APACC Highlights

As the 2nd Asia Pacific AIDS & Co-infections Conference (APACC) draws to a close I am reinvigorated and ready to implement changes in my own practice.

I was privileged to visit a local health facility and impressed by their ability to treat so many with limited resources. 

Despite the differences, there are many similarities in the emerging health needs of PLHIV and hepatitis C.

• Ageing populations calls for teams of primary healthcare workers.
• Hep C treatments are rapidly expanding across the Asia Pacific but barriers remain. Primary care seen as important in delivery of treatment in Australia.
• Hep C testing and treatment needed in communities with access to at risk populations.
• PrEP is emerging as the preventative health priority. Innovative approaches being used.
• Stigma and discrimination remains a barrier to access to care.
• Dual therapy ART looking more likely to be effective than not.
• Long acting ART development continues.
• Multiple new DAAs for hepatitis C on the horizon.

I have just finished an APACC promotional video and can recommend this conference to my Australian colleagues for next year.