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The 8^th edition of the ICAR (Italian Conference on AIDS and Antiviral Research) will be held in Milan, at University of Milano-Bicocca, from June 6-8, 2016. In keeping with the tradition of past editions, the purpose of the Conference will be to present and discuss any innovations and advances in the field of prevention, diagnosis and treatment of the major viral infections. The management of HIV/AIDS treatment and the therapy of HCV chronic infection will be two topical issues. The range of topics, enriched by contributions from young researchers – a typical feature of ICAR meetings –, will be discussed and shared with all the stakeholders involved, including the scientific community, patient associations and institutions.
One of the topics addressed at ICAR 2016 will be the importance of early initiation of therapy, as emerged from the most recent scientific reports that show a clear advantage in starting the therapeutic pathway since the early phases of the disease.
This approach will be considered within the framework of a wider strategy that includes the issues of early diagnosis, extended access to care, sustainability and retention in care.
In this perspective, a special focus will be put on the need to combine a strictly therapeutic approach with prevention-related initiatives that should also address undiagnosed individuals, and the implementation of new and more effective strategies to offer HIV testing.