National HIV/AIDS Conference Takes Place in Atlanta, Oct. 11-12

ATLANTA -- Results from the scientific study, HEDS UP (HIV Early Detection Study of Unrecognized Positives), will be unveiled at a national HIV/AIDS Conference on Friday, Oct. 11 and Saturday, Oct. 12 at the Swissotel in Buckhead.

The HEDS UP study found that 40 percent of patients diagnosed with HIV have already progressed to AIDS before HIV was detected, despite having known risk factors or clinical symptoms associated with the disease. The study was conducted by Kaiser Permanente and Group Health Cooperative of Washington state.

The HIV/AIDS Conference, sponsored by Kaiser Permanente, will provide a forum for clinicians to present and discuss the latest research and treatments for HIV patients. Statistically, more than 36 million people worldwide are infected with HIV. Other key conference highlights:

Recent advances in HIV/AIDS therapies and research, including the T-20 class drug

Discussion about United States' response to the global AIDS epidemic and a call to activism

The impact of HIV/AIDS on Africa

The role of resistance testing

Long-term complications of antiretrovirals

In conjunction with the conference, a fundraiser will take place on Friday, Oct. 11, from 6-8 p.m. at the Swissotel for AID Atlanta, a local organization that serves people living with HIV and AIDS. To register, call Lisa Crouse at (770) 777-1115 by Tuesday, Oct. 1. Visit www.kaiserpermanente.org/kphiv/ for more information.

Source: PRNewswire