madlala-Routledge, who The participation of AIDS scientists is nec- complex medical and scientific issues about has led the policy shift on HIV in the South essary to debunk denialist misinformation HIV and AIDS are evaluated and applied African government. in a highly visible venue, irrespective of by laypeople. Substantial media coverage of whether one believes in the merits of this trial must be anticipated. The ensuing This is an important success, but it will not imprisonment for sexual behavior such as publicity will increase the likelihood that yet cause the AIDS denialists to disappear over- the defendant’s. A similar criminal case is more people will suffer real consequences night. Their activities are largely, but not now pending in Canada. There now needs by acting on misinformation spread by the exclusively, conducted over the internet on to be international coordination to prevent AIDS denialists. websites that thrive on medical conspiracy further waste of professional resources on theories. The manifest nonsense of what scientifically unfounded claims. Roberto Giraldo, one of Maggiore’s advisors and a research technician at the Another high-profile event will take New York Presbyterian Hospital, appeared  John Moore is faculty at the Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York, USA. Jeanne Bergman works at place in Los Angeles later this year. The Health GAP (Global Access Project), New York, USA, and Mark Medical Board of filed an accu-  Wainberg is faculty at McGill University, Montreal, Canada. Maggiore, C. What if Everything You Knew About AIDS was sation of medical neglect against Dr. Paul Wrong? American Foundation for AIDS Alternatives, revised  Heywood, Mark. The Price of Denial. INTERFUND. 2005. Fleiss because his inaction led to the death 2000.

  Nattras, Nicoli. AIDS, Science and Government: The Battle Gerhard, S. Safe and Sound Underground: HIV-Positive Women Birthing Outside the System. Mothering No. 108, Over Antiretroviral Therapy in Post-Apartheid South Africa.  Bernard, Edwin J. Australian prosecutions for HIV transmis- September/October 2001. University of Cape Town. 9 March 2006. sion highlight need for current UK consultations, deadlines

approach. AIDSMap News. 31 October 2006.   Koenig, Robert. South Africa Bolsters HIV/AIDS Plan, but Ornstein, Charles and Costello, Daniel. A Mother's Denial, a Daughter's Death. LA Times. Obstacles Remain. Science Vol. 314 No. 5804, pp. 1378-1378.  Based on information from the legal team involved in the September 24, 2005. December 2006. Australian criminal case. IAS Newsletter March 2007 The AIDS Denialists are Still Around 

