Posts by Mourabit Halima

In 2023, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended that countries with low HIV prevalence adopt a triple testing approach to confirm HIV-positive diagnoses. Specifically, WHO advises countries with an HIV prevalence below 5% to use three consecutive tests to ensure a 99% diagnostic accuracy. The proportion of positive HIV tests in a population can impact diagnostic accuracy, and when the HIV positivity rate is below 5%, at least three consecutive tests are required to guarantee a 99% accuracy rate in diagnosis.

Early detection and treatment of HIV play a crucial role in AIDS prevention and control. A critical battlefield is emerging with increasing importance—the timely detection of acute HIV infection (AHI). AHI refers to the period from the entry of the HIV virus into the body until antibodies become detectable, typically occurring within a few weeks to a few months after infection. During this period, the virus replicates rapidly within the body, leading to a sharp increase in viral load, reaching its peak concentration. Consequently, individuals with AHI are at high risk of transmitting HIV and are a key focus for controlling the spread of the virus. At the 25th International AIDS Conference (AIDS2024), Infectious Diseases Frontier(IIDF) invited Dr. Eduard Sanders from the Aurum Institute in Johannesburg, South Africa, and Dr. Hugo Xi, Senior Medical Director of Scientific and Clinical Affairs at Abbott, to discuss the strategic importance and urgency of AHI detection. They emphasized the immense potential of innovative fourth-generation rapid HIV screening tests in identifying highly infectious individuals. Faced with challenges such as high testing costs, limited data, and false positives, they call for increased public awareness of AHI and advocate for policy adjustments and technological advancements to ensure more people benefit from this crucial testing.

On the global journey to eliminate HIV infections among children, different countries and regions face distinctly different challenges. Recently, at the AIDS2024 conference, Dr. Kira Elsbernd from the University of Munich in Germany delivered a special report on the risk factors involved in HIV vertical transmission and was interviewed by Infectious Diseases Frontier(IIDF). Dr. Elsbernd pointed out that there are significant differences in the rates of HIV vertical transmission between Mozambique and Tanzania. Key factors such as age, duration of antiretroviral therapy, number of antenatal care visits, and viral load at the time of delivery play crucial roles. To effectively reduce the mother-to-child transmission rate of HIV, she emphasized the need for a deep understanding of these risk factors and the design of targeted interventions. Additionally, Dr. Elsbernd expressed optimism about emerging fields and technologies, such as point-of-care diagnostics and broadly neutralizing antibodies, which she believes will play a significant role in the future prevention of pediatric HIV.

Pediatric care and treatment for children with HIV infection have always been a critical component in the global fight against AIDS. Recently, at the AIDS2024 conference, Dr. Anna Turkova from University College London shared her insights with Infectious Diseases Frontier(IIDF) on the breakthrough advancements in pediatric HIV care. She highlighted that the detection and diagnosis of undiagnosed children with HIV remain a major challenge that requires ongoing effort and investment. While the use of dolutegravir-based triple oral therapy has led to significant success in treating pediatric HIV, the development and application of innovative therapies such as long-acting injectables are still in progress. Additionally, psychosocial support is crucial in pediatric HIV care. Looking to the future, Dr. Turkova envisions long-acting injectable preventive treatments, painting a hopeful picture for the global pediatric HIV care landscape.