Biography:

Joyceline Ntoh-Yuh is a Feminist and Ph.D candidate in the University of Oldenburg, Germany. She holds an MA in Women & Gender Studies from the ISS Erasmus University Netherlands. Her research interest includes HIV/AIDS related stigma, gender issues, Sexual and Reproductive health. Since 2006 she took keen interest in the field of HIV/AIDS were she researched on the impact of HIV on Agriculture affecting mostly women with the UN FAO Gender unit, mainstreaming HIV policies in UNFFE Uganda, HIV stigma & child bearing in Cameroon and currently facilitates workshops with MA students in the area of Gender, Migration and HIV/AIDS.

Abstract:

Migration is a process that is linked not only to positive aspects such as remittances, socio-cultural changes initiated by the diaspora communities, but also negative consequences such as integration problems, and the rapid spread of infectious diseases among others. Migration is associated with diseases where migrants are perceived as carriers of vectors. Migrants, tourists and expatriates who cross international boarders move with diseases that are not easy to detect by receiving countries medical personnel. More so, such diseases require culturally appropriate treatment plans considering migrants are transmitters and recipients of HIV infection. Migrants are in most cases moving from countries where such diseases are highly prevalent to countries with low infection rates. The association between HIV and migration relates to factors such as alcohol abuse and occurrence of many STDS among migrants, high risky sexual behaviors away from home, and inconsistent condom use. Migrants have to face the harsh reality of HIV in foreign countries without ruling out stigma. An estimate of 80,000 people are living with HIV in Germany in 2013 with 4,400 sero-positive persons in the State of Niedersachsen which counts amongst the high HIV prevalence states in Germany. It is worth mentioning that the estimates so far are clinically diagnosed cases with several undiagnosed cases while others don’t reveal their HIV status. In so doing, HIV-related stigma stands a major barrier in seeking voluntary counseling and testing especially within the African communities. Gender and culture play a significant part in the aftermath of the infection. Women are more likely to be blamed for the transmission of HIV compared to men. All these complicate the disclosure of infection and prevention of HIV transmission. HIV prevention efforts are slowed down by societal and cultural factors that largely lead to stigmatization of HIV infected and affected individuals. The current research therefore examines the socio-cultural constructions of HIV stigma and dilemmas as African-migrant women struggle to cope with the challenges posed by HIV/AIDS in their day to day lives. The social context of HIV-related stigma is reflected in negative behaviors including discrimination, denial, secrecy and self-blame. Most HIV infections are through heterosexual transmission, a mode of transmission closely linked to sexual promiscuity and the resultant HIV-related stigma. The complexity surrounding HIV-related stigma cannot be ignored considering the fact that, it is layered amongst other stigmas such as gender and promiscuity. Moreover, socio-cultural perspectives that triggers HIV-related stigma arises from the fact that individuals infected with HIV/AIDS are labeled and perceived as different from the rest of society members. Intersectionality is an ideal framework for analyzing complex health inequalities that occurs among HIV-infected subgroups especially African women whose experiences are different from their male counterpacts. Multiple factors often precipitate stigmatization experiences and their social identities at the individual level such as being female, ethnic minority (or race), low economic status interlocks with oppression forces at the macro level of society for instance classism or sexism which creates social injustice (health care inequalities). It is vital to examine and understand the underlying aspects creating and re-enforcing HIV-related stigma in order to design culturally sensitive intervention programs to combat the general fight against HIV/AIDS in a global setting.

Biography:

Ekambaram Umapathy is Associate Professor at Dept. of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Walter Sisulu University, South Africa

Abstract:

AIM: To determine the physiological effects of HIV infection, blood pressure and body composition on the changes of ET-1 and NO and association between ET-1 and NO. Methods:This was a descriptive and comparative study. A Quota sample method was used. The study population consisted of 154 participants categorized into the following groups: 57 HIV negative participants (A), 40 HIV positive not on treatment participants and 57 HIV positive on treatment participants. Enzyme immunoassay kitand nitrate/nitrite colorimetric assay kitwere used for the determination of ET-1andNO. Anthropometric measurements and hemodynamic body composition were determined. Results:Resting metabolism, waist circumference and hip circumference had low mean levels in both HIV positives groups compared to HIV negative group. Interaction of blood pressure and Body Mass Index across the HIV status groups, SBPshowed no significant difference among the different groups. However, DBP and PP showed significant differences between the study groups (p<0.0001).Mean values of endothelin and nitric oxide were increased in HIV positive not on ART and HIV (+) on ART compared with the HIV negative group. Conclusion:NO, ET-1, ART and HIV itself were associated with the pathogenesis of endothelial dysfunction in persons with HIV infection. Elevated endothelial markers namely ET-1 and NO can lead to improvement of endothelium dependent relaxation to some extent but not completely. Although these markers have deleterious effect on the endothelium but can also serve as up-regulator of hypertension and obesity.

Biography:

Sahreen Malik Bhanji has completed her MScN (2014) and BScN(2010) from The Aga Khan University School of Nursing and Midwifery Karachi, Pakistan. She has worked as a Registered Nurse in Medical-Surgical Ward at the Aga Khan University Hospital; from August 2010 till August 2012 in the following capacities: 1. Nurse Intern: Worked as a Nursing Intern in Medical-Surgical Ward at the Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi; from August 2010 till August 2011. 2. Team Leader: Worked as a team leader (November, 2011 to August, 2012) 3. Special Care Unit (SCU) Nurse: worked as a special care unit nurse (June,2012-August,2012) 4. Clinical Preceptor: Worked as clinical preceptor in Medical-Surgical Ward for year IV BScN student for two months (May2012-June 2012). She has published more than 17 papers in reputed journals and has been serving as an editorial board member of the Journal of Pakistan Medical Association and Journal of Pioneering Medical Sciences.

Abstract:

The advancement in treatment regimens, in the form of various anti-retroviral treatments (ART) for treating HIV/ AIDS, has helped its victims to achieve a longer life expectancy (Biswas, 2007). However, the challenge now for them is to live a better quality and mentally healthy life. Asante (2012) states that once a person is diagnosed with HIV, he is likely to suffer from low self- esteem, social isolation, and poor psychological well-being, eventually leading to inability to cope with the entire situation. The prevalence of depression in HIV/AIDS patients has been reported in different studies to be ranging from 22%–45%, compared to 5% and 15% prevalence in the general population (Biswas, 2007; Buckingham, Schrage, &Cournos, 2013; Kilmarx, 2009; Mello, Segurado, &Malbergier, 2010). This suggests that depression is one of the most prevalent psychiatric diagnoses observed among HIV-positive individuals with greater reported prevalence than the general population. Depression related to certain outcomes and risk behaviors, like poor adherence to medication regimen, feelings of self-neglect, apathy, forgetfulness, and decreased immune function (Asante, 2012). Some evidences suggest that it may also be associated with increased mortality in HIV-infected individuals (Overman& Anderson, 2001). While these studies in the existing literature suggest a high rate of depressive illness and symptoms among people living with HIV, they have not been able to focus on the definite causes of depression among this group.

Biography:

Dr. NWAKO Okechukwu Francis had his B.Sc in Applied Microbiology(upper credit ) in 2001 and proceeded to Medical School where he graduated in 2009. In 2012, he obtained his M.Sc( Medical Microbiology) and has completed his Ph.D course work in Medical Microbiology with major in Mycology. He hope to complete his research work by 2016. He obtained his Primary in Internal Medicine in 2010 and became a specialist in Internal Medicine in 2015 from the West Africa College of Physicians. He has published several original articles in international journals and has attended several conferences both locally and internationally including the famous HIV/AIDS 2013 organized by OMICS conferences. He has reviewed many articles for British Journal of Medicine and Medical Research and Journal of AIDS

Abstract:

Will be updated soon....

Biography:

Pulin Kumar Gupta is Associate Professor (Medicine) and in-charge of HIV/ART Centre PGIMR, Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, India.