in a documentary film that aired in Latin In New York City, public policy may soon be vent mother-to-child transmission of HIV, America last year. In it, he encouraged changed to exclude children from clinical despite the astonishing success of the drug HIV-infected people to stop taking ARVs trials, as a direct result of AIDS denialism. in preventing vertical transmission, while and instead follow his advice on “better Three years ago, a freelance journalist, Liam lionizing , one of the earli- nutrition” as an AIDS remedy. Mexican Scheff, claimed that foster children with est AIDS denialists. Her article repeated community advocates have reported that, AIDS in a New York City specialized care many of the scientific errors, innuendo and since it has aired, over 150 people living facility were being abused as experimental misconceptions that AIDS denialists usually with HIV in Mexico City, misled by this guinea pigs and poisoned with ARVs. In fact, perpetrate over the internet and has been documentary’s misinformation, have dis- the children were participating in National thoroughly rebutted by scientific experts. continued their antiretroviral treatment, a Institutes of Health PACTG (Paediatric Disturbingly, a well-regarded popular step which will seriously impair their health AIDS Clinical Trials Group) clinical tri- science magazine, Discover, has now pub- if prolonged. Giraldo previously influenced als coordinated by Columbia University lished a long interview/book-plug with Ms Manto Tshabalala-Msimang’s promotion of Medical Center. The trials were designed to Farber. “natural remedies” for AIDS in South Africa; determine the most effective paediatric dos- the AIDS denialists are all inter-connected, ages of drugs already approved for adults What can HIV professionals do about the and they operate globally. with HIV but not available to children. The continued activities of the AIDS denialists? medications tested included antiretrovirals, First, be aware of efforts to counter their The links between AIDS denialism and immune system stimulators, drugs to pre- campaign of misinformation. HIV scientists the industry add yet vent the opportunistic infections that can and activists have established a website another twist to the story. Matthias Rath is kill immune-compromised children (such for this purpose at www.AIDStruth.org. We a multi-millionaire businessman whose ef- as chicken pox) and it also tested interven- encourage IAS members to read the infor- forts to promote the sales of his company’s tions to prevent postnatal seroconversion mation posted on this site and forward the micronutrient-based AIDS remedies in in HIV-exposed infants. Children were link to friends and colleagues. Background South Africa are the subject of a recent enrolled with the consent of parents or information and supporting documentation exposé in The New Yorker by Michael Spec- guardians and under the oversight of New for a number of the events and issues cov- ter. David Rasnick, an AIDS denialist, was York City's Administration of Children's ered in this article is available on the website employed by Rath to help conduct illegal Services. Many of these children were at www.AIDStruth.org/iasnewsletter. “clinical trials” of these micronutrients, African-American, leading to allegations the results of which were published in a of Tuskegee-style experimentation that Second, challenge AIDS denialism and full-page, very expensive advertisement in prompted local community politicians to all pseudoscience whenever it appears in The New York Times10. Similar advertise- become involved without knowing the facts the legitimate local and national press. For ments in the South African press, urging or understanding the science.14 As a result, example, HIV professionals might consider South Africans with HIV to reject antiviral a potentially tragic policy change is being whether they wish to support in any way medications, are no longer permitted as a contemplated that would exclude foster magazines like Harper’s and Discover that result of rulings by the Advertising Stan- children from all clinical trials, no matter give space to AIDS denialists. dards Authority of South Africa (ASASA).11 how urgent the medical emergency. It is Rasnick repeatedly misrepresented himself ironic that the stunning success of ARVs Third, if AIDS denialism surfaces within in the South African press as having a formal in paediatric populations seems to have your own institution, particularly if students affiliation at the University of California, allowed some communities to forget the become involved, bring the weight of your Berkeley; although his eccentric views devastating death rates among HIV-infected influence and scientific knowledge to rebut on HIV/AIDS are similar to those of that children in the 1980s and early 1990s, a its spurious claims. university’s Professor Peter Duesberg, situation which drove researchers and Rasnick himself has no status there.12 physicians to make adult drugs available Finally, serious consideration should be to children in the first place. given to the consequences of what the AIDS Another AIDS denialist with close links to denialists have done and will continue to do, Rath is Anthony Brink, who in January 2007 The BBC in 2004 broadcast a video version of if unchecked. There are well-accepted lim- filed a bizarre complaint of genocide against Scheff’s story, with “research” by the AIDS its to free speech when it applies to public TAC’s founder and current Chair, Zackie denialist writer Celia Farber and starring health (is it considered acceptable to pro- Achmat, in the International Criminal Court Christine Maggiore. The lurid insinuations mote cigarette-smoking in schools?). The in The Hague. The indictment alleges that were repeated on the BBC website, without denialists will not simply disappear; their Achmat has poisoned South Africans with any check into the underlying facts. A num- motivations (publicity-seeking, profit, per- ARVs and demands that Achmat be incar- ber of individuals, including the authors of sonal denial) are too strong. Coordination cerated, strapped blind-folded to a gurney this article, have registered a formal protest on an international scale is now required and forcibly injected with AZT and similar with the BBC, identifying many specific er- to defeat them wherever they surface. drugs. No doubt the successes of TAC in rors and misleading claims and noting how HIV professionals need to know what the helping put South African AIDS policies on this shoddy journalism has damaged public denialists’ agendas are, and educate their a rational basis have irked Brink and his health.15 patients and the public accordingly before fellow AIDS denialists.13 the deadly impact of this phenomenon has Last spring, Harper’s Magazine printed a additional opportunities to expand the AIDS long article by Celia Farber in which she epidemic. ■ questioned the use of nevirapine to pre- 10 Professor Leslie London, a medical ethicist at the Uni­ versity of Cape Town, in an affidavit filed before the Cape High Court. 14 The Tuskegee Syphilis Study of the U.S. Public Health Service 11 The 2005 Africa ASASA ruling is online at followed the course of disease in 399 African-American men www.quackwatch.org/11Ind/rath3.html. with syphilis from 1932 to 1972. The men were denied treat- ment even after the efficacy of penicillin was discovered in 12 Rasnick sets the record straight. The Citizen. 31 January 2007. 1947, and were lied to by researchers who told them that they were being treated. 13 Goldacre, Ben. No Way to Treat an AIDS Hero. The Guardian. 20 January 2007. 15 The full complaint is available online at www.AIDStruth.org.  The XVI International AIDS Conference: Will it Have a Legacy? IAS Newsletter March 2007

to imagine that we will win the global battle against AIDS. We are grateful that there now seems to be consensus throughout the world that nothing must be permitted to interfere with the rights of HIV infected individuals to gain access to antiretroviral drugs, regardless of where they live or their ability to pay. This concept was symbolised by the theme of the conference, “Time to Deliver”, which underlined the fact that we must all be held accountable in regard to the compelling need to bring treatment, preven- tion and care to everyone in need.

