HealthGlobal: AIDS conference: July 21-22

The major demurral that comes to mind regarding the spread of AIDS is that of the sect of Gays committed to giving and receiving the virus thru purposely unprotected sexual behaviours.  The practice may have died off already, especially since the breakthrus in chemical cures that seem to have impacted the "AIDS fatigue" among younger Gays.  It was a wave of cultural despair, noticed in Gay publications in Canada which I read years ago.  Now, a new wave of attitudinal shifts seems to have moved again toward hope.  In any case, this International Conference shoud make it their business to educate Gays tempted to indulge in this underground cult of despair and death.  At minimum, a strong collective statement from the Conference is required.

— Albert Gedraitis, refWrite publisher

AIDSportal

Daily Bulletin XIX International AIDS Conference

International AIDS Conference 

returns to the U.S. at pivotal moment

Under the theme Turning the Tide Together, more than 21,000 delegates from more than 195 countries are gathering in Washington, D.C. for the XIX International AIDS Conference (AIDS 2012) to begin the march toward the end of the AIDS epidemic. AIDS 2012 is the first International AIDS Conference to be held in the United States since 1990, coming on the heels of recent scientific advances that have changed the landscape of the epidemic.

Following several days of pre-conference events, the conference Opening Session will set the stage for the coming five days in which delegates will present and review the latest scientific research and build momentum toward ensuring that financing and global leadership across all sectors keeps pace with scientific progress against HIV.

The Opening Session will feature voices from across the globe highlighting the challenges at hand and urging collec- tive action toward lasting solutions.

Local and national leaders participating include U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius, Congresswoman Barbara Lee, Washington, D.C. Mayor Vincent Gray and Ambassador Mark Dybul. Joining them from the global arena are South African Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe, World Bank Group President Jim Yong Kim, UNAIDS Executive Director Michel Sidibé, and Annah Sango of Zimbabwe. UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon will address the session via video. See schedule on reverse for full details.

Security

Security will be elevated. Only registered conference participants who have their badge can attend. Arrive early, as seats are limited.

Interpretation

Simultaneous interpretation into Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, Spanish and sign language, both English (ASL) and Spanish (LSE), are available.

Alternate Viewing

Delegates may view the Opening Session via live video feed at the Global Village Main Stage and in Session Rooms 2-4, and registered media may view it in the Media Centre. In addition, it will be webcast live at www.kff.org/aids2012.


Updates:


Interfaith service mourns 
those lost from AIDS-related illnesses

(ENInews)--With panels from the AIDS Memorial Quilt surrounding the nave of the Washington National Cathedral, worshipers from many faiths mourned those lost from AIDS-related illnesses in an interfaith service on 21 July, reports the Ecumenical Advocacy Alliance. The service came on the eve of the 19th International AIDS Conference, taking place in Washington, D.C. from 22ˆ27 July. It recognized the inspiration and commitment of those who created a "path in the darkness when there was none" and who continue to act for compassion and justice to end the HIV pandemic. [ENI-12-0423, 256 words]


Faith community must address injustice 
to help stop HIV pandemic

Washington, D.C. (ENInews)--On the eve of the 19th International AIDS Conference, an interfaith pre-conference on HIV concluded on 21 July, with participants singing and pledging to do their part to "turn the tide" against HIV and AIDS. On a banner that will be displayed at the Global Village Faith Zone at the conference, running from 22-27 July in Washington, D.C., participants wrote ways they will take action to help end AIDS. [ENI-12-0426, 658 words]