Abstract:

Objectives – To assess the levels of vitamin D in patients with HIV infection and to correlate them with measures of disease severity. Methods – 170 HIV positive patients (on ART & ART naïve) in different stages of disease were recruited from ART Centre PGIMER, Dr RML Hospital. Patients on any drug or illness affecting vitamin D/calcium metabolism were excluded. It was a cross sectional observational study over 68 weeks where patients were divided into 3 group (according to CD4 counts) and 25-OH vitamin D levels (deficiency < 20 ng/ml & insufficiency 21-29 ng/ml) were measured. Result – Out of 170 HIV positive cases [134 males (78.8%)] and 36 females (21.2%)], 93.53 % of patients were vitamin D deficient (i.e. 25-OH vitamin D < 20 ng/ml) & 5.30% had vitamin D in insufficiency (range = 20-30 ng/ml) hereby showing that 99% of these patients had hypovitaminosis-D. The mean vitamin D levels in the study group was 11.26 ± 5.49 ng/ml ranging from 3.44 to 31.20 ng/ml and vitamin D levels decreased as the CD4 counts decreased showing a direct relationship (although statistically non significant) between vitamin D levels and the level of immunodeficiency. Similarly the mean vitamin D levels in patients who were on ART was 11.54 ± 5.97 ng/ml and higher than in those who were ART naïve(10.45 ± 3.63 ng/ml). No correlation could be established between vitamin D levels and type or duration of ART. Patients with longer duration of illness or AIDS (associated OIs) had lower 25-OH vitamin D levels. Conclusion – Levels of 25-OH Vitamin D are relatively higher in patients with higher CD4 counts and patients on ART (probably because of decreasing viral load), but no direct relationship between these factors could be ascertained. The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency (94%) and insufficiency (5%) (total 99% ) is very high in HIV/AIDS patients [as compared to General non HIV Population where studies have shown it to be 50-60% in India] As patients with HIV infection are living a longer life due to HAART, low vitamin D levels are a concern since this hormone is associated with immunity, bone health, atherosclerosis, Cardiovascular disease, mental health, cancers, and various other diseases.

Biography:

Teklit Tesfom Gebremariam MD from Eritrea, completed his medical degree from Orotta School of Medicine and Dental Medicine, Asmara Eritrea at the age of 28. Now he is preparing to purse my post graduate program from Orotta School of Medicine and Dental Medicine Asmara Eritrea. he has published two papers in Eritrean Journal of Medicine and two are in process. He was HIV/AIDS focal person in Dekemhare Hospital for the last two years.

Abstract:

Abstract: When the epidemic emerged in 1981, AIDS was thought as a deadly disease that was contagious from person to person, as well as closely linked with historically neglected groups and culturally and historically unacceptable issues such as sexual orientation, drug use, and commercial sex work. All of these factors led to HIV/AIDS stigma and discrimination. HIV/ADS associated stigma is a complex concept that refers to prejudice, discounting, discrediting and discrimination directed at persons professed to have AIDS or HIV, as well as their partners, friends, families and communities (American Behavioral Scientist.1999). HIV/AIDS stigma is a worldwide problem and can be expressed in a range of ways, including: exclusion, rejection and evasion of people living with AIDS as well as discrimination against people living with AIDS by their families, health care professionals, communities and governments and compulsory HIV testing of individuals without prior informed consent or confidentiality protections. In addition to these, persons who are apparent to have AIDS, be infected with HIV or belong to "high risk groups are also suffered from isolation and violence. These are the main reason why too many people have nightmares to see a doctor to determine whether they have HIV, or to get treatment if so. Stigma and discrimination plays a big role to make AIDS the silent killer, because people fear the social disgrace of speaking about it and the above mentioned insults. For example, in the United States, it is estimated that one in five persons living with HIV/AIDS is unaware of their health status (CDC, 2008). In one national study of HIV+ adults also reported that 36% experiencing discrimination by a health care provider, including 8% who had been refused medical service (Journal of General Internal Medicine. 2005). Globally, the overall number of people living with HIV has steadily increased as new infections occur each year, with young people (ages 15–24) accounting for an estimated 45 percent of new HIV infections worldwide (UNAIDS, 2008). Stigma and discrimination doesn’t simply exist within individual measures, but within broad social and cultural backgrounds that need to be underlined in stigma-reduction programs. Organizations and communities must tackle the values, norms and moral judgments that add to the stigmatization of HIV+ persons by engaging faith-based organizations, key institutions and judgment leaders that help shape and strengthen societal values. Policymakers need to think about the potential cost of laws to make sure they don’t accidentally increase HIV/AIDS-related stigma. Programs also needed to offer training on cultural competency, privacy and consciousness for healthcare workers, counselors and staff at social service organizations including drug treatment, housing, mental health services especially in areas where stigma is high, such as rural areas and organizations where there may be few HIV+ clients. HIV/AIDS-related stigma is unlikely to go away with in short period of time. Although research is being conducted nationally and internationally still more research is needed to measure the effects of stigma and understand what types of involvements work best for which communities. Stigma awareness and reduction programs need to be assessed and published so that successful programs can be practiced