with new and improved treatments for AIDS 2006 may also be recognized over The XVI International AIDS HIV disease, including some of the most time as having played a key role regard- Conference: Will it Have a robust data ever presented on the Merck ing changes in South African government integrase inhibitor, MK-0518. Other com- policies toward HIV/AIDS that occurred Legacy? pelling presentations included the results of subsequent to the conference. Many will Helene Gayle and Mark A. Wainberg the KLEAN trial that compared lopinavir/r recall that president Mbeki had embraced against fosamprenavir/r in a randomized a number of HIV denialist views in recent As Co-Chairs of the XVI Interna- controlled trial in which patients also years, views which were promulgated by tional AIDS Conference (AIDS received the nucleoside combination of his Health Minister, Manto Tshabalala-Msi- 2006) held in Toronto, Canada, 3TC/abacavir. Novel data were presented mang, and which one Late Breaker abstract on CCR5 antagonists that are currently estimated had cost over 300,000 South Afri- 13-18 August 2006, we were being developed by both Pfizer and Scher- can lives. The Treatment Action Campaign gratified that attendance eclipsed all previous International AIDS Conferences. Most observers concurred that the conference was a great success from both scientific and social standpoints.

First, many people have written to thank us for having organized a conference that was so strong in regard to prevention. This is important, since prevention research is critical to stemming the spread of HIV. The ing, both of which show great promise. A (TAC) and its allies in South Africa have conference included important sessions sense of renewed optimism emerged from long and courageously fought for a reversal on microbicides and preventive vaccines. AIDS 2006 regarding the fact that our thera- of these policies and they deserve immense It reported on key concepts and progress peutic arsenal will soon include members credit for the recent rationalisation of South in regard to the initiation of clinical trials of two novel additional classes: integrase African government policies on HIV/AIDS. testing a number of prevention modalities, inhibitors and CCR5 (entry) inhibitors. Their cause was helped by the fact that nu- and included sessions on the important merous speakers at the International AIDS concept of pre-exposure prophylaxis. The At the same time, the conference recog- Conference in Toronto criticized comments conference also provided a forum for dis- nized that we must make far greater prog- made by Manto Tshabalala-Msimang, who cussing male circumcision and whether ress in bringing the benefits of antiretroviral stated at the start of the conference that this procedure might be shown to protect therapy to people in developing countries. lemon juice, beetroot and garlic were ef- women from being infected by HIV positive Despite considerable progress during the fective treatments for HIV. The message partners in addition to protecting men from last six years in regard to antiretroviral of TAC, its allies and other speakers at the HIV infection. drug access, the reality is that more people conference were picked up by both South became newly infected by HIV during 2006 African and international media, and un- The conference also was recognized for than had access to antiretroviral drugs. As doubtedly helped catalyze the South African the many compelling abstracts that dealt long as this situation persists, it is difficult government’s reassessment of its approach to HIV. We are, of course, delighted that these changes have now come about and believe that AIDS 2006 played an important role in securing this shift. In summary, we believe that AIDS 2006 will indeed have an important legacy and will be looked back on as a turning point in the global battle against the HIV epidemic. We feel honoured to have been the co-chairs of this important event and are grateful to all those who worked with us to ensure its success. ■ IAS Newsletter March 2007 IAS 2007: Narrowing the Gap between Science and Practice | Education Activities at IAS 2007 

AIDS 2008 Conference Coordinating Committee Members The IAS is pleased to announce the 26 members of the Conference Coordinating Committee for the XVII International AIDS Conference, to be held in Mexico City, 3-8 August 2008:

• Mario Bronfman Pertzovsky • Juan Jacobo Hernandez Chavez • Ana Luisa Liguori Hershcops • Marie Laga • Jose-Maria Gatell Both commercial and non-commercial IAS 2007: Narrowing the • Phillippa Lawson organizations will have the opportunity to • Beatrice Were Gap between Science and showcase their products, programmes and • Stephen Lewis services to a targeted audience, with an ex- Practice • Javier Luis Hourcade Bellocq hibition area of over 5,000 square meters. • Kieran Daly IAS 2007 - the 4th Conference on HIV • Mauro Guarinieri and Beri Hull (shared seat) Pathogenesis, Treatment and Prevention To encourage broader participation in • Sophie Dilmitis - promises to build on the success of the the conference, organizers are offering a • Pascal Tanguay previous conference in Rio, where delegates two-tiered fee structure, with lower regis- • Luis Enrique Soto Ramirez (Conference co-chair) attended from more than 125 countries, tration fees for delegates from middle and • Maria del Carmen Gorbea Robles and will provide an ideal opportunity for low-income countries (as defined by the • Angelica Maria Valenzuela Gracia networking and collaboration. World Bank), and will award at least 200 • Carlos Garcia de Leon Moreno scholarships. In an effort to further expand • Jorge Saavedra Lopez Leading scientists, public health experts access, webcasts of plenary and other key • Patricia Oznaya and health practitioners will examine how sessions, as well as online coverage of scien- • Robin Jackson scientific advances can, in very practi- tific sessions, will be provided through IAS’ • Andrew Ball cal ways, inform the global response to partners, the Kaiser Family Foundation and • Stephano Bertozzi HIV/AIDS, and how best to bridge the gap Clinical Care Options respectively. • Pedro Cahn (International conference co-chair) between science and practice. The confer- • Elly Katabira ence will also feature reports on the latest For more information on IAS 2007 visit • Craig McClure developments in the areas of basic, clinical www.ias2007.org. ■ • Julio Montaner and prevention science. • Mats Ahnlund (ex-officio)

ASHM Before you finalise your travel arrange- Education Activities at As conference preparations gather speed, ments to Sydney, we invite you to review the IAS 2007 we continue to work closely with local range of courses on offer in July 2007. For organizations to prepare the city for IAS more information on course content and IAS Activities 2007. Our annual conference will this year for registration information, please visit the The IAS is pleased to announce a pilot edu­ be completely incorporated into IAS 2007. ASHM website at www.ashm.org.au. cation programme: Current Research & However, our informative HIV education Translational Issues in Basic, Clinical, and programme will be held in conjunction with We look forward to welcoming you soon Prevention Science. the conference as usual. to the beautiful city of Sydney. ■

In conjunction with IAS 2007, the IAS, in Activities Date/s partnership with the Australasian Society International Short Course in HIV Medicine July 17 – July 20 for HIV Medicine (ASHM), is delivering an education programme on Friday, 20 International Laboratory Seminar July 19 and 20 July 2007 in Sydney, Australia. This one day Australian Short Course in HIV Medicine July 18 – July 20 course is for graduate and post-doctoral stu- dents and junior faculty to build their skills IAS Education Programme July 20 and knowledge of critical research ques- Australian Viral Hepatitis Course July 19 and 20 tions and translational research issues. The programme includes plenary presentations Basic Science Workshop: “Translating Basic HIV Immunology into Novel July 21 and smaller cross-disciplinary discussions Interventions” related to the three major scientific tracks Professional Societies Think Tank July 21 of the conference. The seminar will help participants build clear and meaningful Papua New Guinea Research Workshop (tbc) July 26 pathways for involvement in the conference APNAC-NIH Meeting (organised by ASHM and the Asia Pacific Neuro July 21 and include skills-building workshops on AIDS Consortium) writing for publication and grant proposal Clinical Educators Workshop July 26 writing.  Governing Council Approves Policy Advocacy Framework IAS Newsletter March 2007

