International AIDS conference calls for a focus on the human rights of people affected by HIV

AIDS 2010, the international conference on HIV/AIDS occurring this week in Vienna, Austria, highlights the critical connection between human rights and HIV, a dialogue begun in earnest during a similar conference in Mexico City in 2008. The conference also coincides with a major international push for expanded access to HIV prevention, treatment, care and support.

We speak with Heidi Exner, manager of health promotion and community development with AIDS Vancouver Island. We also hear the presentation People Who Use Drugs, HIV, and Human Rights given by Ralf Jürgens, a Canadian HIV/AIDS activist, at the Vienna conference on Tuesday July 20.

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Image: Austria, Vienna. XVIII International AIDS Conference (AIDS 2010). Opening Press Conference
Photo shows: l to r: Julio Montaner, President of International AIDS Society; Brigitte Schmied, AIDS 2010 Local Co-Chair and President of the Austrian AIDS Society; Vladimir Zhovtyak, President of the East Europe and Central Asia Union of PLWH and Chair, Coordination Council, All-Ukrainian Network of PLWH; Alexandra (Sasha) Volgina, Director of Svecha (Candle)  ©IAS/Steve Forrest/Workers’ Photos