The 19th European AIDS Conference (EACS 2023), a highly anticipated event in the field of HIV/AIDS, was held grandly in Warsaw, Poland, from October 18 to 20, 2023. The conference provided a robust platform for medical professionals and researchers in the HIV/AIDS field, facilitating a comprehensive and multi-faceted discussion on urgent issues in combating HIV/AIDS. It showcased numerous breakthrough clinical studies and honored outstanding contributors in the field. The conference offered a thorough and in-depth interpretation of the current status and future vision of global HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment.
Professor Justina Kowalska, co-chair of EACS, delivered a keynote speech titled “There and back again – HIV epidemic in Central Eastern Europe 20” at the opening ceremony. She highlighted the need for a more comprehensive strategy in the fight against HIV, encompassing biomedical, scientific, and social-oriented aspects. Despite significant progress in Western Europe, Eastern Europe continues to face serious challenges in combating the AIDS epidemic. Kowalska reiterated the importance of overcoming obstacles such as limitations in harm reduction programs and persistent stigmatization.
At EACS 2023, scholars from around the world presented the latest epidemiological data on new HIV infections, revealing a worrying increase in HIV infection rates among men. This trend underscores the need for more extensive public education, especially among vulnerable groups, and the development of sustainable research and innovation strategies. Despite global progress in HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment, deeply rooted stigmatization and discrimination hinder screening, diagnosis, and treatment of HIV infections. Overall, EACS 2023 reinforced the global resolve to conquer the AIDS epidemic, committing to eliminate prejudices and stereotypes against the HIV/AIDS community and pave the way for improved prevention and treatment for those living with HIV.
During the conference, the “EACS Award 2023” was presented to Professor Christine Katlama, former chair of EACS and a professor at Sorbonne University in France. Peter Reiss, chair of the EACS Award 2023 Committee and emeritus professor at the University of Amsterdam Academic Medical Center, awarded the medal and highlighted Professor Katlama’s decades of outstanding achievements in the HIV field. Her contributions span several scientific areas, including breakthrough research in antiretroviral therapy, development of therapeutic HIV vaccines, and exploration of potential HIV cures. She has been instrumental in bridging clinical medicine, basic science, and epidemiology in the HIV field.
EACS Award 2023”Christine Katlama
Additionally, the “EACS Award 2023” was awarded to Alex Schneider, a member of the European AIDS Treatment Group (EATG) and leader of the scientific cooperation partner program. Schneider initiated the “U=U” (Undetectable Equals Untransmittable) public campaign in Eastern Europe and Central Asia and actively participated in raising public awareness about HIV through campaigns like “No HIV Stigma” and the recent “Respect My HIV.” He played a significant role in eliminating HIV stigma and discrimination. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he provided steadfast support and assistance to HIV-infected individuals, offering a lifeline to thousands facing difficulties.
TAG: EACS 2023,Commentary, HIV/AIDS
EACS Award 2023 Alex Schneider
The successful convening of EACS 2023 signifies a strong spirit of unity and unwavering determination to combat the AIDS epidemic, outlining the direction and challenges for the ongoing fight against HIV/AIDS. Passionate social activists, dedicated medical researchers, and committed community advocates worked together during the conference, injecting hope into the goal of eliminating the AIDS epidemic by 2030.
