News: #AIDS2016: Accessing Equity Rights Now

In July, thousands of scientists, advocates, policymakers, and international development professionals are gathering in Durban, South Africa, to reflect on the progress made so far in the fight against HIV/AIDS and to discuss the most strategic and inclusive initiatives for the future.

The International AIDS Conference, which runs from July 18-22, is the second to take place in the South African city — the last was 16 years ago. A group of health and supply chain experts from Chemonics are participating in this year’s conference, aiming to share their experiences working on HIV/AIDS interventions as well as to join the global conversation on this critical topic. Chemonics is also represented in the Exhibition Hall at Booth 264.

The theme of the conference, “Access Equity Rights Now,” emphasizes the need to reach vulnerable populations around the world who struggle to access HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment, and support services. This year’s event represents a marked difference from 2000, when the event was last held in Durban. At that time, donor funding committed toward AIDS activities was quite limited, as was overall awareness of the disease’s impact. In contrast, as of 2015, the global community has already provided 15 million people with access to HIV treatment options. Yet, more than 60 percent of people living with HIV — most of those women and girls, men who have sex with men, transgender people, and other marginalized groups — still lack access to adequate health services.

To address this challenge, AIDS 2016 aims to bring a diverse set of stakeholders together to develop more inclusive and innovative approaches to HIV/AIDS interventions moving forward.

“We must identify, share, and implement these approaches if we are to reach the 90-90-90 goals and realize the vision of an AIDS-free generation,” said Ellen Eiseman, director of Chemonics’ health practice. “This conference presents a phenomenal opportunity to exchange ideas with a wide range of AIDS program implementers, donors, advocates, experts, and policymakers from around the world.”

Are you going to going to be in Durban? Come by our booth (#264) to learn more about our expertise and experience. Follow the entire conference conversation on social media using #AIDS2016 and @AIDS_conference.