On the eve of the United Nations General Assembly High-Level Meeting on Ending AIDS, mayors from global cities joined government representatives, the private sector and other stakeholders at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, United States of America, to discuss and showcase innovations in technology and financing for ending the AIDS epidemic by 2030.
The participants explored key challenges in city responses and offered innovative examples in information technology, mobile and data applications, pharmaceuticals, diagnostics and other scientific advancements for reaching “hard-to-reach” people with HIV prevention and treatment services. More than 20 innovators in the public, private and non-profit sectors presented their innovations in a hands-on marketplace for mayors, ministers, policy-makers and implementers. Innovations that were showcased included new cervical cancer diagnostics, smartphone applications, web-based dashboards and commodity delivery systems by drone.
“The AIDS response can be described in two words: innovation and partnerships. Without innovation and partnerships we wouldn’t be where we are today in the AIDS response. Innovations in health allow us to democratize services and reach more people.”
Michel Sidibé UNAIDS Executive Director
“What we typically do is look to the private sector for resources, but that alone won’t cut it. We need to identify specific problems to be solved and then approach companies for direct solutions: show companies how they are the best one to solve a specific problem. A win–win situation!”
Deborah Dugan Chief Executive Officer, (Red)
“The HIV epidemic has changed and we must change our way of communicating to people.”
Bernard Jomier Deputy Mayor of Paris
“In our rural communities, accessibility is a huge challenge. Laboratories are only available in district hospitals. These new ways of delivering medications, laboratory results and other commodities are vital to keeping people with HIV alive and healthy.”
Noel Chalamanda Mayor of Blantyre, Malawi