Biography:

Dike Chidi Clement born on 17th may 1982 attended ikenegbu primary school from 1987 to 1992 and secondary education at government secondary school Owerri from 1992 to 1998. He studied medicine at IMO state university Owerri graduating in 2010. He was Masters student in clinical pharmacology at the Nnamdi Azikiwe university awka and presently working as a medical offficer at the IMO Polytechnic Umuagwo Medical Centre.

Abstract:

Human immunodeficiency virus is the causal agent of the dreaded disease AIDS with hundreds of thousands of new cases per year. Infected individuals are faced with a myriad of challenges in a world that is hostile and unsupportive. Amongst the many problem faced by PLWHA is depression. Depression a psychiatric disorder associated low self esteem and a feeling dejection. We found that depression is more common in females with HIV than males. When compared for prevalence, is higher in white females (56%) than black females (34%) have recently emerged as a significant factor in management and prognosis of HIV. In the medical management of HIV more emphasis is placed on the highly active antiretroviral therapy while bypassing other treatment modalities which might have synergistic effects. This unfortunate scenario is so because there are few established guidelines for identifying and treatment of depression in PLWHA. However further studies would go a long way to improve understand other implicated variable.

Biography:

Abstract:

Background: Few HIV awareness, prevention and testing campaigns for youth have been rigorously and accurately developed, implemented and evaluated despite their experiencing sexual health disparities in accordance with CDC findings. The NMAC Youth Leadership Development program assessed the need for this and developed a web-based social media campaign geared towards this target population through various dispersed U.S. regions. Methods: The NMAC Youth Program participants volunteered to create this campaign starting with 2 core members, and later increasing to 4 core and 4 support members, from different US territories, with the focus group being youth aged 13-25. The selected platform was social networking sites due to the distance between the members and the utilization demonstrated by statistical findings from the Pew Research Center’s reports. The hashtag was evaluated beforehand to ensure exclusivity of use. Various social media accounts were created associated to the campaign for dissemination purposes. The official launch was during the 2015 USCA conferences held in Washington, D.C. in a youth led seminar facilitated by NMAC. The attending public was encouraged to participate in said campaign through videos, pictures and hash tag utilization throughout the conference. Materials were created to enable simple participation such as a banner with the logo and hash tag, as well as promotional shirts for the youth scholars to use. Reports on views, likes, comments and shares were consistently created and evaluated to ensure project success and accountability. An official pilot video has been developed, but has yet to be launched. Various individual videos from other scholars were filmed and edited to be made public through our social media sites, so that those persons may then share from our pages. This ensures continued interest and support of the campaign, as well as traffic for our pages. Results: According to Hash Tracking reports created by our dissemination team, by the end of the USCA conferences, there were a total of 240,000 unique timeline deliveries for content regarding the campaign on Twitter. Among those, 40,000 views were through clicks and opening photos. Instagram had a total of 18,050 impressions which account for timeline views from likes, comments and others. Of those, 13,676 views were from individuals seeing photos via the hash tag (#My60Sec). Conclusions: The reports demonstrate the efficacy of the youth led and geared Internet-based social media campaign to impact the testing availability and awareness of simplicity of prevention of HIV through menial daily tasks among young adults. Further implementation is required and ready to ensure continued interest and support, and will be monitored on a monthly basis.

