Affiliated Independent Events

The main purpose of AIDS in Bahia is to stimulate the research of undergraduate and graduate students by providing opportunities for learning scientific techniques and methods. This event aims to stimulate personal and professional development and critical thinking by researchers working in the area of HIV and AIDS. The initial plan was to focus exclusively on HIV and AIDS, but at the request of participants, it was expanded to include other viral agents; this allows discussion of topics of great relevance in our environment, such as arboviruses, viral hepatitis and HTLV infection. 

It is an annual event with the objective of bringing together professionals from various educational, research and development institutions to present papers, discuss results and develop projects that contribute to the response to HIV and related viruses in Brazil. It also aims to stimulate collaborations between Brazilian and foreign institutions focused on scientific research and to arouse interest in scientific research in Brazilian students. Several national and international collaboration projects emerged from these interactions, reinforcing the role of the event as an enhancer of cooperation and strengthening of scientific research in the area of viral infections. Therefore, this event makes an important contribution to the achievement of the items specified above. 

There will be three days of debates, poster presentations, roundtables, seminars and conferences. 

Bicycle marathon connecting AIDS 2022 & AIDS 2024

APACC provides a much-needed scientific platform that focuses on developments, issues and needs in the Asia-Pacific region. Asian researchers have the opportunity to present and discuss the latest developments and are offered opportunities for interaction, networking and building collaborations. Top experts integrate science and clinical practice through state-of-the-art lectures, clinical case discussions, roundtable discussions and debates to reach consensus on best practices and inform how treatment guidelines are implemented.
 
The program includes oral abstract and poster presentations, guided poster walks, lectures from invited speakers and interactive activities, such as debates, panel discussions and capacity-building sessions. The conference provides an informal setting that offers a platform for presentation and discussion of the latest developments in the field, encourages young investigators in the region to engage in the field of HIV, and stimulates new research activities and collaborations.

In Zimbabwe, community-led monitoring (CLM) has played a role in advancing quality of care for people living with HIV in their diversity. CLM has aided in identifying issues of drug stock outs for essential drugs, including TB treatment. Therefore, the Development Agenda for Girls and Women in Africa Network (DAWA) proposes a session that can be a platform to share lessons learnt by community-based organisations in Zimbabwe in implementing CLM. It will unpack the challenges and share strategies that have been put in place to overcome the challenges.

The objectives of the event are to:

• Bring together voices of community-based organisations implementing CLM in Zimbabwe to share their experiences, challenges and solutions
• Highlight selected case studies from communities that have been supported by CLM on the impact of CLM
• Bring to the table the voices of community health advocates who do the CLM data collection – and for them to share how the data they collect has supported advocacy initiatives in their communities

Join the "Living Free with HIV" charity run in Munich and make a powerful statement against HIV stigma and discrimination! 

Choose between a challenging 10km run or a relaxed 5km run. This event not only promotes a healthy lifestyle, but also supports people living with HIV, advocating for a life free from discrimination. 

Your registration fee directly supports a German NGO dedicated to challenging HIV stigma and discrimination, making a lasting difference in many lives. The name, "Living Free with HIV", symbolizes our shared commitment to dignity and respect for all, regardless of HIV status. 

Together, we can create a more compassionate society. Whether you are running, walking or supporting as a spectator, your involvement is invaluable. Mark the date on your calendar and join this meaningful run for equality and acceptance. Let’s bring about lasting change together. 

Register now and help foster a world where everyone can truly live free with HIV.

This event is a community exchange and networking event aimed at building awareness of the growing HIV epidemic in Eastern Europe and Central Asia (EECA) in key target audiences to help galvanize broader stakeholder support and action.  

EECA is one of the few regions in the world where the HIV epidemic is getting worse, with new HIV diagnoses and AIDS-related deaths increasing by 49% and 46%, respectively, since 2010. Of the estimated 2 million people in EECA living with HIV, 38% are not aware of their HIV status and 49% are not on treatment – far below global targets. To end the HIV epidemic globally by 2030, we must end it in EECA. 

The event will take place outside of conference hours at the Hilton Munich Park Hotel. It will consist of a welcome reception, followed by a moderated panel discussion and Q&A and a visual exhibition. It will be moderated by Roman Yorick of the Elton John AIDS Foundation.  

