COVID-19: 1st Virtual Int'l AIDS Conf from July 6-10

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the 23rd International AIDS Conference (AIDS 2020), to be held on July 6-10, will become the first virtual edition of the International AIDS Conference.

"AIDS 2020: Virtual" will enable delegates to access and engage with the latest HIV science, advocacy and knowledge traditionally presented at the conference, said the organizers.

It will be a compelling combination of virtual sessions and community networking, including exhibitions, workshops, the Global Village, satellites and pre-conferences, that will reach audiences around the world.

The decision was informed by advice from the World Health Organization, UNAIDS, leading global and local health authorities, and people living with HIV around the globe.

"In particular, we are acutely aware that there is not yet sufficient data on whether people living with HIV are more susceptible to COVID-19 or more likely to develop severe disease. Therefore, we have a special obligation to reduce any potential risk to the HIV community," reads a message.

Many of those who were planning to attend are now working on the front lines in the response to COVID-19 around the world.

"We have a responsibility to not put any of these individuals – or their home communities – at risk, nor redirect their efforts at a critical time in the response to the pandemic."

AIDS 2020: Virtual will continue to shine a spotlight on our host cities, San Francisco and Oakland, exploring the tale of these two cities through science, innovation and activism, while underscoring the Bay Area’s dedication to health equity in its “Ending the HIV Epidemic” initiatives.

The theme of this year’s conference is Resilience and there is no better word to describe the HIV community and our ability to come together in a shared commitment to the global HIV response.

The International AIDS Conference is the premier global platform to advance the HIV response.

As the world's largest conference on HIV and AIDS, it sits uniquely at the intersection of science, advocacy and human rights, bringing together scientists, policymakers, healthcare professionals, people living with HIV, funders, media and community. Since its start in 1985, the conference has served as an opportunity to strengthen policies and programs that ensure an evidence-based response to HIV and related epidemics.

The conference is organized by the International AIDS Society in collaboration with its permanent partners, UNAIDS, ICASO and ICW.

Source: AP