Human T-cell Lymphotropic Virus type 1 (HTLV-1) causes a lifelong infection that affects people worldwide. This infection can lead to severe diseases, resulting in premature death, disability, social stigma, and a diminished quality of life. In 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) published a technical report on HTLV, highlighting key priorities to enhance the global response to this neglected virus. Despite its inclusion in the Global Health Sector Strategy (GHSS) on HIV, viral hepatitis and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) 2022-2030, progress in addressing HTLV has been below expectations. Recognizing the need for a more robust response, WHO is committed to intensifying efforts, leveraging its global network and visibility to raise awareness about HTLV.
November 10th marks the World HTLV Day, celebrated by international HTLV community and stakeholders, and WHO aims to take this opportunity to reaffirm its commitment to this virus, to engage with stakeholders, strengthen the response, and amplify awareness about HTLV.
Date: Thrusday, November 07, 2024.
Time: 9:00 a.m (Washington DC Time)
Recording Meeting
Agenda
09:00 - 09:10 a.m.: Opening remarks
09:00 - 09:05 a.m.
Welcoming message
Jérôme Salomon (WHO)
09:05 - 09:10 a.m.
Living with HTLV: the community perspective
Fatumata Djalo (Civil Society)
09:10 - 09:25 a.m.: Global response to HTLV-1
09:10 - 09:15 a.m.
WHO’s Response and Strategic Direction
Carolina Rosadas and Cheryl Johnson (WHO-HQ)
09:15 - 09:25 a.m.
PAHO’s Technical note on good practices to prevent mother-to-child transmission of HTLV-1 in the context of the EMTCT Plus initiative
Leandro Sereno (PAHO/AMRO)
09:25 - 09:50 a.m.: HTLV Response in Action
09:25 - 09:30 a.m.
Policies to HTLV in Japan and challenges ahead
Toshiki Watanabe (Japan)
09:30 - 09:35 a.m.
Elimination of HTLV-1 mother-to-child transmission
Pamela Gaspar (Brazil)
09:35 - 09:40 a.m.
Blood donor screening
Katy Davison (United Kingdom)
09:40 - 09:45 a.m.
Prevention of HTLV-1 in the context of sexually transmitted infections
Peter Figueroa (Jamaica)
09:45 - 09:50 a.m.
Testing for HTLV
Philippa Hetzel (Australia)
09:50 - 09:55 a.m.: Questions and Answers
09:55 - 10:00 a.m.: Closing remarks
Meg Doherty (WHO)