Sharon Walmsley
CM, MD, FRCPC
University Health Network, Canada
15th International Workshop on Women & HIV 2025
Thank You!
The 15th edition of the International Workshop on Women & HIV 2025 successfully took place from 4 - 5 April 2025 in Barcelona, Spain. We would like to thank all of our participants for making this anniversary edition truly special. Together, our attendees explored unique issues facing women living with HIV throughout their lifespans through fascinating presentations and lively discussions.
Key Take-Home Messages
We are pleased to share with you the key take-home messages presented by our Workshop Chair:
- The rates of HIV infection in women continue to increase, and the numbers are impacted by migration, extreme weather events, resource insecurities, and program interruptions.
- Breastfeeding policies for women living with HIV continue to evolve, and strategies to enable women to breastfeed safely are evolving.
- Women living with HIV are at increased risk of cardiovascular disease, and the risk models designed for persons without HIV infection do not always apply. Statins have been shown to decrease cardiovascular events, especially in those over 40 years and with other risk factors.
- Injectable antiretroviral agents for treatment and prevention are adding an important choice for women living with and at risk for HIV. Challenges regarding access need to be addressed.
- Management of women with HIV needs to extend beyond antiretroviral therapy to include coinfection (HPV) and co-morbidities (liver disease and cognitive function).
- We need to continue to ensure women are aware of the value of clinical trials and how their contribution advances the field.
Next Edition
The 16th International Workshop on Women & HIV 2026 will take place on 10-11 April 2026.
About this Program
The International Workshop on Women & HIV has now completed its 15th year and continues to evolve. It is an outstanding opportunity for healthcare providers, researchers, government, industry, and community representatives to discuss, debate, and further their knowledge on the issues related to HIV and women.
The format of the workshop enables attendees to learn from world-leading HIV experts and discuss the issues, gaps, and opportunities for further learning and research. Many of the attendees continue to participate each year and have formed valuable relationships and partnerships that have led to collaborative projects.
The enthusiasm and dedication of the participants is palpable throughout the workshop. The debates and roundtables are an important vehicle to discuss the issues and challenge dogmas.
Over the years, the number and quality of submitted abstracts have continued to improve. The workshop also provides a forum for early-career investigators to present their work and to personally meet with experts they view as mentors and inspirations for their work. The workshop considers both local and global issues and the information learnt in one setting is often translated into another.
We encourage you to consider joining us in 2026!
On behalf of the Organizing Committee
Workshop Chair
Local Chairs
María Jesús Pérez Elías
MD, PhD
Hospital Ramón y Cajal, Spain
Eugenia Negredo
MD, PhD
Germans Trias i Pujol Hospital, Spain
General Information
Karen Lam
karen.lam@amededu.com