XVII International AIDS Conference 2008

The 2008 International AIDS Conference takes place in Mexico City, August 3-8 2008.More than 22,000 researchers, policymakers and advocates gathered in Mexico City for the conference, with the theme; Universal Action Now, which regarded as the most important gathering for the release and discussion of scientific, programmatic and policy developments in the global response to HIV.

The AIDS 2008 theme, Universal Action Now, emphasizes the need for continued urgency in the worldwide response to HIV, and for action on the part of all stakeholders. The theme serves as a rallying call, reminding us that it is only through individual and collective action that we will reach the goals of ensuring universal access to HIV prevention, treatment, care and support by 2010, and eliminating HIV stigma and discrimination.

Programme activities at AIDS 2008 will include the new scientific research programme Global Village, and the Cultural and Youth Programmes. The Global Village will be a space to share lessons learned, knowledge and skills, build coalitions, and promote interactive learning among communities living with and affected by HIV.

Fiona Pettitt will be participating from our partner ICW (International Community of Women living with HIV/AIDS) with Diane Moody and Alyson Lewis will also be there with an estimated 80 Red Cross Red Crescent staff and volunteers from across the globe.

The following two sites are offering daily updates just go to these sites and sign up!

• www.kaisernetwork.org/aids2008: -Webcasts and related resources for all major sessions
• Clinical Care Options: expert analyses of key scientific developments

Update on some of the Conference activites!

Monday 4th August- United Nations officials at the XVII International AIDS Conference discussed how rising food prices could affect HIV/AIDS, Reuters reports.

Tuesday 5th August- Today the XVII International AIDS Conference focussed its attention on methods for preventing HIV infection. With an effective vaccine years away and other tools like microbicides and Pre Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) still being researched, bringing together stakeholders is of vital importance. The Conference also looked to the future with a session on 'Looking to the Future; The Epidemic in 2031 and new Directions in AIDS research'- download the transcript.

Wednesday 6th August- Participants at the XVII International AIDS Conference heard on Wednesday about the future of the epidemic from a variety of perspectives. According to Anthony Fauci, M.D., Director of the National Institute of Allergies and Infectious Diseases, research possibilities are "bright and promising." "However, here we are in Mexico City still in the middle of a raging pandemic," said Fauci. "To be sure there are multiple and daunting challenges ahead in terms of how we confront HIV globally. Not all but certainly some of these challenges can only be addressed through biomedical research."

Thursday 7th August- Experts at the XVII International AIDS conference discussed the complementary nature of improving health systems in developing countries and broadening access to HIV prevention and treatment. They called for collaboration in expanding primary care as well as HIV/AIDS care. Gregg Gonsalves of the AIDS and Rights Alliance for Southern Africa gave the expansion of access to antiretroviral treatment as an example.
See AidsMap News for more talks that day!

The AIDS 2008 conference programme has been developed by an international committee of experts and guarantees sessions of great quality built around themes spanning scientific, policy and programmatic relevance. Sessions seek to share key research findings, lessons learned, gaps in knowledge and best practices as well as promoting dialogue and engaging with and linking people in an ongoing way, rather than focusing exclusively on five days of meetings.

Conference sessions focus on the latest issues in HIV science, policy and practice. In addition to conference sessions, AIDS 2008 features satellite meetings, exhibitions, and skills building workshops, as well as a number of programme activities, such as the Global Village, and Cultural and Youth Programmes, which are integral to delegates’ experience.

For more information on the conference programme, visit www.aids2008.org/programmeactivities.