Global AIDS conference wraps up in Amsterdam

The 22nd International AIDS Conference drew to a close in Amsterdam, the Netherlands on Friday.

Over 15,000 leaders, policy makers, researchers and advocates from more than 160 countries came together to Break Barriers and Build Bridges in the response to HIV and AIDS. 

The conference provided a unique opportunity to showcase expertise and to learn about innovative approaches to HIV prevention, testing and treatment. 

Former U.S. president Bill Clinton addressed the conference's final session.

He pleaded with the world not to abandon the campaign to rein in the HIV virus which still kills nearly a million people every year and infects twice as many.

The world must “hold the line” until a vaccine or cure is found, or face “calamitous” consequences, the US ex-president told the 22nd International AIDS Conference in Amsterdam

“There can be no Brexit in the fight against AIDS,” said the founder of the Clinton HIV/AIDS Initiative, referring to Britain's decision to leave the European Union.

 Besides, the Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Canadian Minister of Health, delivered remarks at a symposia session, Anti-fragile: Strengthening the HIV Response through Addressing Stigma, Prejudice and Discrimination, during which she encouraged international partners to take action against these major barriers to addressing HIV and other sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections (STBBI).

In addition, the Minister recognized the very important work undertaken by experts to develop the Expert Consensus Statement on the Science of HIV in the Context of the Criminal Law, which was released on July 25. 

She urged participants and fellow ministers of health to hear and share the message of U=U, Undetectable = Un-transmittable, in an effort to help reduce stigma in all of its forms. 

Source: Newswire