World AIDS Conference 2012, Washington, DC, USA 22-27 July 2012

Citation

(2012), "World AIDS Conference 2012, Washington, DC, USA 22-27 July 2012", Advances in Dual Diagnosis, Vol. 5 No. 4. https://doi.org/10.1108/add.2012.54105daa.002

World AIDS Conference 2012, Washington, DC, USA 22-27 July 2012

Article Type: News item From: Advances in Dual Diagnosis, Volume 5, Issue 4

The International AIDS Conference is the premier gathering for those working in the field of HIV, as well as policy makers, persons living with HIV and other individuals committed to ending the pandemic. It is a chance to assess where we are, evaluate recent scientific developments and lessons learnt, and collectively chart a course forward.

This was the 19th AIDS Conference, and this year it was held at the Convention Centre, Washington, DC, USA. AIDS 2012 drew nearly 24,000 participants from 183 countries. The week-long programme featured 194 sessions covering science, community and leadership. The conference was supported by almost 1,000 volunteers from all over the USA and other countries.

The AIDS 2012 programme presented new scientific knowledge and offered many opportunities for structured dialogue on the major issues facing the global response to HIV. A variety of session types – from abstract-driven presentations to symposia, bridging and plenary sessions – met the needs of various participants. Other related activities, including the Global Village, satellite meetings, exhibitions and affiliated independent events, contributed to an exceptional opportunity for professional development and networking.

A significant theme across the presentations was the barriers to accessing education, prevention and treatment as a result of stigma and discrimination. Key populations at risk of HIV infection are also marginalised, disempowered and stigmatized. This included men who have sex with men (in some countries homosexuality is outlawed); transgender people, sex workers, drug users and women. Inequalities in society lead to inequalities in health. One in ten Afro-American women in Washington, DC are HIV positive in certain deprived areas of the city. Women who experience intimate partner violence are at higher risk of substance misuse and HIV.

A special session on mental health and HIV called for greater awareness of the mental health consequences of HIV infection, but also to recognise that having a prior mental health (and substance misuse problem) increases the risk of HIV. However, it was highlighted that services designed to treat HIV are not always equipped with the skills and knowledge to identify, assess and intervene for mental health issues. Professor Francine Cournos of Columbia University, USA, has undertaken significant research related to mental health and HIV and was vocal in her criticism that the AIDS 2012 programme had marginalised mental health issues, despite it being such an important factor in prevention and treatment of HIV.

Elton John gave a heart-felt speech talking about his own experiences of drug use and mental health problems, and how compassion (or as he phrased it “love”) from counsellors and medical staff literally saved his life. He called for all workers to offer compassion to all people seeking help no matter what their background, and to put prejudice aside.

Thousands of delegates signed the Washington, DC Declaration, the official declaration of the 19th International AIDS Conference. The possibility of beginning to end the AIDS epidemic in our lifetimes is now a reality, but it requires a scale up of resources and efforts using the tools we have today to curb new infections and improve the health of tens of millions of people with HIV/AIDS. Turning the tide will take concerted leadership at all levels of government, health systems, and academic and non-governmental organizations.

The Washington, DC Declaration calls for:

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  An increase in targeted new investments.

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  Access for all to evidence-based HIV prevention, treatment and care.

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  An end to stigma, discrimination, legal sanctions and human rights abuses against those living with and at risk for HIV.

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  Marked increases in HIV testing, counselling and linkages to services.

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  Treatment for all pregnant and nursing women living with HIV and an end to peri-natal transmission.

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  Access to antiretroviral treatment for all in need.

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  Identification, diagnosis and treatment of TB.

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  Accelerated research on new HIV prevention and treatment tools.

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  Mobilization and meaningful involvement of affected communities.

Sign the declaration online at: www.dcdeclaration or www.2endaids.org

At the closing session, US House of Representatives Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi said, “The International AIDS Conference is focused on solutions, care, and a cure, bringing together experts, policy makers, and people living with HIV around a single goal: ending the HIV/AIDS pandemic once and for all. HIV/AIDS is a challenge that knows no borders, and the United States must continue to invest in treatments and prevention at home, while working to restore a future of hope and health to communities around the world”. The session also featured a keynote address by President William J. Clinton.

The next conference AIDS 2014 will be held in Melbourne, Australia on 20-25 July. For news on this conference, and call for abstracts please go to: www.aids2014.org/