The 28th Bangkok International Symposium on HIV Medicine Successfully Convenes Global Experts in Bangkok
The 28th Bangkok International Symposium on HIV Medicine took place on 14–16 January 2026 at the Eastin Grand Hotel Phayathai, Bangkok. The meeting convened clinicians, researchers, and community leaders from across the region and beyond to share the latest advances in HIV and infectious disease care.
Organized in collaboration with the Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University and the Thai Red Cross AIDS and Infectious Diseases Research Centre (HIV-NAT), the symposium featured plenary updates, interactive case discussions, and practical workshops exploring progress in HIV prevention, treatment, cure research, and emerging digital and health system innovations.
Experts from clinical, research, and community backgrounds come together for a dynamic panel discussion on adolescent health and HIV, sharing practical insights, regional experiences, and forward-looking strategies to strengthen youth-centered care and collaboration.
Pediatric and Adolescent HIV Care Focus
A key highlight of this year’s symposium was its strong focus on the lifecourse of children, adolescents, and young adults living with HIV. Several dedicated sessions addressed pediatric and adolescent-specific challenges and emerging innovations, including:
From Birth to Adulthood: The Lifecourse of People Living with Perinatally Acquired HIV
Thanyawee Puthanakit, MD
Vice Chair in Research Affairs, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
Director, Center of Excellent for Pediatric Infectious Diseases and Vaccines, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
STI Prevention and Treatment in Adolescents and Young Adults
Eric Garges, MD, MPH, MTM&H, FACPM, FIDSA
Chief, Department of Retrovirology, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research – Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Sciences (WRAIR-AFRIMS), Bangkok, Thailand
Pharmacology 101 for Long-Acting Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) for Paediatrics
Tim Cressey, PhD
Associated Medical Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
Challenging Cases in Adolescent HIV Management
Suvaporn Anugulruengkitt, MD, PhD
Instructor, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
These sessions provided timely clinical insights, practical learning, and real-world case discussions to strengthen adolescent- and pediatric-friendly HIV care across diverse settings in the region.
Faculty and staff from the Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, gathered for a group photo during the symposium, reflecting their active participation and collaboration in advancing pediatric and adolescent HIV care.
CU Buddy Clinic booth showcases youth engagement and people-centered services
In parallel with the scientific program, the symposium also featured interactive exhibition activities highlighting community-driven and youth-centered approaches to HIV care. CU Buddy Clinic participated with a dedicated booth that attracted strong interest from participants throughout the three-day meeting.
The booth showcased youth representatives sharing lived experiences of care, a youth-led drawing and artwork exhibition, commemorative pins for attendees, and innovative concepts for Youth-Friendly and Adolescent-Friendly Clinic Services. Together, these activities underscored the importance of trust, inclusion, and meaningful youth participation in strengthening HIV service delivery.
The symposium marked an important moment for continued regional collaboration and learning, strengthening momentum toward more innovative, equitable, and people-centered HIV care across the lifecourse.
Team members and youth representatives from Buddy CU Clinic gathered at their booth to showcase youth-friendly HIV services, share experiences, and present creative outputs highlighting adolescent-centered care and community engagement.
