Ifakara Health Institute is taking part in the 20th edition of the International Conference on HIV Treatment, Pathogenesis, and Prevention Research (INTEREST) 2026, taking place from 12–15 May 2026 at the Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre (JNICC) in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. The conference is organized by Virology Education B.V.

INTEREST 2026 brings together researchers, healthcare professionals, policymakers, and partners from across Africa and beyond to discuss the latest advancements in HIV diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. This year’s conference continues to emphasize the importance of strengthening African-led research and fostering collaboration to support locally relevant solutions for managing HIV-1 infection and preventing transmission.

At the conference, several Ifakara staff members are participating through poster presentations, scientific discussions, and engagement in various conference sessions and networking opportunities. Their participation reflects Ifakara’s continued commitment to advancing research and contributing to efforts aimed at improving public health outcomes across the region.

The conference also provides an important platform for sharing knowledge, building partnerships, and exploring innovative approaches to addressing the evolving challenges of HIV prevention and care.

Beyond HIV and TB: Ifakara talks malaria

Ifakara’s Director of Science, Dr Ally Olotu, participated in a session on eliminating malaria in Africa, highlighting key interventions, progress made across the continent, and emerging technologies such as vaccines in the fight against the disease.

Strong presence in poster presentations

A key highlight of Ifakara’s participation is the strong showing in poster presentations by young scientists, showcasing ongoing research across HIV prevention, maternal health, and adolescent wellbeing.

Among the presenters, Elizabeth Dotto presented findings from a collaborative study involving the Ifakara Health Institute, St. Francis Regional Referral Hospital, and Swiss partners including the University Hospital Basel and the Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute. The study assessed whether maternal use of Dolutegravir (DTG), a widely recommended HIV medication, has any impact on the growth of HIV-exposed but uninfected infants in rural Tanzania. 

Using data from 1,019 infants within the KIULARCO cohort, researchers compared outcomes between those exposed to DTG and those exposed to Efavirenz (EFV), an older treatment regimen. After adjusting for relevant factors, the study found no significant differences in growth outcomes such as stunting or wasting between the two groups. 

While this reinforces DTG’s safety as a preferred treatment option during pregnancy, the findings also showed that children in both groups were growing below WHO standards, pointing to the continued need for strengthened nutrition and child health support.

George Sigalla presented on the Sauti ya Vijana (SYV – The Voice of Youth) programme, a peer-led, group-based intervention aimed at improving mental health and HIV-related outcomes among adolescents and young adults living with HIV in Tanzania. Implemented by the Ifakara Health Institute and partners, the programme focuses on strengthening resilience, reducing stigma, and building essential life skills that support young people to better manage their health and wellbeing

For more information and to view the full Programme 2026, please visit the official INTEREST Conference website