High-profile events such as the International AIDS Conference, which will be held in Munich from July 22 to 26, 2024, make an important contribution to scientific progress. With nearly 40 million people worldwide living with HIV, it remains a significant challenge to strengthen prevention and treatment of this previously incurable immune disease. Prof. Dr. Christoph Spinner, a specialist in internal medicine and infectious diseases at the Klinikum rechts der Isar of the Technical University of Munich, is overseeing the preparations for the congress as the "local co-chair" of AIDS 2024. He spoke with us about the excellent conditions for a scientific conference in the metropolis on the Isar.
Professor Spinner, how did you react when you learned that the World AIDS Conference 2024 was to be held in Munich?
I was of course very pleased, because the World AIDS Conference is the world's largest specialist conference; I therefore feel it is a special honor for Munich and for us as HIV care providers and scientists that we are given the opportunity to host this conference – and on its 25th anniversary no less.
How can Munich rise to the challenges of hosting such a congress?
I can think of few better places to host this conference than Munich. On the one hand, the city is home to many outstanding luminaries in the field of medicine and research, including infectious diseases and HIV research – we have two first-class universities, and Munich and its surrounding area are home to many pharmaceutical companies. About ten percent of all people living with HIV in Germany receive care in Munich. Secondly, Munich is ideally suited for congresses in general, as these thrive above all on discussions and professional exchanges that take place outside of the official program; both with its trade fair facilities and as a city, Munich is able to offer many special opportunities for constructive exchange – especially in the summer, perhaps even during a visit to a beer garden.
What do you see as the biggest challenges in organizing such a congress?
We want the conference to be scientifically successful and at the same time send a strong political message that the fight against HIV and AIDS is far from over. Care for people infected with HIV has deteriorated as a result of the Covid 19 pandemic, and discrimination against people with HIV in public life and also in health care facilities still occurs today. So much more education is needed so that we can tangibly improve both medical and human services for people living with HIV.
To what extent, then, has the Covid-19 pandemic influenced AIDS research?
Quite significantly, actually. There are very limited financial and scientific resources available around the world. Because of the pandemic, it was necessary to redirect research funds and capacities to the fight against covid – but this also automatically diverted some of the activities away from HIV. There is an urgent need to rebalance this, as we are seeing higher HIV infection rates around the world than ever before – even higher than in the 1980s.
Have the breakthroughs in AIDS research led to the virus being perceived as less of a threat today?
Impressive things have been achieved in HIV research: a fatal disease can now be "functionally" cured by taking antiretroviral drugs, so the HIV infection does not lead to an immune deficiency. The better treatment options have also reduced the fear of the virus. Nevertheless, to practice sexual prevention with fear would not work in the long run and does not work today. The fact is that condom use has been declining for many years. On the other hand, new options in the fight against HIV are now available in the form of pre-exposure prophylaxis – because the best way to prevent an infection is to avoid treating it in the first place.
Professor Spinner, what would you like to show your colleagues from all over the world in Munich if you still have time outside the congress?
I think anyone visiting Munich for the first time has to take a stroll through the English Garden once, as well as through Viktualienmarkt and Marienplatz. I would also definitely invite visitors to a typical beer garden in the summer.
Finally, is there anything that is "typically Munich" for you?
The pleasant, relaxed attitude to life. To be efficient, you have to enjoy life in balance.
The first place you go when you haven't been in Munich for a while?
The Gabanyi bar on Goetheplatz in Ludwigsvorstadt-Isarvorstadt.
Where do you find the most likeable people in the city?
People all over Munich are usually very likeable, but personally I feel the most comfortable at the Viktualienmarkt on a Saturday.
What would non-Munich residents not expect to find here?
Dreamlike sunsets on the Hackerbrücke or over the rooftops of the city on the Gasteig.
The best walk?
From Ludwigsvorstadt via Isarvorstadt to the English Garden.
Munich is the only city where you can ...
... enjoy an exuberant attitude to life, the Oktoberfest, the proximity to the mountains and the airport as a gateway to the world all in one!
Your favorite Bavarian term?
Gschaftlhuber. It describes someone who is self-important but actually doesn’t accomplish anything at all.
Where to on the weekends: the mountains or the lakes?
The lakes in summer and the mountains in winter! The great Gebirgsjägertour tour in the Dolomites is a must!
