IPVS organized the 31st International Papillomavirus Conference 28th February through 4th March 2017 in Cape Town, South Africa. 1,302 delegates from 92 countries gathered in the Cape Town International Convention Center (CTICC). It was a truly unique and inspiring HPV meeting, the first ever held in Africa.
CTICC registration hall
Research carried out throughout the world was showcased in Cape Town through the rich and diverse program. This meeting covered the breadth of HPV science including basic research, clinical research, and public health/epidemiology.
On the first day and a half, the pre-conference Basic Science, Public Health and Clinical workshops were extremely well attended.
Posters in the exhibition hall
Key Conference Facts:
- 985 abstracts received
- 141 oral presentations
- 795 posters
- 58 Scientific Sessions
- 8 Public Health Track Sessions
- 8 Basic Science Track Sessions
- 8 Clinical Track Sessions
- 3 Plenary Sessions
- 16 Satellite Symposium Sessions
- 15 Workshop Sessions
- 3 Joint Public Health/Clinical Workshop
- 3 Public Health Workshop
- 3 Clinical Workshop
- 6 Basic Science Workshop
Delegates were invited to vote for the 3 best posters in clinical research, public health and basic science, selecting 9 researchers that were rewarded for their accomplishments.
More than 90 Travel Grants distributed
Poster prize distribution
IPVS distributed 2 IPVS Founders Travel Awards and was delighted to distribute more than 90 travel grants in total to students from low and middle income countries, allowing them to attend the conference thanks to the appreciated support of the National Research Foundation (NRF), GSK, the International Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), National Institutes of Health (NIH).
On the last day of the Conference, as part of the IPVS attempts to increase visibility of what we do and what can be done to reduce the burden of HPV related disease, the IPVS advocacy and Campaign Committee announced a new and exciting initiative of the society: The launch of “HPV Awareness Day”, which will have its inauguration on March 4th 2018. More information on this topic can be found here and here. IPVS will actively be involved in preparing the next steps to reach focal groups around the world to accomplish our mission. We are very excited to begin organizing activities for 2018 around the 4th of March anniversary of this event.
HPV2017 also resulted in “The Cape Town Declaration on the Prevention of Human Papillomavirus Disease” pronounced on the 4th of March 2017. This statement provides an important message about HPV related disease control and request for accessibility and equality in the development of preventative measures around the world. It is critical that we disseminate this message to our institutions and colleagues. Please help us share the message and let’s work together to be the guiding light in tackling this problem.
J. Jeronimo, T. Iftner and J. Palefsky announcing the HPV Awareness Day initiative
President of IPVS, Silvia de Sanjosé said:
“I strongly believe that HPV2017 has generated more energy, enthusiasm and logistics to further encourage collaborations and highlight the strategic mission of the IPVS. I have no doubt that this meeting will facilitate the necessary steps advancing the control and elimination of HPV-related diseases, so needed and critical in Africa.”
She added:
“This was an outstanding meeting that far exceeded our expectations. I want to once again thank our host – Anna Lise Williamson, Ed Rybicki and all the “local organizing committee” members for their hard work and enthusiasm. You did a great job!”
We’d like to express our heartfelt thanks to our generous hosts, experts, organisers and indeed to all of you, our members, who took part in this important global gathering for HPV!