This workshop is focused on doctors treating people living with HIV, which will give them tools for their clinical practice. The workshop will be taught by a group of speakers with great expertise in the topics.  

In this workshop, the following topics will be discussed:  

• Quality of life 
• Aging 
• Women and HIV 
• Vaccination 
• Bi-therapies 
• Resistance to antiretrovirals 

This event aims to create hope and support for people living with HIV by creating awareness and promoting a good healthcare system.

It is an opportunity to understand and celebrate the impact of artworks on the HIV and AIDS response and the ways art has helped develop good mental health conditions.

Activities include:

• Health talk 
• Health promotion
• Medical outreach programme from medical personnel
• Focusing on putting an end to stigmatization in the HIV and AIDS response, improving health and hygiene practices within the community
• Fostering adherence to the highest standards of safety

This is a social event promoting oneness and solidarity within the community. Human rights activists, experts in HIV and other social workers will be invited. Community games like football and netball will be played. Locally known teams will be invited to participate and compete for a prize to attract a multitude of spectators. The target audience is young people. However, the event will be open to the general public, as well.

Setbacks meant that HIV vaccine trials were discontinued in Phase III in 2023 (Johnson & Johnson, 2023 report). This is a clear indication that the response to HIV and AIDS is not over yet.

As the crowd watches exciting games at this event, HIV activists and other experts will deliver important messages about milestones achieved so far in the response, hindrances and drawbacks, and why it is important as individuals (both affected by and living with HIV) to be intentional towards preventing it. Condoms will be distributed on site. Issues related to the following will be emphasized:

• The importance of correctly utilising condoms during sexual intercourse
• The importance of supporting (not stigmatizing) people living with HIV in our communities
• The role of drug adherence in HIV prevention (U=U, treatment as prevention)
• Dilemmas around disclosure of one's status (when and how to do it and why it matters)

NB: T-shirts will be printed to convey visual messages. There will be a quiz session, and gifts will be given to those who correctly answer critical questions

In the lead up to AIDS 2024, the 25th International AIDS Conference, join us for a film screening and panel discussion that explores the impactful work of community-led organizations addressing gender-based violence (GBV) and its intersections with HIV. 

Two short films will showcase the successes and challenges of two community-led organizations working to prevent GBV and support survivors in Malawi and Botswana. (There may be a third film from Tanzania, but this is still TBD.) After the film screening, leaders from these two organizations and a third organization will answer audience questions and discuss what they’ve learned through work at the forefront of the HIV response. 

The panellists will consider: 

• What seemingly intractable challenges have they been able to make inroads on through their approaches to community engagement and holistic support? 
• How does their positioning as community-led and community-based organizations impact the work they do and the successes they have? 
• What are the intersections between gender-based violence and HIV in their communities? 
• How do their staff and volunteers cope with the direct and vicarious trauma that they experience through this work? Have their organizations been able to support the mental health and well-being of staff and volunteers? What else is needed? 

In collaboration with leading experts in the field, Virology Education has established a highly focused international workshop on the prevention and treatment of pediatric HIV. The overall objective of the International Workshop on HIV & Pediatrics is to stimulate research that will advance prevention and treatment strategies for infants, children and adolescents.

The program will consist of invited lectures, abstract presentations, a debate and panel discussions. To provide an interactive workshop setting, much time is allocated to discussions. The audience will be able to ask questions both in person and virtually.

Although the entire program will be conducted live with interactive discussion and audience participation, it will also be available afterwards as enduring material for those interested. There will be no fee or subscription required. Virology Education anticipates this format to be particularly attractive to the busy practicing clinician and will update the content as new data are made available and new treatments approved.

For AIDS 2024, the Power to You(th) Programme (PtY) extends an invitation to a contemporary "ekyooto" (fireside chat), where we will explore the empowerment of adolescent girls and young women in their diversity to combat harmful practices, thereby mitigating their vulnerability to HIV acquisition. “Ekyooto” is a transformation strategy employed by PtY as a platform for communities to reflect on their role in promoting gender equality and take action against harmful social norms and practices as a means of reducing vulnerability to HIV for adolescent girls and young women. Currently operational in five Ugandan districts (Kalangala, Isingiro, Mbale, Busia and Bukwo), the strategy embodies PtY's commitment to fostering community-driven solutions.

