21st International HIV/AIDS Conference (AIDS2016)
The International AIDS Conference is the premier gathering for those working in the field of HIV, as well as policy makers, persons living with HIV and other individuals committed to ending the pandemic. It is a chance to assess where we are, evaluate recent scientific developments and lessons learnt, and collectively chart a course forward.
The AIDS 2016 programme will present new scientific knowledge and offer many opportunities for structured dialogue on the major issues facing the global response to HIV. A variety of session types – from abstract-driven presentations to symposia, bridging and plenary sessions – will meet the needs of various participants. Other related activities, including the Global Village, satellite symposia, the Exhibition and affiliated independent events, will contribute to an exceptional opportunity for professional development and networking.
IDPC will be involved in several sessions during the Conference:
UNGASS 2016: HIV/AIDS and Unsafe Drug Use: Public Health and International Drug Policy
Wednesday 20th July - 11:00 – 12:30, organised by IAS and Global Commission on Drug Policy, in Session Room 5
Drug Policy Session
Wednesday 20th July – 1.30pm – 2:30pm, organised by the Canadian HIV/AIDS Legal Network, in the Human Rights networking zone
Screening with discussion of two Support. Don’t Punish videos - “Voices for drug policy reform from Asia” and “A broad consensus? – It’s time for change”
Thursday 21st July – 12noon, organised by the Drug User Networking Zone in GV and IDPC, in the Harm Reduction networking zone
Click here to find out more.
Click here to find the AIDS 2016 Online Conference Programme
PWUD and harm reduction networking zone
The Urban Futures Centre at Durban University of Technology (UFC@DUT), in partnership with TB/HIV Care Association, and with financial support from ARASA, have organised a networking zone for people who use drugs and harm reduction representatives and organisations to network and share ideas and experiences. There will also be harm reduction commodities available, including an NSP. For the conference-related harm reduction services, click here. A roadmap to PWUD, drug policy and harm reduction events can be downloaded in Excel or PDF version.
As part of the activities taking place in the PWUD and Harm Reduction Networking Zone, the Support. Don't Punish. campaign is hosting a film screening event in Booth 612 on Thursday, 21 July (12h00 - 14h00). The documentary Support. Don’t Punish. Voices from Asia. presents the experiences of health practitioners, development experts, people who use drugs and officials in dealing with drug use in India, Myanmar and Thailand. They explain why there is an urgent need to end the criminalisation, punishment and stigma against people who use drugs and people engaged in illicit crop cultivation for subsistence purposes, and call for drug policies that achieve better outcomes for health, human rights and development. The short video A broad consensus? It’s time for change. is a tongue-in-cheek exploration of the state of the international consensus on key drug policy issues. The screening will be followed by an interactive discussion led by Ann Fordham (IDPC) and Suhendro Sugiharto (PKNI).
Keep up-to-date with drug policy developments by subscribing to the IDPC Monthly Alert.