In recent years there has been increasing interest in the structural drivers of the HIV epidemic. This conference explored how these drivers are defined, conceptualised and researched, and, once understood, addressed. It was an opportunity for leading academics, international research organisations and practitioners to explore this currently topical area of research and policy. The conference took place at the University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK.

Broadly speaking structural drivers are conceptualised as social relations and social institutions that influence the risk and vulnerability environment, acting as barriers to, or facilitators of, HIV prevention and treatment behaviours. Structural drivers, their interactions and their impacts are highly context specific and the conference aimed to highlight this context specificity while at the same time distil common themes about structural drivers and structural interventions from the diverse settings and experiences presented.

The conference was structured into three broad themes:
-  Structural drivers of susceptibility/vulnerability to infection in different settings
-  Structural drivers of differential access to ART
-  Structural factors influencing adherence and self management processes

This conference was organised by the HIV and Development Group at the University of East Anglia, UK and HEARD (Health Economics and HIV/AIDS Research Division) at the University of KwaZulu Natal, South Africa.

Conference Programme - Conference programme (PDF)


This event is sponsored by Boehringer Ingelheim