International AIDS Society (IAS) for the Int. Aids conference in Durban 2016.

The International AIDS Society (IAS) has appied to Sida for funding amounting to 4 MSEK to support the hosting of the 21st International AIDS Conference to be held in Durban, South Africa from 17th to 22nd July 2016. Held every two years, the conference is an important global health platform for knowledge sharing, advocacy and strengthening the political and financial commitment to the HIV response. Participants typically include scientists, policy makers, people living with HIV and various individuals involved in HIV initiatives worldwide. The 2016 conference theme will be decided in the course of this year. However, the expected results are as follows: - Advancing a clear agenda for HIV in a post -2015 framework, including the cross cutting issues of criminalization, gender based violence, sexual health rights and stigma and discrimination. - Describing and promoting specific and tailored HIV responses that are needed for women and girls, men who have sex with men, transgender individuals, sex workers, young people,and people who use drugs. - Highlighting the implementation of effective and efficient programs that advance an agenda focused on best practice in HIV. - Bringing together the world’s scientific experts to catalyze and advance scientific knowledge about HIV, present the most recent research findings, and promote and enhance scientific collaborations around the world. - Promoting activism that holds leaders, industry and governments accountable and increases their commitment to an evidence-based, human-rights affirming HIV and AIDS response. The total cost of the conference is estimated to be US$ 18 440 867. It is expected that registration fees and funds from donors and sponsors will make up 86% of the projected income with the rest coming from commercial sponsorship and other sources. Secured funding as at June 20th 2015 amounts to US$ 1 571 000.