Aligned with the AIDS 2024 theme, Put people first!, our discussion amplifies the pivotal contribution of adolescent girls and young women in spearheading initiatives to combat harmful practices, effectively curbing vulnerability to HIV transmission, which is often exacerbated by certain practices and norms of society. Set in an informal ambiance like a cozy fireside gathering, the dialogue aims to cultivate an inclusive environment conducive to candid and open discussion.

Dialogue agenda:

• Warm welcome and setting the scene: Extend a heartfelt welcome, setting the stage for an enriching dialogue on empowering adolescent girls and young women and combating harmful practices to reduce vulnerability to HIV.
• Storytelling and reflection: Encourage participants to share personal narratives, reflecting on the interplay between harmful practices and vulnerability to HIV, and exploring avenues for change.
• Deep-dive discussions: Engage in small group discussions to delve into specific themes, such as the intersection of harmful practices and HIV vulnerability, brainstorming actionable solutions.
• Harvesting insights: Reconvene to harvest insights from group discussions, distilling key strategies and recommendations for empowering adolescent girls and young women and reducing HIV transmission rates.

Welcome to the 10th International Indigenous Pre-conference on HIV & AIDS, a pivotal gathering set against the vibrant backdrop of Munich, Germany, from 19 to 21 July.

As we convene in this culturally rich city, we embark on a journey to illuminate Indigenous issues and celebrate the profound diversity of Indigenous Peoples. Our mission is to elevate the status of Indigenous Peoples as a priority population in the global response to HIV, HCV, tuberculosis and STIs, advocating for the essential allocation of targeted funding.

By seeing collectively, we aim to develop evidence-based, Indigenous-specific strategies that not only address but also empower and uplift our communities. This gathering beckons Indigenous health care advocates, Indigenous health departments, health advocates and Indigenous community members with lived experiences of HIV, AIDS, HCV, tuberculosis and STIs, alongside their allies.

We extend a special invitation to Indigenous youth, Elders, traditional practitioners and community members from across the globe as we unite in a collective commitment to advance Indigenous health and well-being on a global scale.

Please join us in Munich for an enriching and collaborative exploration of Indigenous perspectives within the realm of HIV and AIDS!

The INTEREST Conference focuses on issues of particular relevance for the African continent and offers young researchers the opportunity to present their data. The size of the conference and the atmosphere facilitates discussion and interaction between participants. Seventeen successful conferences have been convened since INTEREST’s inception: in Uganda (2007, 2022), Senegal (2008, 2013), Zambia (2009, 2014), Mozambique (2010, 2023), Tanzania (2011), Kenya (2012), Zimbabwe (2015), Cameroon (2016), Malawi (2017), Rwanda (2018), Ghana (2019), and two virtual (2020, 2021). The conference has been held annually, bringing together 500-700 global and regional experts in HIV research each year.

This 3.5-day scientific and educational conference consists of invited lectures, oral abstract presentations, a debate, skill-building sessions, panel discussions and sponsored symposia. To provide an interactive conference setting, much time is allocated to discussions. The meeting is abstract-driven and therefore offers an excellent platform for young investigators to present their research. To ensure the quality of accepted abstracts, all submitted abstracts go through a blind, peer-reviewed process conducted by members of the Organizing and Scientific Committees. 
 

There is a crucial unmet need for knowledge exchange and discussion on preventing early childhood RSV-associated ALRI morbidity and mortality. This program encompasses epidemiology, pathophysiology, system immunology, prevention in pediatrics and adults, vaccination during pregnancy, and treatment options in neonates. Meeting objectives: This workshop aims to:

• Increase knowledge on the prevention, diagnostic, clinical management and surveillance of RSV in global healthcare settings
• Strengthen capacity in the prevention, diagnostics and management of RSV
• Reduce existing health disparities globally by providing education on the most relevant RSV prevention, surveillance and treatment-related topics to healthcare professionals from diverse world regions

Learning objectives: After participating in this workshop, participants will be able to:

• Identify accessible diagnostic and therapeutic options and relevant challenges for RSV
• Highlight the outpatient and inpatient clinical management and complications resulting from RSV infection
• Describe the latest advancement in the development of RSV prevention products and discuss the implementation landscape
• Plan strategies to better prepare the healthcare system for the rollout and implementation of innovative preventive strategies
• Reflect on the lessons learned from RSV infection in terms of the emergence of variants, surveillance and preparedness
• Specify which surveillance and public health measures have been effective globally and in low- and middle-income countries

There is a two-way relationship between HIV and mental disorders. An undiagnosed and therefore untreated mental disorder has implications for the general health of people living with HIV. In line with the mission of the Mexican Medical Association for HIV/AIDS, C.A., we will carry out a two-day course in mental health and HIV for medical and paramedical health staff who provide healthcare to people living with HIV in public institutions in Mexico. The aim is to update on mental pathology and clinical identification of major mental disorders and substance use among people living with HIV.

The academic program will include topics on HIV neuropathy associated with mental disorders, neurotoxicity of new antiretroviral treatment regimens, updates on clinical presentation and treatment of depression, substance use and cognitive impairment, and psychosocial interventions integrated into the HIV care continuum in the Mexican population.

The speakers are professionals from different health areas, such as infectology, psychology and psychiatry, with vast clinical, academic and social experience. They are well known and recognized by people involved in the HIV field in Mexico.

On the occasion of the 25th International AIDS Conference, the Munich Chamber Orchestra, in cooperation with the Bavarian State Opera, will give a benefit concert in the Prinzregententheater. This will take place on Wednesday, 24 July, for the Munich AIDS-Hilfe.

Singers, who can also be seen at the National Theatre during the Munich Opera Festival, will perform with the Munich Chamber Orchestra for a good cause. Under the musical direction of Ivor Bolton, soprano Hanna-Elisabeth Müller, tenor Pavol Breslik and violinist Arabella Steinbacher will perform a varied programme, with music by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Maurice Ravel and Astor Piazzolla.

All proceeds from the concert, which is sponsored by the City of Munich, will go to the Münchner AIDS-Hilfe organisation, which has been campaigning for solidarity, diversity, self-determination and holistic health in the city for 40 years.

After the concert, we look forward to ending the evening with all our guests in the Gartensaal of the Prinzregententheater. The fundraising event is being held with the kind support of ViiV Healthcare and Gilead Sciences.
 

Even one death due to TB or AIDS is a death too many. We have the tools to test all people with TB and HIV, treat all of them with effective medicines, and prevent further transmission of both TB and HIV. 

Despite progress in the response to TB and AIDS, we must recognize that we are failing too.  

****** LAUNCH OF THE CALL for 100-100-100 ******* 

If we are to end the AIDS pandemic, we have to ensure that along with 100-100-100 (100% of people with HIV know their status, 100% are on lifesaving antiretroviral therapy, and 100% are virally suppressed), we also ensure that no one suffers or dies of TB. 

We must ensure that 100% of people with HIV know their TB status (on an ongoing basis), 100% of people with active TB disease are treated with medicines that work, and 100% are using a full range of appropriate combination prevention options to stop transmission of TB and HIV. 

Also, 100% of those people with HIV who do not have active TB disease must be offered TB preventive therapy (to reduce the chance of latent TB converting into active disease). 

Treatment is also prevention (for both TB and HIV) as it prevents transmission soon after initiation of treatment (if medicines are effective). 

Additionally, we must advance stronger action towards #endHunger, #endTobacco, #endAlcohol, #preventDiabetes, #NCDs and other factors associated with TB. 

Zero catastrophic cost and zero HIV and TB stigma and discrimination must be a reality for all.

This is a gathering of queer community members from around the globe to celebrate one another, raise our collective voices, gain information, and have a terrific time. The event will include a curated conversation with international pop star Christian Chavez, a gender-bending cultural performance from renowned Turkish dancer Kika, a fast-paced interactive game show, and live demonstration from Only Fans content creators Pablo Bravo and Danny Azcona. 

MPact chose Outlaws Wanted as our theme for the conference because various structures render us outside the law when we attempt to traverse cultural, political and legal borders or sexuality, gender and country. Criminalization of same-sex sexual behaviour, gender expression, sex work, drug use, HIV status and migration create dire conditions for queer people and severely impact the response to HIV. No one is illegal, and our activities strive to celebrate our community members whose very existence is an act of resistance against a variety of structural barriers. You don't want to miss this! 

