The “New Hopes for Treatment” awareness days, carried out jointly by Near East University and Kocaeli University, brought together specialists in the field and comprehensively discussed current scientific developments in HIV/AIDS.
The latest scientific advances in HIV/AIDS treatment and research were discussed at the “New Hopes for Treatment” awareness days, hosted by Near East University, one of the world’s top 500 universities. At the event, organized jointly by Near East University and Kocaeli University, was discussed the global impact of HIV/AIDS, innovations in treatment processes, and strategies used in combating the disease in light of current data.
The event, coordinated by Near East University Rector Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ and Kocaeli University Head of the Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Prof. Dr. Sıla Akhan, featured nine sessions over two days.
Experts Shared Current Findings and Treatment Options
The first day of the event began with a presentation by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Elif Sargın Altunok on HIV pathogenesis. Following this, Prof. Dr. Murat Sayan shared the latest scientific data on HIV subtypes and drug resistance with the attendees. In the final section of the first day, Prof. Dr. Seniha Şenbayrak addressed the vaccines that should be administered to individuals living with HIV, while Prof. Dr. Ediz Tütüncü outlined the scientific challenges facing HIV vaccine research. The first day of the event concluded with intense discussions and comprehensive evaluations. The second day of the event continued with a more comprehensive scientific program. In the morning session, Res. Assist. Ayşenur Cihanoğlu, Res. Assist. Oğuzhan Yeykan, and Res. Assist. Sevim Hazal Özel addressed complex HIV cases reflected in clinical practice and presented the assessments of young researchers.
In the following section of the program, Dr. Müge Toygar Deniz addressed cardiovascular health in HIV-positive individuals; Dr. Özlem Güler addressed the effects on the central nervous system and the eye; and, Res. Assist. İrem Asena Doğan Öntaş addressed the topic of metabolic health. The session concluded with a case presentation on pregnancy and HIV prepared by lecturer Gamze Kara and lecturer Cemile Çakmak. Later in the day, experienced academics in the field shared current research findings. Prof. Dr. Deniz Gür Altunay and Prof. Dr. Kağan Özdemir discussed the relationship between HIV and aging, while Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ addressed the topic “Current Situation of the HIV Pandemic with a Mathematical Model.”
Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ: “We have come together to raise awareness in the light of science and to undertake projects that result in a social impact.”
Near East University Rector Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ began his opening remarks by saying, “We have come together to raise awareness in the light of science and to undertake projects that result in a social impact.” He emphasized that science is not confined to the boundaries of a single discipline but is in a constantly evolving process.
Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ said, “The Times Higher Education (THE) Interdisciplinary Science Rankings are a prestigious benchmark that assess universities based on crucial criteria such as research diversity, the strength of interinstitutional collaborations, the prevalence of global scientific impact, and societal contribution. The fact that Near East University ranks 110th in this ranking among 749 universities from 92 countries is not only a source of pride for us, but also a testament to the maturity of interdisciplinary studies at our university.”
Recalling that Near East University is among the world’s top 500 universities, Prof. Dr. Şanlıdağ stated that all these achievements demonstrate the university’s scientific capacity, infrastructure strength, and projects that impact society, which have also received international recognition. Prof. Dr. Şanlıdağ said, “Behind these successes lies the strong partnerships we have developed with various institutions and researchers,” adding, “I wholeheartedly believe that this joint program with Kocaeli University will mark the beginning of even stronger projects and lasting academic partnerships in the future.”
Prof. Dr. Sıla Akhan: “We must address the silent spread of HIV in society with awareness, early diagnosis, and appropriate treatment.”
In her opening remarks, Kocaeli University’s Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology Director Prof. Dr. Sıla Akhan stated that the global fight against the HIV pandemic has been ongoing for many years. Emphasizing that while HIV is no longer considered a fatal disease, it has not yet been completely brought under control, Prof. Dr. Akhan said, “Today, we have not completely eliminated HIV, however, we have reached a level where the disease can be controlled with regular medication and does not shorten patients’ lives.”
Prof. Dr. Akhan stated that while there are 45,000 registered HIV cases in Turkey, this number does not reflect the true number, noting that the disease can progress asymptomatically for many years. “HIV can go unnoticed for about ten years,” she said. “When the stage that symptoms and symptoms appears, then AIDS becomes noticeable. Therefore, our primary goal is to raise public awareness before reaching this point, prevent transmission, and ensure that if infected, the treatment is properly maintained.”
Prof. Dr. Akhan emphasized that there may be far more individuals silently carrying the virus than the 45,000 registered cases in Turkey, saying, “We must stop this rise and intervene in the silent spread of HIV in society. This is only possible through awareness, early diagnosis, and proper treatment.”
