Global Experts to Share HIV/AIDS Updates, Trends at July 30 Event in Washington, DC

WASHINGTON, July 24, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Distinguished experts and practitioners at the forefront of global HIV programs, research and policy will present emerging trends and potential breakthrough strategies at a special event on July 30 in Washington, D.C., Creative Associates International announced.

Called "Building an AIDS-Free Generation: Science, Care & More," the event will take place at the City Club, 555 13^th Street, NW, Washington, D.C., from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Space is limited and advance registration is requested. Free registration at www.CreativeAssociatesInternational.com

"This event will engage donors, national government officials, implementers, advocates and researchers to share scientific advances and their implications for programming as we work to achieve the goal of a future without AIDS," says Charito Kruvant, President & CEO of Creative.

Recent biomedical advances present great promise and opportunity for those working on HIV and AIDS policy, program implementation and research. The ultimate success of these advances depends on multiple other factors -- including resources, systems, psychosocial, behavioral and structural factors.

Creative's July 30 event brings together expert speakers to stimulate a discussion of how best to move forward as we reach the "tipping point" in achieving the goal of an AIDS-free generation.

"We are honored to have this opportunity to host an event to bring together committed technical experts and attendees who are at the forefront of the global AIDS response," says Kruvant. www.CreativeAssociatesInternational.com  

Confirmed speakers include:

• Thomas J. Coates, PhD, Director, Center for World Health, Distinguished Professor of Medicine, Michael and Sue Steinberg Professor of Global AIDS Research, David Geffen School of Medicine and UCLA Health
• Paul C. Hewett, PhD, Senior Associate, Population Council
• Charles van der Horst, MD, Professor of Medicine, School of Medicine; Associate Chief, Division of Infectious Diseases; Developmental Core Director, UNC Center for AIDS Research, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
• David Wilson, Global HIV/AIDS Program Director, Health, Nutrition, & Population, Human Development Network
  The World Bank
• Nomonde Xundu, MBBCh, Health Attaché, Embassy of South Africa, Washington, D.C.
• Kendra Phillips, Chief, Implementation and Support Division, Office of HIV/AIDS, U.S. Agency for International Development

To attend "Building an AIDS-Free Generation: Science, Care & More," pre-registration is requested, and space is limited. Please visit: http://tinyurl.com/ovzckmh

Creative's HIV/AIDS Programming

For more than a decade, Creative has served as an implementing partner for HIV and health interventions for children worldwide -- including Nigeria, Zambia and Uganda.

Creative's approach focuses on the "whole child," which uses schools and communities as platforms to keep children in school, support vulnerable children and integrate HIV prevention basics into learning.

"From literacy and economic security to life skills and an enabling environment, our whole child approach recognizes the importance of these to the health and prevention of HIV in households and communities," says Field-Nguer, Creative's HIV/AIDs expert and organizer of the July 30 event.

Critical to Creative's approach is psychosocial support to at-risk youth and addressing stigma, which is often rooted in a community's lack of knowledge, Field-Nguer says. Stigma can be a barrier to testing, care and treatment efforts.

"Creative is committed to contributing to the reality of an AIDS-free generation," says President & CEO Kruvant. "We have focused on primary prevention and value the opportunity to continue this work while embracing collaboration with those on the cutting edge of combination prevention and treatment scale-up."

About Creative

Creative Associates International works with underserved communities by sharing expertise and experience in education, economic growth, governance and transitions from conflict to peace. Creative is the second-largest company owned by women that works with the U.S. government.

Based in Washington, D.C., Creative currently has field offices in 23 countries. Since 1977, it has worked in 85 countries and on nearly every continent. Recognized for its ability to work rapidly, flexibly and effectively in conflictive environments, Creative is committed to generating long-term sustainable solutions to complex development problems.

For additional information, please visit: www.CreativeAssociatesInternational.com

SOURCE Creative Associates International