over 170 countries worldwide, the diversity are claims that HIV does not cause AIDS, of cultures, priority issues, and status of the and that the epidemiology of AIDS is mis- response in each region, the IAS needed a represented in global reports. The IAS will set of common principles, values and criteria counter this trend by intensifying its role as to inform both proactive and reactive policy a global knowledge broker in the promotion and advocacy action. The IAS will promote of research, and translation of evidence into policies based on human rights; improved policy and practice. In the strategy period, equity; greater involvement of affected com- the IAS will seek to add value to policy issues munities, accountability for internationally where there is polarization or controversy agreed commitments; translation and ap- through facilitation of dialogue, discussion plication of evidence for sound policy and and debate. effective service delivery; recognition of increased vulnerability; working in partner- 4. fighting Discrimination and ship; protecting the independence of the IAS Promoting Rights of People Living voice; and strengthening the relevance of with HIV: International AIDS Conferences as it relates One of the key lessons from AIDS 2006 is to international AIDS policy and advocacy. that we must remain vigilant in galvanizing a response to stigma against people living Governing Council In identifying specific themes for IAS with HIV, with the same level of focus, pas- Approves Policy and Policy work, the GC reviewed the 2000 sion and commitment that characterizes the Millennium Declaration, the May 2006 search for effective HIV treatments. The Advocacy Framework UNGASS Political Declaration, recent G8 IAS is profoundly concerned at the persis- Jacqueline Bataringaya commitments including Universal Access tence of policies and laws that stigmatize by 2010, strategies of key global health and discriminate against people living with Members of the Governing institutions and highlights of AIDS 2006. HIV, and is also alarmed by the increasing Council (GC) recognized that In addition, group discussions reflected on criminalization of HIV transmission. In challenges facing each region and proposed many cases patient confidentiality has been the XVI International AIDS priority issues on which they felt that IAS violated. There needs to be greater discus- Conference (AIDS 2006) held in would add value, and which fit within the sion and debate on whether prosecutions Toronto provided the world with IAS Strategic Framework 2005-2009. and imprisonment are in the public health an opportunity to mark several interest, and how responsibility for pre- Major Issues Identified at theGC vention of transmission is shared between critical anniversaries in the his- Retreat: sexual partners in various contexts. tory of the epidemic. Reflecting on 25 years of the epidemic and 1. addressing the Health Workforce 5. Social Science Research - Impacts Crisis and Strengthening Health of Religious Ideology and Political 10 years of HAART showed that Systems: Science: despite the increase in global There was overwhelming agreement on the The IAS has a potentially important role in resources to fight the epidemic, importance of the global health workforce addressing issues of religious fundamen- with close to 40 million people crisis to the IAS, with the African region talism, international relations and human considering it a top priority for urgent ac- security. The IAS policy and advocacy living with HIV world-wide, the tion. Over the next two years, the IAS will strategy will aim to improve the quality of global response is not keeping seek to mobilize and connect more with social and political analysis that informs pace with the epidemic. The IAS members at regional and international lev- policy, research and programme scale-up; has growing visibility, voice and els. The IAS’ policy and advocacy activities it will promote intellectual rigor and the will also take into account broader health interest of top researchers in social sci- a responsibility to play an im- system strengthening, and integration of ences and humanities on issues that have portant role in global HIV/AIDS other infectious diseases, co-morbidities been considered of special significance to Policy and Advocacy. and multi-sectoral drivers related to AIDS. the epidemic including the role of religion in hindering and/or supporting policy and 2. Integration of TB and HIV: practice in HIV prevention. In addition, the As a global association and the world’s The Retreat highlighted that weak health IAS will seek strategic engagement of reli- leading independent voice of HIV/AIDS systems underpin poor management of gious leaders across all the major faiths, in professionals, the IAS has the potential to TB/HIV epidemics and underscored the order to seek greater adoption of evidence leverage the expertise, experience, influ- need for strengthened TB/HIV collabora- in their HIV/AIDS and health policies, fund- ence and knowledge of close to 3,500 health tion through the Universal Access agenda. ing practices and service delivery. workers, 2,000 researchers, and 2,000 policy There was strong endorsement for IAS experts who are among its membership of policy and advocacy on TB/HIV related What is the Outlook for Engagement over 10,000. In addition, the IAS can draw on challenges, and support for investment in of the Wider Membership? its strength in mobilizing diverse stakehold- activities that ensure greater visibility and HIV/AIDS policy is in a fast moving and ers around international debates, its ability action, in collaboration with other actors. complex international context. The policy to draw unparalleled media attention toward and advocacy strategy will employ different the challenges facing the response, and its 3. promoting Evidence for Effective approaches in order to empower members unique convening power via the interna- Prevention and Treatment Access: as advocates, and link different professional tional conferences. Despite the re-establishment of preven- expertise the IAS represents at regional and tion as an indivisible partner of treatment, international levels directly to the work of Guiding Principles 2006 also witnessed a ‘rebirth’ of ‘AIDS the organization including targeted expert The GC recognized that with members in denialism’. At the heart of these debates discussion groups. ■ IAS Newsletter March 2007 Initiatives Update 

The IAS Governing Council held its 3rd Annual Retreat - November 2006 in Montreux, Switzerland

