Inaugural World AIDS Day Parliamentary Breakfast (Part 2)

The second part of the Inaugural World AIDS Day Parliamentary Breakfast, held on December 3, 2024, at Parliament's Banquet Hall in Wellington, New Zealand, focused on the achievements and ongoing challenges in addressing HIV/AIDS, both nationally and globally. Facilitated by Associate Professor Peter Saxton, the event featured a diverse panel of community leaders, researchers, and advocates sharing insights on prevention, care, and the lived experiences of people affected by HIV.

The session opened with David Miller reflecting on decades of progress and courage in combating the HIV epidemic. Drawing from personal experiences as a clinical psychologist and public health expert, Miller emphasized the importance of reducing stigma, fostering community engagement, and advocating for evidence-based policies. He highlighted New Zealand's achievements, such as the world's first national needle exchange program and the decriminalization of sex work, which have shaped a progressive public health landscape.

The panel discussion brought together leaders from key organizations, including the Burnett Foundation Aotearoa, Positive Women Inc., Body Positive Inc., and Toitū te Ao. Each panelist articulated the significance of community-led responses in HIV prevention and care. A recurring theme was the vital role of lived experience in guiding interventions, with communities acting as trusted agents for delivering education and support. The panel underscored the challenges of reaching marginalized groups, such as Māori, Pasifika, and migrant communities, while also addressing broader issues like stigma, which continues to act as a barrier to testing and treatment.

Several specific priorities for the next two years were identified:

Decriminalization of HIV Transmission: Advocated as a public health imperative, this shift aims to eliminate punitive legal frameworks and replace them with supportive health-focused policies.

Expansion of PrEP Access: While highly effective in preventing HIV, pre-exposure prophylaxis remains inaccessible to many due to bureaucratic and social barriers. Community-driven strategies to make PrEP available in pharmacies and through non-traditional channels were emphasized.

Quality of Life Initiatives: Beyond achieving an undetectable viral load, the panel advocated for holistic approaches that enhance the overall well-being of people living with HIV. This includes addressing mental health, reducing stigma, and providing access to innovative treatments like long-acting injectables.

Marama Mullen-Tamati and Kit Harding then shared poignant accounts of living with HIV, shedding light on the profound psychological impact of the diagnosis and the complexities of aging with the condition. Mullen-Tamati highlighted the disproportionate challenges faced by Māori, linking these to historical and systemic inequities. She called for culturally aligned solutions that honor the dignity and mana of Māori communities. Harding emphasized the lingering self-stigma and mental health struggles that often accompany an HIV diagnosis, urging a comprehensive and empathetic approach to support.

Throughout the morning, speakers celebrated New Zealand's proactive HIV Action Plan, which sets ambitious goals for zero transmissions by 2030. They stressed, however, that sustained investment and vigilance are crucial to maintaining progress. Several speakers warned against complacency, noting that the declining incidence in some populations risks overshadowing unmet needs in others.

The session concluded with a collective call to action for policymakers and stakeholders to remain committed to funding, implementing, and enhancing HIV initiatives. Panelists reinforced the importance of maintaining community voices at the heart of the response, fostering collaborations, and ensuring no one is left behind.

This summary is created using Generative AI. Although it is based on the recording's transcription, it may contain errors or omissions. Click here to learn more about how this summary was created.

David Miller Jane Bruning Joe Rich Kit Harding Marama Mullen-Tamati Mark Fisher Milly Stewart Peter Saxton

1980s, 2020s, africa, aotearoa new zealand, azt, body positive, burnett foundation aotearoa, david miller, hiv / aids, hiv action plan (2022-2032), hiv education, hiv stigma, hiv testing and prevention, hiv testing data, hiv transmission, jane bruning, joe rich, kit harding, london, marama mullen-tamati, mark fisher, milly stewart, peter saxton, positive speakers bureau, positive women inc, toitū te ao, wellington

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