It's been a little more than a week and a half since #AIDS2016 wrapped up in Durban, but we're still buzzing with excitement. The 21st International AIDS Conference (AIDS 2016) was held from July 18 through 22, in Durban, South Africa. It was a chance to assess where we are, evaluate recent scientific developments, lessons learned, and collectively chart a course forward. AIDS 2016 convened tens of thousands of delegates from around the world. This year’s conference was particularly momentous; because it is the first International AIDS Society Conference held in Africa since 2000, and because of the recent launch of the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines recommending Treatment for All infected with HIV.
The conference underscored the tremendous progress that has been made, but that there are still considerable obstacles to ending AIDS for good. EGPAF was awarded the honor of three oral abstract-driven presentations and 17 posters. We also hosted four satellite sessions at AIDS 2016, all of which focused on closing in on virtual elimination of HIV: from tackling the disease in adolescents to realizing full-scale implementation of the 2016 World Health Organization treatment guidelines.
To follow all of our updates from #AIDS2016, check out our Storify!
During #AIDS2016, EGPAF also took the opportunity to launch three new videos.
“Growing Up With HIV” – a film highlighting the unique medical, psychological and social challenges HIV-positive young people face every day. The video was premiered at the EGPAF hosted session, ‘Reaching the Sky - Supporting Adolescents with HIV in Living Health and Striving.'
Additionally, we launched another video during our session with UNAIDS, PEPFAR and Johnson & Johnson called: "Start Free, Stay Free, AIDS Free: Finishing the Job of the Global Plan." The session highlighted country-specific progress made under the Global Plan, as well as areas for increased focus to achieve an AIDS-free future for children, adolescents, young women and mothers by 2020. The program will move from discussion around the Global Plan, the Start Free, Stay Free, AIDS Free campaign, field examples of forward movement and a personal story of HIV program success. Led by the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) and the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), Start Free, Stay Free, AIDS Free brings together a coalition of partners to build on the tremendous progress achieved under the Global Plan towards the Elimination of New HIV Infections among Children by 2015 and Keeping their Mothers Alive (Global Plan). Start Free, Stay Free, AIDS Free provides a roadmap for the urgent work ahead, elevating and amplifying key initiatives that are already accelerating progress for children, adolescents and young women. Visit www.http://free.unaids.org/ to learn more.
Lastly, we worked closely with award winning filmmaker Mike Kepka and launched a short film called "Anna's Story," spotlighting the daily struggles that adolescents face when coming to grips with their HIV diagnosis. Young people growing up with HIV have unique medical, psychological and social challenges they must face every day. It’s important that they are equipped with knowledge and empowered with support to help them lead their lives to their greatest potential. Many people don’t know that while AIDS-related deaths worldwide are decreasing for adults, they are INCREASING for adolescents. AIDS has become the leading cause of death among adolescents in Africa, and the second leading cause globally. Many young people aren’t aware of their status, or they are afraid to voice their questions or frustrations to their families, caregivers, and communities for fear of stigma. Our film focuses on Anna, whose bravery and courage inspires us, and underscores the need to continue the work to #EndAIDS for good.
While the conference may be over, (watch this great recap event hosted by CSIS), our work is far from complete. You can continue to follow our updates here, on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram ,Youtube, and LinkedIn.