1. XVI (16 th ) International AIDS Conference (AIDS 2006) Liesel Köstlich 28 August 2006

2. About the Conference World’s largest HIV/AIDS conference provides an international, open and independent forum >20,000 participants including scientists, health care providers, political, community and business leaders, journalists, government, non-governmental and intergovernmental representatives & PLWHAs Programme includes abstract-driven oral and poster sessions, controversies and common ground sessions, bridging sessions, symposia and skills building workshops Additional activities will include a Cultural Programme, Global Village, Youth Programme, Outreach Programme and the Opening and Closing Plenaries Hosted by the International AIDS Society in conjunction with local organisations

3. Theme – Time to Deliver Underscores continued urgency in bringing effective HIV prevention and treatment strategies to communities the world over Scientific knowledge and tools to prevent new infections and prolong life among PLWHAs already exist, even in the poorest settings Challenge is consolidate resources to translate knowledge & experience into comprehensive programmes Magnitude of this epidemic demands increased accountability from all stakeholders to fulfil their commitments, be it financial, programmatic or political AIDS 2006 marks the 10th anniversary of HAART, first announced at the XI International AIDS Conference in Vancouver 25th anniversary of the first reports in the US CDC Weekly Morbidity and Mortality Report of a new illness, which later came to be known as “AIDS”

4. Vision & Purpose Three key programme components – science, community and leadership Specifically, the Conference sought to: –expand public awareness –highlight recent successes, challenges & potential –evidence-based programming –influence public policy –Engage (inclusive), destigmatise & enable PLWHAs & industry/field professionals Review promises & progress made to scale-up treatment, care and prevention Release & discuss key scientific developments in the fight against HIV/AIDS Latest evidence, ideas & lessons learned in HIV/AIDS research, policies and programmes

5. Five tracks of abstract sessions Track A: Biology and Pathogenesis of HIV Track B: Clinical Research, Treatment and Care Track C: Epidemiology, Prevention and Prevention Research Track D: Social, Behavioural and Economic Science Track E: Policy Abstracts: http://www.aids2006.org or http://www.iasociety.orghttp://www.aids2006.orghttp://www.iasociety.org

6. Plenary 17/08/2006: Price of Inaction Chair: Sanjay Gupta (US) Price of political denial – Mark Heywood (SA) Poverty and development – Sasha Volgina (Russia) Transforming religion, politics & civil society – Musimbi Kanyoro (Kenya) Youth and the future – Kerrel McKay (Jamaica)

7. Key impressions Food & nutrition – comprehensive Youth & children – greater emphasis Political leadership instrumental in expanding access Donor conditionalities strongly criticised Need to vocalise benefits of donor funding to ensure continued Despite limited stage presence – SA on track TB & HIV – too little emphasis HR shortages in health professionals – limited creative solutions