XV International AIDS Conference To Focus on Prevention, Treatment ‘Access for All’

The XV International AIDS Conference to be held July 11-16 in Bangkok, Thailand, will focus on advancing access to science, prevention, treatment and resources for people around the world with its theme of "Access for All," according to a conference release (XV International AIDS Conference release, 4/20). The conference is organized by the International AIDS Society and the Thai Ministry of Public Health as the local host, along with co-organizers UNAIDS, the International Community of Women Living with HIV/AIDS, Global Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS, International Council of AIDS Service Organizations and the Thai NGO Coalition on AIDS (Kaiser Daily HIV/AIDS Report, 3/22). Approximately 15,000 delegates from 160 countries are expected to attend the conference, which will be the largest-ever AIDS meeting and will concentrate on "community, science and leadership," according to the release. "Our message this year is the importance of access for all -- this means in science, prevention, treatment and resources," IAS President Dr. Joep Lange said, adding, "Whilst we can offer some elements of this through our science and community programs, fighting HIV is always going to need global backing, and we are delighted to bring leaders from all walks of life to raise the debate and get commitment in the ongoing battle against HIV/AIDS." Thailand has played a "leadership role" in combating HIV/AIDS in Asia, where one out of every four new HIV infections worldwide occurs, according to the release. "Thailand is a natural place to hold the International AIDS Conference in 2004," Lange said, adding, "It has gone to great lengths to minimize the impact of HIV/AIDS, and has made good progress in ensuring all its citizens receive access to assistance with prevention and care." This is the first time the conference will be held in Southeast Asia, according to the release (Conference release, 4/20).

Webcasts and other coverage of the XV International AIDS Conference will be available online at http://www.kaisernetwork.org/aids2004. Kaisernetwork.org will serve as the conference's official webcaster.