10th APACC 2025

5 Key Take-Away Messages from APACC 2025

1. Global HIV response at a Critical Crossroad and Call for International Solidarity

With growing political and financial uncertainty, APACC 2025 opened with a strong call for renewed international solidarity. The opening plenary, “Sustainable HIV Response: Global Solidarity for a Healthier Future,” highlighted growing concerns over funding reductions in the global HIV response. The submission of an open letter to Japan’s Foreign and Health Ministers during the conference underscored the urgency of collective action to sustain the progress toward ending AIDS.

2. Community-Led Innovation

A wide range of presentations showcased the effectiveness of community-led models across diverse settings, highlighting their role in improving service access, engagement, and outcomes. Sessions on implementation science and differentiated care delivery reaffirmed that the most resilient systems are those designed with the communities they serve, adapting to their evolving needs. Reflecting this principle, this year’s debate was, for the first time, conducted in pairs of clinicians and community representatives, emphasizing the value of dialogue and shared perspectives in shaping HIV responses.

3. Advancing HIV Treatment and Remaining Challenges

New data from Asia highlighted encouraging results of long-acting injectables for both PrEP and treatment, along with the effectiveness of novel agents and innovative therapeutic strategies. However, late-stage HIV and co-infections such as cryptococcal meningitis and histoplasmosis continue to cause preventable deaths, while non-communicable diseases are becoming an increasing concern among aging populations.

4. Age- and Gender-Specific Needs in HIV Care

Several sessions highlighted the importance of addressing both age- and gender-specific needs in HIV care. Adolescents face challenges in staying engaged, while older adults experience increasing health complexity. Gender-related issues, such as low HPV vaccination uptake, caregiver concerns, and stigma affecting transgender women and MSM, also call for tailored approaches.

5. A Record-Breaking and Forward-Looking APACC: Fostering the Next Generation

APACC 2025 welcomed a record-breaking 550 participants and 560 abstract submissions from across the region, reflecting growing regional momentum. Numerous presentations by early-career researchers and the success of capacity-building sessions led by APACC Fellows demonstrated the conference’s strong commitment to fostering future leaders. These efforts not only helped early-career professionals build their skills but also made the program more inclusive and engaging for all participants.