Initiatives Update advocates in preparation for a broader PREP be released at IAS 2007 in Sydney. stakeholder meeting at IAS 2007, as well By Rodney Kort as establish a clear process for community Education and Training advocacy coordination and communication George Valiotis, who has extensive experi- Industry Liaison Forum (ILF) as it relates to the design and conduct of ence in HIV and Hepatitis C adult education A series of ILF meetings were held in PREP clinical trials. The IAS has taken a in his native Australia, recently joined the IAS conjunction with the Conference on Retrovi- leading role in facilitating dialogue on PREP and will be taking the lead on coordinating ruses and Opportunistic Infections (CROI) research and implementation issues. A brief its education, training and other professional held in Los Angeles this year. In addition report from this meeting, as well as a larger development initiatives. Inquiries about IAS to reviewing options for ILF engagement multi-stakeholder PREP consultation held education and training activities can be sent in a number of different policy areas, a in conjunction with AIDS 2006, is available to [email protected]. ■ multi-stakeholder ILF meeting was held to in the “Initiatives” section of the IAS website develop consensus guidelines for clinical at www.iasociety.org. trials testing antiretroviral drugs for pre- exposure prophylaxis (PREP) safety and Electronic Journal of the Interna- efficacy. The guidelines will be released at tional AIDS Society (eJIAS) the 4th IAS Conference on HIV Pathogen- eJIAS continues to publish important esis, Treatment and Prevention in July 2007. new research across all HIV disciplines Although they focus on industry’s role and at www.eJIAS.org. Recent articles have responsibilities in PREP research, the IAS included an impact evaluation study of the hopes the guidelines will be helpful in clari- greatest beneficiaries of the International fying the respective ethical and operational AIDS Conference (based on the AIDS 2004 responsibilities of all stakeholders engaged evaluation), and an analysis of key epide- in this important new area of biomedical miological drivers in sub-Saharan Africa, prevention research. along with suggested socio-behavioural interventions to reduce HIV transmission The IAS, in collaboration with the AIDS Vac- in this region. Look for the IAS to expand cine Advocacy Coalition (AVAC) convened a the range of publications available on eJIAS PREP community advocacy planning meet- beyond research studies to policy and posi- ing in February, also in conjunction with the tion papers, commentary and other edito- CROI meeting. The purpose of the meeting rial. An annotated bibliography of articles was to identify key questions for community published in eJIAS is in preparation and will 10 Letter of Intent Signed for FORO 2007 | IAS Adopts Regional Development Strategy IAS Newsletter March 2007

Letter of Intent Signed for FORO 2007

The International AIDS Society and the Horizontal Technical Cooperation Group (GCTH) will collaborate in making the IV Latin American and Caribbean Forum on HIV/AIDS and Sexually Transmitted Infections (FORO 2007) a success. This collaboration was sealed when a Letter of Intent between the two organizations was signed on 18 December 2006.

Under the terms of the Letter of Intent, the IAS will be represented in the Con- ference Steering Committee by Dr. Luis Soto-Ramirez, the IAS Governing Council Regional Representative for Latin America and the Caribbean. Dr. Soto-Ramirez is also Co-chair of the XVII International AIDS Conference which will take place in Mexico in 2008. Dr. Hector Perez, the IAS Governing Council member from Argentina will represent the IAS on the Programme Committee of FORO 2007.

FORO 2007 will take place in Buenos Aires on 17-20 April 2007. The theme of the conference is “Latin America and the Caribbean: Diverse and United Towards Universal Access". ■

