REVIEW OF THE 9<sup>th</sup> INTERNATIONAL SCIENTIFIC AND PRACTICAL CONFERENCE ON HIV INFECTION (PARIS, FRANCE, 23-26 JULY 2017)
From July 23 to July 26, 2017, the 9th Scientific and Practical Conference on HIV was held in Paris (France) on the initiative of the International AIDS Society (IAS) and the French National Agency for AIDS Research (ANRS). The latest scientific developments in the field of HIV research were presented, with an emphasis on translating scientific achievements into practice and the development of science in the context of politics. Particular attention was paid to innovative approaches aimed at reducing immune activation, which are a priority in the strategy for the treatment of HIV infection and in improving care for HIV infected patients. One of the key topics of the conference was the use of new long-acting antiretroviral drugs, as well as preparations with nanoparticles. The researchers reported that the monthly use of the vaginal ring and daily per oral in-taking (Truvada) was safe and acceptable for adolescents. The main focus was on preventing HIV infection. An online study conducted in Europe showed a low level of knowledge about PrEP among risk groups, while high interest in PrEP is emphasized, but low coverage. Significant interest was caused by the results of patients who, after reaching undetectable viremia, stopped taking ARV drugs for approximately 210 days in the first case and 8 years in the second. Experts note the high prevalence of HIV infection among transgender women and anxiety about the problems associated with the spread of drugs in this environment, which may negatively affect their adherence to treatment. The scientific conference has acquired an unexpected political overtones: scientists fear a reduction in the funding of international programs to fight HIV and AIDS by the US. In 2016, thanks to public funding and private investment, it was possible to take in more than $ 19 billion to fight HIV and AIDS. It lacks about 7 billion to achieve the goals set by the UN by 2020.