News from aidsmap
CoronaVac shows weaker response in people with HIV
The Chinese CoronaVac vaccine against SARS-CoV-2 produces strong antibody responses in the majority of people with HIV but these responses are weaker than those in people without HIV, Brazilian researchers report in the journal The Lancet HIV. People with CD4 counts below 500 were less likely to show neutralising responses to the virus than people with higher CD4 counts.
Can HIV cure trials strike a balance between the need for meaningful data and participant safety?
A recent analysis indicates that HIV cure trials thus far haven’t included enough participants to detect when treatments provide moderate benefits. As a result, researchers may be missing opportunities to study and improve upon drug combinations that could eventually lead to a cure.
UK report urges re-think on hepatitis C reinfection
Progress towards the elimination of hepatitis C is being undermined by a lack of attention to the harm reduction needs of people cured of hepatitis C in the United Kingdom, as well as a lack of testing and surveillance for reinfection, a report by the Hepatitis C Trust and HCV Action concludes.
Preferences or circumstances? What makes gay and bisexual men in Australia choose not to take PrEP?
Perceived irrelevance, lack of awareness, problems with access, side effects, negative social impacts, and concerns about lack of STI protection, effectiveness and adherence are the most common reasons for not using PrEP among gay and bisexual men in Australia, according to a recent study.
HPV increases the risk of HIV acquisition among women in sub-Saharan Africa
A study by Dr Gui Liu of the University of Washington, Seattle and colleagues published in the journal AIDS found that among women in sub-Saharan Africa, the risk of HIV acquisition increased with the number of human papillomavirus (HPV) infections. With each additional HPV type detected, HIV risk increased by 20%.
Low CD4/CD8 ratio predicts increased cancer risk in people with HIV
A large US study has identified an immune system signal that warns of an increased risk of several common cancers in people living with HIV. The study found that a low CD4/CD8 ratio was associated with an increased risk of developing any form of cancer in future follow-up periods of between six months and two years.
Zimbabwe needs targeted interventions to scale up PrEP and HIV testing among gay and bisexual men, trans women, and genderqueer people
A cross-sectional study looked at engagement in the PrEP and HIV care cascades among gay and bisexual, transgender, and genderqueer people who were assigned male at birth in Harare and Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. Less than half of HIV-negative participants were aware of PrEP, and few were on PrEP.
Pronounced socio-economic inequalities across multiple HIV indicators in 18 African countries
The richest people in many African countries were five times more likely to use condoms than the poorest, while also displaying more positive attitudes towards people living with HIV, according to a recent multi-country study published in AIDS.
HIV treatment and health care for refugees from Ukraine
We have put together an information page on HIV treatment and health care for refugees from Ukraine. It is available in English, Ukrainian and Russian.
The English version of the page currently has information for refugees who are in 23 European countries. We will be adding more countries and updating the translations in the coming days.
Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP)
PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) is a method of preventing HIV infection. It involves taking a 28-day course of anti-HIV drugs after possible exposure to HIV.
We have updated our information page on PEP, so it reflects the recent guidelines from the British HIV Association and the British Association for Sexual Health & HIV.
Editors' picks from other sources
EU is urged to ensure high standards of HIV treatment for Ukrainian refugees | EURACTIV
European countries have been asked to ensure “high standards” of HIV prevention, treatment and care for Ukrainians fleeing the war as the situation for HIV patients in Ukraine remains “desperate”.
UNAIDS warns that the war in Ukraine risks a humanitarian catastrophe for people living with and affected by HIV | UNAIDS
The war in Ukraine has resulted in the destruction and disruption of health services and logistical supply chains that hundreds of thousands of people living with and affected by HIV depend on for survival.
Russian HIV charities face funding, supply crisis | Moscow Times
Russian charities working with those affected by HIV have traditionally received significant financial support from international funds, in particular the UK-based Elton John AIDS Foundation (EJAF) and the World Bank-financed Global Fund.
Insurers across the US are often illegally charging for PrEP | TheBody
The Affordable Care Act stipulates that insurance companies must cover all out-of-pocket costs for PrEP-related services, but many continue to bill people, with few regulators holding them accountable.
HIV Prevention England survey
Do you work for an organisation that provides HIV prevention services in England?
HIV Prevention England is reviewing its programme activities and would like to hear about what topics matter most to you and your organisation.