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Virology research J 2017 Vol 1 Issue 2
Page 25
July 26-27, 2017 | Vancouver, Canada
WORLD CONFERENCE ON STDs, STIs & HIV/AIDS
allied
academies
Reza Nassiri
Michigan State University, USA
Gaps in HIV epidemic, prevention and control: The role of academic centers
A
IDS remains a public health and social problems
threatening global population. There are approximately
36.7 million people currently living with HIV and tens of
millions of people have died of AIDS-related complications
since the beginning of the epidemic. The greatest prevalence
and incidence remains in Eastern and southern Africa with 19
million (52%) affected. While new cases have been reported
in all regions of the world, approximately two-thirds are in
sub-Saharan Africa, with 46% of new cases in Eastern and
Southern Africa.
The number of people newly infected with HIV, especially
children, and the number of AIDS-related deaths have
declined over the years. The number of people with HIV
receiving treatment increased to more than 18 million in
2016. However, gaps exist. While studies show declines in
new infections amongadults observedearlier in theepidemic,
incidence is now rising in some areas of the world particularly
in China and India. HIV epidemic has led to a resurgence
of tuberculosis (TB), particularly in Africa. TB is a leading
cause of death for people with HIV worldwide. In 2015,
approximately 11% of new TB cases occurred in people living
with HIV. From our experience of HIV preventive work in the
Dominican Republic, effective prevention strategies include
behavior change programs, condom use, HIV testing, blood
supply safety, harm reduction efforts for injecting drug users,
and male circumcision (WHO and CDC recommendations).
Additionally, recent research has shown that providing HIV
treatment to people with HIV significantly reduces the risk
of transmission to their HIV-negative partners. Pre-exposure
antiretroviral prophylaxis (PrEP) has also been shown to be
an effective HIV prevention strategy in individuals at high risk
for HIV infection.
On World AIDS Day 2014, UNAIDS set targets for 2020 aimed
at ending the epidemic by 2030.These goals and targets were
reiterated in UNAIDS’ 2016-2021 strategy, which also aligns
with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The U.N.
charter members pledged committed to ending the AIDS
epidemic by 2030. To reach this target within the SDGs is the
central challenge facing the UnitedNations General Assembly
High-Level Meeting on Ending AIDS which was held from 8
to 10 June 2016. In the United States, new HIV infections
are becoming rare. When they do occur, every person,
regardless of age, gender, race/ethnicity, sexual orientation,
gender identity, or socio-economic circumstance, will have
access to quality, life-extending care, free from stigma and
discrimination. The Dublin Declaration on Partnership to
Fight HIV/AIDS in Europe and Central Asia has dramatically
impacted the regional response to the epidemic. The
collaboration between government and civil society has
proven to be essential element of sustainable response
to HIV epidemic, monitoring, prevention and control
(European Center for Disease Prevention and Control, Dublin
Declaration Monitoring – 2016 progress).
In conclusion, while numerous socioeconomic and policy
making factors play crucial role in understanding HIV
epidemic, prevention and control, the key stakeholders
are encouraged to work together as a team. Community-
academic partnerships will gain increasing prominence in
solving HIV-related matters
Speaker Biography
Dr. Reza Nassiri is a Professor of Clinical Pharmacology, Professor of Family and Com-
munity Medicine, and lecturer in Global Health, Infectious Diseases and Tropical Med-
icine at Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine. His research in-
terests focuses on Clinical Pharmacology of HIV/AIDS & TB, prevention and control of
infectious diseases, neglected tropical diseases, community health, global health, and
socio-ethical determinants of health. Prof. Nassiri works on international public health
issues and has expertise in global health education, research, policy and governance.
He has made contributions in various fields of medical sciences including clinical inves-
tigation and health education. One the basis of his extensive experience and expertise
in HIV/AIDS and TB, he developed Clinical Research Programs in Brazil, South Africa,
Haiti, Dominican Republic and Mexico. The core foci of such programs are socio-cul-
tural, bio-ethical determinant of HIV/AIDS and TB prevention, control and intervention.
e:
reza.nassiri@hc.msu.edu