International Aids Conference Jun 2026

While the IAC is a conference (not a single paper), the groundbreaking research presented there often shapes global policy. The most famous example is the paper arising from presentation at IAC 2011 (Rome) and IAC 2015 (Vancouver).

It weaponized treatment to end transmission. international aids conference

In recent years, the focus of the IAC has shifted toward the stubborn barriers that remain in the fight against HIV. While scientific progress has made HIV a manageable chronic condition for many, the conference highlights how inequality drives the epidemic. Key populations—including men who have sex with men, sex workers, people who inject drugs, and transgender individuals—often face legal barriers and societal discrimination that prevent them from accessing healthcare. While the IAC is a conference (not a

Does initiating antiretroviral therapy (ART) in an HIV-positive person before their immune system shows significant decline (CD4 count 350-550) reduce the transmission of HIV to their uninfected sexual partner, compared to delaying ART until their CD4 count drops below 250? In recent years, the focus of the IAC

The conference acts as a bridge between the lab and the community. It is here that groundbreaking scientific milestones—such as the efficacy of antiretroviral therapy (ART) or the latest data on Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP)—are unveiled to the world. Simultaneously, the Global Village, a dedicated space within the conference, allows grassroots organizations to showcase their work, hold cultural events, and protest gaps in government funding. This duality ensures that the conference remains grounded in reality, constantly reminding delegates that every data point represents a human life.

The conference first convened in 1985 during the height of the AIDS crisis, providing a critical forum for a world desperate for answers. Over the decades, it has been the stage for historic milestones: