A team from the New Zealand AIDS Foundation will pop across the Tasman to “show the world what works” and soak up the latest developments at the AIDS2014 conference, which begins this Sunday in Melbourne. The International AIDS Conference is the largest gathering of its kind. Among this year’s keynote speakers are former US President Bill Clinton, UNAIDS Executive Director Michel Sidibé and artist and activist Sir Bob Geldof. NZAF Executive Director Shaun Robinson points out this is the first time the conference has been held so close to New Zealand. “We have done many things right in this county in controlling HIV and AIDS and it is important for us to show the world what works. “Of course there are always refinements that we can make to our work and the NZAF team will be keen to hear what is being done around the world to see if it is relevant for our country.” Some of the team attending and presenting at AIDS2014 (l-r): Tanu Gago, Tuwe Kudakwashe, Nick Laing, Joe Rich and Ricky Te Akau. Picture / NZAF The Foundation has partnered with Gay Men’s Sexual Health Research Group at the University of Auckland and the team from SHORE at Massey University to present a satellite session ‘Primary prevention of HIV among Gay Men – Why do we need it?’ The NZAF will also run offer a presentation on New Zealand’s HIV prevention story at the MSM Global Forum Pre-Conference. Two short documentaries, produced by the NZAF, focussing on the experiences of Pacific and Maori people and how sexuality and gender diversity is lived out non-European cultures will be screened. They will highlight some of the specific challenges in working with non-European cultures on HIV prevention. Attendees will have an opportunity to ask questions of NZAF’S Pacific Community Coordinator and Programme Manager Community Engagement. Love Your Condom will also run a booth at the Conference’s the Global Village.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Wednesday, 16th July 2014 - 3:09pm