Since 1985 the biannual International AIDS Conference has taken place, bringing together hundreds of researchers, doctors, pharmaceutical companies, NGOs and people living with HIV to discuss the latest developments in the fight against HIV and AIDS. This year the conference takes place in Vienna between 18-23 July and the theme is ‘Rights Here, Right Now’.
The International AIDS Conference is the foremost gathering for those working in the field of HIV. It is an opportunity to consider the current state of the pandemic, to evaluate recent scientific developments and the lessons learnt, and to collectively plan the way ahead.
The programme overview also states that “With the global economic crisis threatening to undermine public investments, the conference will help keep HIV on the front burner, and is a chance to demonstrate the importance of continued HIV investments to broader health and development goals. AIDS 2010 is also an opportunity to highlight the critical connection between human rights and HIV; a dialogue begun in earnest in Mexico City in 2008.”
The Conference is also the place where new scientific knowledge will be presented and offers many opportunities for structured dialogue on the major issues facing the global response to HIV.
46664 ambassador Annie Lennox will perform at an historic rally in downtown Vienna on 20 July 2010. The march and rally will feature provide an opportunity for people to demonstrate their commitment to protecting human rights and stopping the spread of HIV. As part of the Human Rights and HIV/AIDS: Now More Than Ever campaign, the conference-affiliated event is led by a global coalition of organizations including The SING campaign and the International AIDS Society, and supported by the Open Society Institute and other sponsors including Aids Hilfe Wien and Homosexuelle Initiative Wien (HOSI).
No doubt there will be a great deal of information coming out of AIDS 2010 which may have a direct impact on the lives of those of us living with HIV as well as in our efforts to educate and prevent new infections. I will be particularly keen to hear about any new education initiatives which are working to tackle stigma and discrimination towards people living with HIV so that I may incorporate their message into my Positive Voice talks.