# 14th International Conference on HIV Treatment, Pathogenesis, and Prevention Research (INTEREST)

> **NIH NIH R13** · DUKE UNIVERSITY · 2020 · $45,000

## Abstract

Abstract.
 The most recent UNAIDS estimates of the global burden of HIV are that 36.9 million people are
living with HIV-1 infection worldwide, with 69.4% of these residing in sub-Saharan Africa. Markedly, three
in four new infections in sub-Saharan Africa are among girls aged 15–19 years and young women aged
15–24 years are twice as likely to be living with HIV than men that age. Further, a striking difference
exists between the east/southern and the west/central regions of sub-Saharan Africa, with reductions in
AIDS-related deaths since 2010 of 42% and 24%, respectively. Clearly, much work remains in terms of
training local physicians and scientists in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of individuals with
HIV-1 infection; conducting implementation science to determine the most cost-effective use of financial
and human resources; and ensuring evidence-informed public health policy and programming to reduce
disparities in the AIDS response across Africa’s sub-regions. Despite treatment likely having contributed
to slowing HIV transmission, HIV prevention remains critical to stem the tide of HIV. In fact, a second
AIDS pandemic in the next 12 years is predicted due to 1) changing demographics in Africa with
increasing numbers of youth, 2) increasing transmitted viral drug resistance, and 3) increased cost and
limited availability of 2nd and 3rd line treatment regimens. Taken together, these factors suggest that the
total number of people living with AIDS may increase by 2 million/year to reach a staggering 50 million
worldwide by 2030.
 Since 2007, 13 successful annual INTEREST Conferences, known as the ‘African CROI’, have
brought together scientists involved in HIV diagnosis and treatment, pathogenesis, and prevention
research in resource-limited settings in Africa to share pivotal findings, promote collaboration, and
transfer experiences across several fields and many continents. Planning and organization of the 2020
INTEREST Conference will be overseen by the Amsterdam Institute of Global Health and Development.
Catherine Hankins MD PhD chairs INTEREST’s International Conference Committee (ICC) and is the
Scientific Chair of INTEREST.
 The organizers of the 2020 INTEREST Conference will pursue the following objectives:
1) To provide cutting-edge knowledge in the fields of diagnosis and treatment, pathogenesis,
 and prevention of HIV-1 for adults, including the elderly; adolescents; and children living with
 HIV in Africa, in order to contribute to achieving the 90-90-90 viral suppression goal and to
 preventing a second great pandemic.
2) To foster new research interactions among leading investigators and those who represent the
 potential future scientific leadership for health care and research on the African continent.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10012378
- **Project number:** 1R13AI152885-01
- **Recipient organization:** DUKE UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** Guido Ferrari
- **Activity code:** R13 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $45,000
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2020-03-06 → 2021-02-28

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10012378

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10012378, 14th International Conference on HIV Treatment, Pathogenesis, and Prevention Research (INTEREST) (1R13AI152885-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-25 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10012378. Licensed CC0.

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