AIDS 2014 closes in Melbourne

Chris Beyrer (pictured left) of Johns Hopkins University became new President of the International AIDS Society as the 20th International AIDS Conference closed in Melbourne on 25 July 2014. Dr Beyrer took over from outgoing President Françoise Barré-Sinoussi. AIDS 2016 will be held in Durban, South Africa from 17-22 July 2016.

John Manwaring (left) and V. Banda address the AIDS 2014 Conference closing ceremony. Mr Manwaring, an Australian person living with HIV, said: “If the past has taught us anything, it's that silence equals death. We do need to speak up. We are more powerful than we know it. It doesn't require any special talent. It requires one simple thing—honesty.” Melbourne, Australia, 25 July 2014.

The local Co-Chair of the Conference, Australia’s Prof. Sharon Lewin, called for increased support and cooperation. “This week, we have heard of all the great progress but that there is still much work to be done. In order for us to change an epidemic to low level infection, we need an individualised approach to address key hot spots; we need a strong focus on specific geographic areas and key affected populations that continue to experience the highest numbers of infections. We need to recognise that one size will not fit all in our response. Now more than ever we need an increase in funding to do it. Now is not the time to slacken the pace.” Closing ceremony, AIDS 2014 Conference, Melbourne, Australia, 25 July 2014.

Update

AIDS 2014 closes in Melbourne

25 July 2014

No one can be left behind if the AIDS epidemic is to come to an end by 2030. This was one of the main messages of the 20th International AIDS Conference, which closed in Melbourne, Australia, on 25 July.

Remembering the tragic events of the flight MH17 disaster, at the closing ceremony tributes were paid to the delegates tragically killed on their way to the conference.

AIDS 2014 concluded with a general sense that, despite all the progress made to date, the social determinants of the epidemic still need to be addressed. Existing punitive laws and stigma and discrimination were identified as some of the main barriers to bringing the epidemic under control. Catering for the needs of adolescents and key populations at higher risk of infection was identified as important for an effective response to AIDS, as well as focusing programmes in the geographical areas where most new HIV infections occur.

The closing ceremony saw addresses being made by prominent advocates in the global HIV response, including musician and advocate Bob Geldof, John Manwaring, an Australian representing people living with HIV, and outgoing and incoming Presidents of the International AIDS Society, Françoise Barré-Sinoussi and Chris Beyer, respectively.

At the end of the closing session, the conference was handed over to officials representing the organizing committee of the 21st International AIDS Conference, which will be held in Durban, South Africa, in 2016.

Quotes

"If the past has taught us anything, it's that silence equals death. We do need to speak up. We are more powerful than we know it. It doesn't require any special talent. It requires one simple thing—honesty."

John Manwaring, Australian person living with HIV

"The tragic events of last week have infused in all of us a renewed feeling of unity."

Françoise Barre-Sinoussi, outgoing President of the International AIDS Society

"Let's commit to gathering in Durban and be able to say we have made significant improvement in the treatment and prevention of AIDS."

Chris Beyer, incoming President of the International AIDS Society

"There is a great sense of triumph, commitment and vindication that you are on the last gasp on the journey to ending AIDS."

Bob Geldof, musician and advocate