2006 International AIDS Conference

Reflections from John Andru, Founder of ODFA

I recently had the opportunity of attending the XVI International AIDS Conference in Toronto, ON. This bi-annual conference brought together over 24,000 delegates from all over the world, from all different backgrounds and walks of life including: doctors, nurses, social workers, scientists, researchers, care givers, activists, government officials, and community development workers. I was simply there to learn more and meet other people who have dedicated their lives to reversing the tide of this pandemic. It was truly inspiring to see so many people gathered together in one place, intent on making a difference to stop the spread of HIV and to provide treatment and support to the 40 million people infected around the world.

The theme of the conference was "Time to Deliver." Indeed, HIV/AIDS is 25 years old this year and there is no time to waste in scaling up prevention and treatment programs worldwide. We recognize that while the number of people with access to anti-retroviral therapy increases, our efforts fall short in the face of 5 million new infections this year alone. We recognize that 25 years into this battle, still only 10% of pregnant women have access to services that will help them prevent the transmission of the virus from mother to child. There are 14 million orphans worldwide who have lost one or both parents - most of which are in sub-Saharan Africa. This number will only increase. If nothing changes, we will continue to lose the battle.

New upcoming technologies and approaches were praised for their potential including the development of a microbicide, male circumcision, and an opt-out approach to HIV-testing. We continue to hope for the development of a vaccine.

I learned about emerging epidemics in far away places like Russia, China, and India. But I also learned about emerging epidemics in my own backyard - right here in Canada - among marginalized populations like IDU's (intravenous drug users), MSM (men who have sex with men), those in prisons, Aboriginals, and women. HIV/AIDS is truly a global pandemic.

HIV/AIDS is not only a health issue. It is a pandemic that is fueled by other factors including gender inequality. Women in particular are vulnerable and have no voice, particularly in being able to protect themselves from the virus. Stigma and discrimination continue to plague people living with HIV/AIDS. Unfair trade practices continue to keep millions of people in poverty.

What will it take for us to scale up our response? What will it take for us to stand up and take notice of this disease that continues to ravage members of our human race? What will we tell future generations about what we did when 8,000 people were dying of a preventable disease every single day?

It will require action. It will take political will and leadership. It will involve us moving away from an "US" versus "THEM" mentality. It will require us to realise that we are just as vulnerable to this disease as the next person.

What can you do? You can hold our global leaders accountable by urging them to keep the promises they have made. You can write to our government and tell them to honour their promise to contribute to the Global Fund. You can donate to an AIDS relief organization that is making a difference and tell all your friends to do the same. You can volunteer your time at a local AIDS service organization and use your skills and gifts in the areas of administration, care giving, medicine, or fundraising, etc.

It is "Time to Deliver." What will you do?

For more information about the conference, visit www.aids2006.org