UNC hosts another successful World AIDS Day symposium
December 2, 2008 – Nearly 250 people gathered at the School of Social work on December 1, 2008 for the UNC Center for AIDS Research’s 10th Annuarl HIV/AIDS Symposium in recognition of the 20th anniversary of World AIDS Day.
The theme for 2005-2010 is “Stop AIDS. Keep the Promise,” and this year highlighted leadership, calling on all of us to take the lead against HIV/AIDS by eliminating ignorance, inspiring awareness and enhancing knowledge of the disease and its clinical, psychological, economic and social effects.
The symposium featured four presentations addressing different aspects of the HIV epidemic, forging an intersection between the issues surrounding clinical care and the latest developments in research and prevention. Dr. Ada Adimora focused on the drivers of the HIV epidemic in women, and Duke University’s Dr. Chuck Hicks gave an update on new standards of HIV treatment. Dr. Angela Kashuba and Dr. Myron Cohen both addressed HIV prevention efforts, particularly pharmaceutical preventions in women and targeted prevention programs, respectively.
The symposium also included a panel discussion with two HIV-postitive patients. They formed the basis of an interactive and lively discussion about living with the disease, including the patients’ personal stories of adversity and triumph.
The symposium was attended by health care providers, students, researchers, pharmaceutical representatives, and community members from across the state, and provides a unique opportunity to inform leaders from all over North Carolina about developments in HIV research and care. These leaders return to their communities and spheres of influence with a renewed sense of commitment and motivation to fighting the HIV/AIDS epidemic.
Institute for Global Health & Infectious Diseases contact: Lisa Chensvold, (919) 843-5719, lisa_chensvold@med.unc.edu.
