Three Oral Abstract Presentations Bring Current Research Insights in Paediatric and Adolescent HIV to the Chiva Conference
At the 20th Annual Chiva Conference on Friday 13 March 2026, a pivotal session featured three impactful oral abstracts, each addressing critical aspects of paediatric and perinatal HIV care with fresh insights and data-driven solutions.
Alexandra David opened the session with a thorough analysis from the Children’s HIV and AIDS Reporting System (CHARS), which examined clinical characteristics and circumstances of children and young people newly presenting to paediatric HIV services in England between 2023–2025. With findings from 75 cases, David emphasised concerning rates of late diagnosis, particularly among children born abroad, many of whom faced delays in care upon arrival to the UK. Her presentation underlined missed opportunities for timely diagnosis and treatment, while advocating for stronger surveillance systems and expedited referrals to specialist services.
Gabriela Toledo from the MRC Clinical Trials Unit at University College London presented young people’s perspectives on using unconsented health data for HIV research, using follow-up insights from the Chiva Youth Committee (CYC). Toledo’s research gathered the CYC’s views to shape the Children’s HIV and AIDS Reporting System (CHIPS) Lifecourse study. Her research highlighted that most participants supported the use of unconsented data for research, recognising its value for long-term health insights while addressing the need for clearer communication around its use. The top three topics of interest for future research were: mental health, education and heart health. Her work highlighted the importance of empowering young voices and demonstrated the high value placed on appropriate safeguarding of sensitive information.
Jessica Glenn from Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust closed the session with a compelling overview of the utilisation of the perinatal virtual clinic (PVC) over the last nine years. The PVC has been providing multidisciplinary care for paediatric and perinatal HIV cases since 2009. Glenn showcased trends in referrals from 2017 to 2025 and addressed challenges such as treatment resistance, virological failure, and complex infant care. Highlighting the clinic’s evolving global reach and collaborative model, Glenn discussed how it continues to optimise outcomes for individuals worldwide.
At the conclusion of the presentations, an audience vote awarded Gabriela Toledo’s work as the favorite, recognising her meaningful portrayal of youth engagement and advocacy for better communication in research. The session left attendees with a clear message: while significant progress has been made in paediatric and perinatal HIV care, addressing missed opportunities, timely diagnosis, and innovative engagement remains vital to advancing the field.
Critical Reviewer: Chiva Steering Group member
