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Baylor Foundation Uganda showcases HIV Innovations at the 3rd International Paediatric HIV Symposium in Africa (IPHASA)

Baylor Foundation Uganda showcases HIV Innovations at the 3^rd International Paediatric HIV Symposium in Africa (IPHASA)

PHOTO: All delegates that attended the IPHASA pose for a group photo.

The 3^rd International Paediatric HIV Symposium in Africa (IPHASA) and the first in-person meeting was held from December 3-5, 2024, at the Mestil Hotel in Kampala, Uganda. This year’s theme was “Equity, Integration, and Innovation: For a sustainable HIV response to end AIDS in children by 2030’. The event brought together delegates from 15 countries to share global and regional updates, groundbreaking research, innovations, and country experiences. The focus on ending AIDS in children by 2030 instills hope and optimism in our collective efforts.

Uganda’s Minister of Health, Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng, officially opened the event.

The brainchild behind this symposium is Dr. Eleanor Namusoke Magongo. Her vision to foster dialogue and knowledge-sharing has elevated IPHASA to a leading and highly respected platform for pediatric HIV research, capacity building, and policy development.

Leading the session was Prof. Philippa Musoke, the International vice-chair for the IMPAACT Network. She facilitated a session where notable contributors from Uganda shared insightful findings.

• Prof. Adeodata R. Kekitiinwa, the CRS Leader and the IoR of the IMPAACT P1115 study at Baylor Foundation Uganda, provided and shared insights from the IMPAACT P1115 study. The study focuses on the very early antiretroviral treatment of neonates to achieve HIV-free remission. The study was conducted in 11 countries and was supported by NIAID with co-funding from other institutes at NIH USA.
• Dr. Violet Korutaro of the Baylor College of Medicine Children’s Foundation-Uganda (Baylor Foundation Uganda) Provided the site experience in implementing IMPAACT P1115
• Dr. Maxensia Owor presented findings from the IMPAACT 2017 study, showcasing advancements in treatment strategies and innovative approaches to pediatric care. The study features the first adolescents with HIV-1 on long-acting Cabotegravir + Rilpivirine across 18 sites.

PHOTO: From Left-Right: Prof. Philippa Musoke, Dr. Maxensia Owor, Dr. Violet Korutaro, and Dr. Adeodata Kekitiinwa, who participated in the IMPAACT Network session.

Other presentations from Baylor Foundation Uganda included:

• Improving HIV case identification among Children and Adolescents in six districts of Eastern Uganda: A cross-sectional study from HTS community of Practice (Poster)
• Optimizing directly observed therapy (DOTS) in achieving suppression among children (Oral)

With research taking center stage in providing evidence for HIV advancements, Prof. Carlo Giaquinto, President of Penta Foundation, gave an overview of PENTA’s 33 years of excellent research. He hailed PENTA networks (over 600 members in 89 countries) as the key to successful research implementation. The PENTA ID network aims for a brighter future for pediatric research.

According to Dr. Adeodata Kekitiinwa, a renowned pediatrician, “The symposium not only highlighted the progress made but reflected the collective commitment to ensuring that no child is left behind in the global fight against HIV and AIDS,” she said.

In her remarks, Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng commended Uganda’s remarkable progress in the fight against pediatric HIV, noting the significant reduction in new infections from 20,000 in 2010 to 4,000 in 2023. This significant reduction is a testament to Uganda’s commitment and efforts in the fight against pediatric HIV, making us all proud and inspired.