By Chhay Sophal
At the mass gathering of the 17th International AIDS Conference in Mexico in early August, world leaders were urged to create a global “combination” to combat a common crisis, AIDS.
Speaking in his closing session remarks, Dr. Julio Montaner, the President of the International AIDS Society, said the key word emerging from the conference was “combination”. Dr Montaner said that five combinations are very important to tackle the crisis: combination of prevention strategies tailored to decrease HIV transmission; of antiretroviral therapy to dramatically reduce morbidity and mortality among those infected; of antiretroviral therapy to reduce community viral load as an aid to HIV prevention; of strategies to enhance HIV testing; and of strategies to reduce poverty and discrimination.
Dr Montaner added that although the number of people dying of AIDS is down to two million people in 2007, from 2.2 million in 2005, it is “still 2 million too many!”
UNAIDS Executive Director Peter Piot said that the world must never forget that the epidemic could return with new surprises. “Combination prevention is very important. Combination prevention means finding the right mix of activities for each local epidemic. Combination prevention also involves mobilizing for social change – no more stigma around HIV,” he said. “We’ve got a mind of our own! Broadening the coalition must not come at the expense of the non-negotiables of working across sectors, involving civil society and of people living with HIV, grounding our action in science, rooting all we do in human rights, and focusing on results for people.”
Sharing his thoughts during closing session remarks, Dr. Pedro Cahn, the Conference Co-Chair, said it is now time for world leaders, scientists and community members to keep their commitments on track. “On your way back home be reminded that you can make a difference. People living with HIV and AIDS and millions more at risk need you to do your part of universal action now,” he said.
Dr Margaret Chan, Director-General of the World Health Organization, said that a “commitment to universal access” is an expression of respect for the value of each and every life affected by the disease and that it is a “monumental achievement”. He added, however, said the epidemic is not over. “We are in this for the long haul…. The pursuit of equity, social justice, and universal access is its driving force. This is an inclusive approach that encourages community participation and ownership, including ownership by people living with HIV,” he said.
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