Outlaws Wanted is an event for our gay, bisexual, queer and trans male community. Space is limited and priority will be given to community members. 

This series of online events is a call to action for Canadian policy makers to act now to end HIV criminalization and a virtual launch of the book, Criminalized Lives: HIV and Legal Violence, written by Alexander McClelland. Hosted by the Canadian Coalition to Reform HIV Criminalization (CCRHC), the HIV Legal Network, and the HIV Justice Network, the event will feature a 15-minute press conference with people living with HIV and national and international human rights advocates leading efforts to challenge the ongoing discriminatory criminalization of HIV. 

This will be followed by a 15-minute  armchair discussion with Alexander McClelland, a criminologist and person living with HIV. His powerful book chronicles the experiences of people living with HIV who have been criminalized in Canada and community mobilization against criminalization in the country. Our virtual series will be completed by the launch of short video testimonials by people with lived experience of HIV criminalization calling for action.

Canada has been known as a "hot spot" of criminalization and has seen over 200 prosecutions  of people who have faced harsh punishments, including registration on the sex offender registry. While the number of prosecutions has now significantly reduced because of effective community-led advocacy, the threat of criminalization remains. Also of great concern is the impact of Canada’s jurisprudence equating HIV non-disclosure with sexual violence worldwide. In June 2024, a man in South Africa  was found guilty of rape for not disclosing his HIV status to his partner and attempted murder for allegedly passing on HIV during otherwise consensual sex. 

At AIDS 2022, the Government of Canada announced a national consultation on law reform that ended in January 2023. Yet, to date, the government has taken no concrete step in Parliament to advance law reform.
 

The World Health Organization is convening a high-level one-day international consultation on 20 years of TB/HIV collaborative activities in conjunction with AIDS 2024 in Munich on 21 July 2024. 

The aim of the meeting will be to review progress in implementation of activities to address HIV-associated TB since the publication of the first WHO policy on TB/HIV collaborative activities in 2004 and to review the TB/HIV research landscape and research gaps that need to be addressed to achieve global targets by 2030. The meeting will also aim to identify key challenges and opportunities for the provision of people-centred services for HIV-associated TB, including uptake of latest technologies, and to generate innovative ideas and ways to define the next stage of the global TB/HIV response and its strategic direction towards 2030. 

This all-day event will include perspectives from key global and national stakeholders working on TB and HIV, including high-level policy makers, programme managers, researchers and community activists. Leading opinion leaders will provide strategic and visionary perspectives on what it will take to end TB deaths among people living with HIV. Representatives from ministries of health of high TB/HIV burden countries will discuss lessons learnt and actions needed in the future to end TB deaths in people living with HIV. Leading researchers, implementers and civil society will discuss the research landscape and priorities for research and development, focused on priority populations, such as people in prisons, people who use drugs and children. 

Refreshments will be available during the event. Attendance will require prior registration, which is on a first-come, first-served basis. If you are interested in participating, please register with us at tbhiv@who.int at your earliest convenience.

The event will be a series of awareness interviews, discussions and interactive sessions. 

The agenda of the first few days will be based on students sharing their experiences and myths about AIDS and all they've known since childhood. 

The next days will feature experienced speakers addressing the students about the misconceptions and the truth behind all they've known so far. 

A #TellAFriend challenge will also be unveiled. This will involve every student being tasked with spreading the message about the truth of AIDS to as many of their friends as possible. 

For every friend the message is shared with, the student scores a point. The student with the highest points at the end will be crowned IAS Champion of the Year and presented with a certificate. 

At the end of this event, a closing ceremony will be held where the students will share how they plan to move the AIDS campaign forward in their various communities. An AIDS Club will also be inaugurated, which will help us remain consistent. 

Bicycle marathon connecting AIDS 2022 & AIDS 2024

This event aims to explore the impact of HIV on families and strategies required to provide support for their loved ones.

Agenda:

• Raise awareness about the impact of HIV on families and loved ones.
• Provide a platform for sharing experiences and strategies for HIV support.
• Offer resources and information on HIV management and care.
• Foster a supportive community for those affected by HIV.