IAS Adopts Regional governed and professionally run. Regional logistics. Additionally, greater impact at networks already exist for the Asia-Pa- ground level can be achieved by linking Development Strategy cific and African regions but not in other the global agenda and perspectives that get regions. The second objective is to help generated at the international AIDS confer- The IAS will be implementing ensure that regional conferences are ef- ences with what happens at the regional a comprehensive strategy for fective forums for networking, advocacy, AIDS conferences, and vice versa. policy development and the exchange of regional development, approved best practices, linking them more strongly Anticipated outcomes of IAS activities in at the Governing Council Retreat to the International AIDS Conferences. The this area include the development of struc- in November 2006. final objective is to deliver more direct and tures and systems that ensure democratic, better-targeted services to IAS members transparent and accountable governance, in the regions. more active engagement by members, and The overall goal of the IAS’ regional work effective use of IT in facilitating communica- is to contribute to mobilizing a well-equipped The strategy recognises that there are tions and knowledge transfer. force of HIV professionals to play a leading significant opportunities for collaboration role in the scale-up of HIV research, preven- between the IAS and regional networks. Another output is strengthening the pro- tion, treatment and care. Such collaborations can deliver mutual fessional secretariats that service regional benefits through exchanging expertise networks. Such secretariats serve an impor- The strategy has three specific objectives: and sharing resources. The experience tant role as the institutional memory of the The first is to support sustainable regional of the IAS in evolving into a fully–fledged network, including developing and sharing AIDS networks that are democratically professional membership society could be ideas on funding models and experiences so used by other organizations, and regional important to organizational sustainability. networks have unique experiences in their own development that could be useful to The IAS plans to support the professional the IAS. In addition, they are best placed to development of our members by first iden- identify and clarify key regional issues and tifying their needs through a consultative develop strong regional voices and action process and then designing products and around those agendas. services based on the results of those con- sultations. Members will also be engaged in Between them, existing regional networks organizing events and mobilizing members and the IAS have many years of conference so that they can be a major force in influ- organizing experience, including well-test- encing and setting the regional HIV/AIDS ed models for governance and programme policy agenda. The new strategy will guide development as well as information technol- and better focus the IAS’ contribution to the ogy (IT) tools and systems for conference HIV response at the regional level. ■ IAS Newsletter March 2007 The IAS Talks With Dr. Hector Perez, IAS Governing Council Member from Latin America and the Caribbean 11

The IAS Talks With Dr. Hector Perez, IAS Governing Council Member from Latin America and the Caribbean

Hector Perez, MD, was born in Argentina in 1955. He graduated from the Buenos Aires Univer- sity Medical School in 1979, and after completion of his residence in Internal Medicine, he served as Chief of Residents at the Juan Fernandez Hospital in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Since 1983, he has worked with Dr. Pedro Cahn, setting up the first clinic to assist to provide early treatment. Most people in treatment and access strategies to their col- people living with HIV/AIDS. Latin America and the Caribbean feel they leagues in the region. are only represented by the Pan American Health Organization or UNAIDS. Our pur- Q: What can the IAS do to better link Dr. Perez served several times as external pose is to ensure a strong presence for the with the regions? advisor for The Pan American Health Orga- IAS here, as the Durban conference repre- A: Up until now, our link with the regions nization (PAHO) and World Health Orga- sented the “voice of reason” [in sub-Saharan has only been related to conferences. As nization (WHO). He served as a member Africa]. Conferences such as FORO 2007 in Mark Wainberg – past president of the IAS of the panel which developed Guidelines Buenos Aires and the International AIDS – said, “Durban was a demonstration of the for Antiretroviral Treatment in Adults for Conference in 2008 in Mexico City (AIDS joint efforts of the north and south in fight- Latin American and Caribbean Countries, 2008) should be the first step to achieving ing HIV/AIDS”. We need to create better PAHO, 2001. Dr. Perez has also been a this goal in our region. conditions for expanding human resources permanent member of the HIV Guidelines in different health fields. Our participation Committee of the Social Security System in Q: What are the main challenges in must be stronger in regional meetings. It is Argentina since 1994. Dr. Perez was staff of HIV/AIDS in your region and how are important that prevention messages keep the National AIDS Program in Argentina, they being addressed? pace with the epidemiology of the pandemic, from 1992 to 1996. From 1995 to 1999 he A: In our region most people find out which in Latin America is now spreading served as Vice-President for the Argentine about their condition when they get an op- mainly through heterosexual transmis- AIDS Society. Dr. Perez was part of the Con- portunistic infection, such as tuberculosis, sion. Related to this is the importance of ference Organizing Committee for the 1st diarrhoea, slim disease, fever or other testing and providing treatment to pregnant IAS Conference on HIV Pathogenesis and conditions related to HIV. In low income women, preventing MTCT, and testing and Treatment. Dr. Perez is responsible for the regions, receiving patients with advanced treating children. Maybe it sounds as if we clinical branch at the Infectious Diseases HIV disease not only increases health were talking about Africa, but that is also Unit, Hospital Juan Fernandez, Buenos programme costs but also excludes young the reality in this region. Another topic on Aires, Argentina. His main focus of interest people from education and the labour force. which we should focus is to improve com- is HIV/TB co-infection and issues on access Our major challenge is to try to get people to munication with people of other ethnicities to ARV therapy. seek medical consultation before becoming and those speaking different languages. ill, which means not only knowing about Q: Dr. Perez, how do you see your role HIV infection but also working on preven- Q: Why would you advise someone as an IAS Governing Council (GC) tion. The world speaks about the problem to become a member of the IAS? member in the Latin America and in Africa, Asia and Eastern Europe but in A: The upcoming conferences FORO 2007 the Caribbean region? our region the number of infected people and AIDS 2008 should be cornerstones A: I think that a member of the Govern- has increased by up to two million in the not only for people living with HIV, but ing Council for the Latin America and the last decade. Although Brazil and Argentina also for health authorities. I think that the Caribbean region must be a link between have universal access to treatment, most of response to HIV/AIDS requires a stronger different professionals in the field of HIV/ the other countries from the Latin America commitment of the society, like in Africa AIDS and people living with the virus. Our and the Caribbean region show a different and other regions. Today, discrimination region has more than two million people reality, where they are without antiretrovi- is still common in our countries and this living with HIV, many of them unaware of ral therapy, including treatments proven reduces opportunities of early consulting, their condition. It is necessary and impor- to prevent mother to child transmission. treatment and prevention. As long as the tant that countries and health authorities Many efforts have been made during the community believes this is “somebody understand that treatment is important to last five years on these topics by govern- else’s problem”, we are far from finding reduce transmission. Our role in the region ment health authorities, but the IAS can do solutions. Why would I advise someone to is to promote wider access to voluntary test- additional work to empower its membership become a member of the IAS? Because we ing and counselling for everybody in order to share their knowledge about prevention, are Stronger Together. ■ 12 IAS Member World Map: Profiles from Latin America and the Caribbean | Download free /aids IAS Newsletter March 2007

