24,000 delegates from 190 countries attended five-day gathering
Ottawa (13 Aug. 2008) - The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is pleased to have assisted in sponsoring the International AIDS Society (IAS) XVII International Conference that concluded last Friday in Mexico City.
Approximately 24,000 delegates from more than 190 countries attended the conference, where they heard a call to end the stigmatization that still exists against people living with AIDS.
HIV experts from around the world said widespread stigmatization, coupled with the denial of human rights, is having a profound impact on the global effectiveness of HIV treatment and prevention.
Presenters at the five-day event said the fear of violence, discrimination and unwarranted prosecution has prevented many people living with or at risk of contracting HIV from seeking testing and treatment.
"The voices of those who bear the brunt of this pandemic have been loud and clear in Mexico City," Pedro Cahn, international co-chairman of AIDS 2008 and outgoing president of the IAS, said as the conference concluded.
"If the world does not heed the call to ensure the human rights and dignity of every person affected by HIV, we will not achieve our goal of universal access (to treatment)," he added.
A letter of appreciation was sent to NUPGE for its support, which was designated for a special session entitled Double Discrimination: HIV/AIDS and Disabilities. The town hall session was moderated by Canadian television host Avi Lewis.
It is estimated that 650 million people worldwide live with a disability significant enough to make a difference in their daily lives. All of the risk factors associated with HIV are increased for people with disabilities, yet people with disabilities are excluded from HIV prevention, treatment and care services.
A post-convention report will also be forward by organizers to the union. NUPGE
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