Biography:

Peter S. Nyasulu is professor at Monash University, South Africa

Abstract:

Background: Co-morbid STIs among people living with HIV/AIDS amplify the risk of HIV transmission. STI amplification of HIV transmission is a persistent threat to the effectiveness of HIV treatment as a method of preventing further spread of HIV. To determine the prevalence and risk factors associated with acquiring STIs in people living with HIV in Diepsloot settlement, Johannesburg, South Africa. Methods: This is a secondary analysis of data collected in a cross sectional survey among people living with HIV/AIDS in Diepsloot. Data from 815 HIV positive respondents was analysed. The outcome measure was self-reported STI status. Independent variables included were: gender, age, marital status, race, employment status, victim of gender based violence or rape, use of psychoactive substances (use of any of the following: dagga, alcohol, cocaine, heroin, ecstasy, painkillers, nyaopeor inhalants), and antiretroviral treatment (ART) use. Univariate and multivariate relationships with STI were assessed using logistic regression. Results: Sexually transmitted infections were found in 6% of the participants (n = 49) with more HIV-infected adults not on antiretroviral treatment reporting STIs (n = 37, 75.5%). In the multivariate logistic regression model, ART use (Odds Ratio [OR] =3.34, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.64-6.84; p<0.001) was independently associated with STI risk. The other variables were not significantly associated with STI acquisition. Conclusion: People living with HIV who were not on ART are more likely to acquire an STI than those who were taking ART. This increases the risk of poor health outcomes among those living with HIV/AIDS as well as facilitating further transmission of HIV. These findings underscore the need to scale up ART initiation among HIV positive people. Furthermore, STI screening and counselling for people living with HIV is needed

Biography:

AKM Ahsan Ullah is a associate professor at Faculty of Social Science University Brunei Darussalam

Abstract:

Background Of the total number of refugees and immigrants accepted into the countries in North America every year, around half originate from Asia. The numbers who are HIV+ entering North America from South Asia may be substantial. This paper attempts to assess the perceptions of South Asians in North America especially in Canada towards HIV/AIDS, and how they are stigmatized within community. Methods Selected on snowball basis, 33 HIV/AIDS sufferers who are refugees or immigrants in North America from South Asia were interviewed face to face using a well designed open and closed ended questionnaire. A well defined yardstick of stigma and human rights was used to measure the level of AIDS-related stigma and human rights violation they encounter in developed countries. Results This research identified the ways in which immigrants and refugees who are HIV/AIDS sufferer from South Asia are vulnerable to discrimination, stigmatization and human rights violation. Majority of the respondents lost their job due to their serostatus; most of them reported being stigmatized. Stigmatization and human rights violation imperil their own and loss their self esteem. Many of them as a result think that suffering from cancer is better than being infected with HIV. Conclusions This paper offers to generate new knowledge; and policy recommendations about South Asian refugees who are HIV+ in North America. This research has crucial policy implications in North America and in South Asia.

Biography:

Anita Sherpa lives in kathmandu . She completed her bachelor degree from Padmakanya college from Baghbazar Kathmandu, Nepal .She is working in Jiri Tea development company pvt.ltd. as a managing director and also working in as a Director Himalayan aroma trading pvt.ltd. and volunteering and working in various social organization field of HIV/AIDS like Helping Society Nepal /National association of women in Nepal, Shaktimilan Samaj (women group) etc.

Abstract:

HIV/AIDS stigma and discrimination is universal problem in Around the world 39 million people are infected The first case in HIV 1981 in America that time to till who lived with HIV/AIDS to bear stigma and discrimination and still civilized people have negative impact for the HIV/AIDS stigma and Discrimination many infected people want to live hidden because not create problem and faces to community so they need to encourage. he and she need for love, care and concern mostly infected people living in remote area and go to working far from family . And mainly cause of HIV infection is transmit by sex and using drug by inject and who are involving in prostitute profession so our goal is to make prevent and preserve. So every people need to aware from HIV/AIDS .