Abstract

AIDS: This article presents highlights of the AIDS Impact Conference. The effects of HIV treatment advances and the concept of a "post-AIDS era" were major topics of the conference. As highly active antiretroviral treatment (HAART) improves therapy outcomes, many AIDS agencies are shifting focus from physical health issues to mental health concerns and prevention efforts. However, in developing countries, drugs, physicians, and a medical infrastructure are often inaccessible. Therefore, focusing on prevention, nutrition, and family relationships may be the better approach for dealing with AIDS and HIV in these countries. Related conference topics included HIV prevention programs directed toward HIV-positive individuals, challenges to adherence, and whether HIV is a chronic manageable disease. Due to lack of scholarships, many individuals from developing countries could not attend the conference and most presentation pertained to the effects of HIV in developed countries and to gay men.