IAS Member World

Map: Profiles from Dr. Mirian Sotolongo Cardozo is an im- e Latin America and the munologist at the Hospital Coromoto in Maracaibo, Venezuela. Information on the Caribbean Maria Angelina Castillo from the Domini- hospital is available at www.hospitalcoro- can Republic works as the HIV/AIDS and moto.com/index2.htm The IAS has more than 10,000 members in Tuberculosis Activity Manager for the

171 countries. Our members face huge chal- United States Agency for International De- Dr. Mariangela Freitas Silveira is Epidemi- www.sandstromdesign.s lenges in responding to the HIV epidemic in velopment (USAID/DR) in San Domingo, ologist and Associate Professor of Maternal their region. In this issue of the newsletter Dominican Republic. Information on the and Child Department at the Faculty of we introduce some members from Latin programmes delivered in the Dominican Medicine, Federal University of Pelotas, America and the Caribbean. Republic by USAID is available at www. Brazil. Information on its services is avail-

usaid.gov/dr. able at www.ufpel.tche.br. design: Newsletter Dr. Juan Carlos Andia Zambrana works for the NGO Fundación ACOGE in Bolivia and Dr. Hubert Morquette works in Port-au- Dr. Diego Cecchini works for Muniz Hospital Chile. ACOGE focuses on medical training, Prince as World Relief Country Director of in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Muniz is the research and monitoring and evaluation of Haiti, a nation that faces the biggest develop- main Argentinean referral center for infec- HIV/AIDS programmes in Latin America. ment challenge in the western hemisphere. tious diseases and assists more than 800 More information is available at www.fun- Information on World Relief programmes is TB patients yearly. The hospital’s website is dacionacoge.org. available at www.wr.org. www.mundosano.org/hospital/main.html.

Download free hiv/aids organ system. The site was developed by Dr. Bernard Hirschel, Chief of the HIV/AIDS slides and images Division at Geneva University Hospital. One of the slides The site content, including the slides and available on www. aids-images.ch, The AIDS Images Library is a searchable photographs are available for download free showing CMV online library of AIDS-related images for of charge online at www.aids-images.ch or Retinitis on the health care providers. Images, illustrations link directly from the IAS website at www. left and a normal and tables from this site are organized ac- iasociety.org. retina on the right cording to the disease, type of image and

The IAS invites you to visit our website at www.iasociety.org or get in touch with us at: International AIDS Society HQ | P.O. Box 20, CH - 1216 Cointrin, Geneva, Switzerland | Phone: +41-(0)22-7100 800 | Fax: +41-(0)22-7100 899 | Our email address is [email protected] | We are looking forward to hearing from you.