On July 23, 2023, the 12th International AIDS Society (IAS) HIV Science Conference, referred to as IAS 2023, officially began in Brisbane, Australia. As one of the largest open academic conferences in the global HIV and AIDS field, the event attracted participation from experts, medical professionals, community groups, and medical enterprises worldwide. The conference emphasized the importance of science as the foundation of policy and practice, highlighting the close integration of science, policy, and activism to promote significant advancements in the HIV and AIDS sector. The theme of the conference is “End Inequalities. End AIDS. End Pandemics.”, reflecting IAS’s ultimate vision. The goal is to rally health experts globally towards the shared ambition of eradicating AIDS by 2030.
Welcome Speech by IAS President Sharon Lewin
At 17:00 on the 23rd, a grand opening ceremony was held. Professor Sharon Lewin, the current IAS president, and Professor Charlie Gilks, the local science committee chairman, delivered heartfelt opening speeches. Both emphasized the necessity for global unity to address current challenges. President Lewin highlighted the pivotal role of science and community organizations in HIV prevention and control. She further called for a more equitable distribution of resources, especially the promotion of HIV prevention schemes for all nations.
Welcome Speech by IAS 2023 Co-Chair Professor Charlie Gilks
Charlie Gilks stressed the importance of cooperation between governments, scientists, and communities in the fight against AIDS. He also highlighted Australia’s significant progress in widely providing HIV testing and treatment.
Special Report by WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus
The World Health Organization Director-General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, was invited to give an inspiring online report. He welcomed the conference participants to actively showcase academic advancements, jointly pushing for the global end of AIDS. He also praised nations achieving the “95-95-95 targets”, urging all countries to cooperate closely to achieve global health equity. To fulfill the shared commitment to eliminate AIDS epidemic as a public health threat by 2030, he proposed three priorities: harness the power of science, empathize with the communities affected by AIDS, and prioritize human rights in all interventions.
Speech by Mark Butler, Minister of Health and Aged Care, Australia
Mark Butler, the Australian Federal Minister for Health and Aged Care, spoke on behalf of the government. He discussed Australia’s ongoing efforts over the past forty years in combating the HIV epidemic. He emphasized political unity, community-led action strategies, and expressed strong support for the “U=U” (Undetectable = Untransmittable) initiative. He noted that comprehensive treatment plans have been key to Australia’s success against the HIV epidemic. He affirmed Australia’s commitment to playing a leading role in eradicating AIDS by 2030, echoing the conference theme of “End Inequalities. End AIDS. End Pandemics.”
Lastly, all attendees mourned the six representatives who lost their lives in the “MH17 flight crash.” They were en route to the 20th International AIDS Conference (AIDS 2014) at that time.
The IAS 2023 conference is reported to span four days. This vibrant academic event, gathering experts from around the world, will be filled with innovative collaborations, cutting-edge academic developments, and new opportunities to actively address AIDS globally.
Stay tuned for a series of reports on IAS 2023 by Infectious Disease Frontier.