ReShape, in collaboration with its international partners and the Clinic of Dermatology at Ludwig Maximilian University, will host the day-long International Chemsex Symposium on Saturday, 20 July. The intention is to advance global understanding and strategies to address chemsex, a complex intersection of substance use and sexual behaviour impacting marginalised communities, particularly LGBTQI+ individuals, worldwide. 

The symposium will combine in-person and virtual participation. This format is intended to foster multinational dialogue about chemsex and our communities, showcase innovative research, and develop actionable strategies in health, legal, and social realms related to chemsex. The expected outcomes include strengthened global networks, policy recommendations, and enhanced community support frameworks, including enhanced inter-regional collaboration. 

The symposium will be followed by “Into Chems? Addressing chemsex and other sexualised substance use”. This Global Village networking zone is a space for partner community organisations and allies to share their experiences, insights, and ongoing work related to chemsex. This setup will facilitate broader dissemination of the symposium work and encourage dialogue among global stakeholders.

On Tuesday, 23 July, from 14:00 to 15:00, ReShape will host a session at the Global Village, titled “Report from the 2nd International Chemsex Symposium”.  The session will showcase the symposium's findings, strategies, and future plans.
 

The Unite! Advocate! Thrive! Global Trans Conference is a two-day pre-conference to the International AIDS Conference that will take place in Munich, Germany, from 20 to 21 July.

A multi-year action plan will be developed revolving around three key areas: health, human rights and movement building. Collectively, these thematic areas will enable us to:

• Identify advocacy priorities within the trans and gender-diverse community.
• Strengthen the trans and gender-diverse community movement through mutual learning, relationship building and priority setting. This includes identifying the roles, needs and interdependencies among national, regional and global organizations and networks.
• Offer a space to activists engaging in challenging and hostile contexts to re-energize and receive support.
• Amplify the visibility of the strengths and gains of the international trans and gender-diverse movement.

The conference will include interactive and participatory spaces and more traditional panels and presentations. We aim to prioritize the participation of those with limited exposure to global conferences and spaces, including youth and Global South representation.

The Alliance for Youths and Adolescents Health (AYAH) Organization is hosting a virtual workshop associated with AIDS 2024, focused on integrating mental health support into HIV care. This event addresses the intersection of HIV and AIDS and mental health through innovative strategies and collaborative efforts.

The workshop will begin with a welcoming session led by AYAH representatives and a panel discussion featuring Dr Akora G. William, Nakiranda Joan, and Mutegeki Adolf. They will discuss stigma, trauma, and the psychological well-being of people living with HIV. Interactive workshops will focus on trauma-informed care, reducing stigma, and successful integration of mental health services into HIV care.

A networking break will allow for virtual collaboration, and a presentation on peer support models will highlight effective community-driven initiatives. The event will conclude with closing remarks summarizing key insights and actionable steps.

Mission: To enhance the well-being of people living with HIV by integrating mental health support into HIV care, promoting holistic health approaches, and improving health outcomes

In 2022, around 9.46 million of the estimated 39 million people living with HIV were aged 50 and above. Although antiretroviral therapy has substantially enhanced life expectancy for people living with HIV, the quality of life of older populations of people living with HIV differs notably. Disparities are accentuated by various health determinants, such as geographic, psychosocial, economic and political factors. This highlights the imperative for tailored management strategies for both HIV and related co-morbidities. Additionally, it underscores the necessity for a comprehensive public health strategy that acknowledges and addresses these diverse needs in varying settings.

As part of its mission to promote and facilitate the full contribution of the biomedical industry to the global HIV response, the Industry Liaison Forum of IAS – the International AIDS Society – is organizing a workshop ahead of AIDS 2024, the 25th International AIDS Conference, taking place in Munich, Germany, and virtually from 22 to 26 July 2024. The in-person workshop will bring together experts from various fields to share strategies and foster collaboration between industry and non-industry stakeholders.

By promoting open dialogue and knowledge exchange among industry and non-industry stakeholders, the workshop aims to identify and address age-specific challenges and pave the way for a more effective and tailored approach towards enhancing the well-being and quality of life of people over 50 living with HIV.

If you are interested in participating, please contact cpp@iasociety.org.