PUT PEOPLE FIRST: REFLECTIONS FROM AIDS 2024
By Deborah Waterhouse, CEO
‘Put People First’ - the theme for AIDS 2024 – is at the heart of what we stand for at ViiV Healthcare. It’s what drives our innovation, focuses our teams and it’s what will ultimately get us over the finish line, ending the HIV epidemic once and for all.
Attending AIDS is always a privilege, and this year was no exception. It’s an amazing opportunity to come together to share the latest advances in HIV science and across the last few days I’ve been lucky enough to meet with HCPs, NGOs, policy makers, activists and scientists - every one of them united under a common goal to accelerate plans to end the epidemic.
At the first AIDS in 1985, we could only dream of ending HIV. Fast forward to 2024 and the tools we need to get there are in our hands. I’m ‘ViiV Proud’ of everyone that contributed to the leading innovation we showcased – an astonishing 25 abstracts were selected, covering everything from real-world data to the next generation of long-acting treatment and prevention options that could transform the future for those affected by HIV - but I’m also equally proud of our work with the community to develop solutions people really want and need. This unique balance of science and meaningful community engagement is what truly sets ViiV apart.
One of my favourite parts of the conference is always the Global Village. Unique to AIDS, it showcases the best of the HIV community and the vibrant, dynamic people I meet there never fail to inspire. This year was particularly special as we celebrated its 20th anniversary, and I was honoured that ViiV was sole sponsor.
No one can get us to our shared 95-95-95 goals or ‘End HIV’ alone - partnerships are crucial. Together, we must not only fight for better access to treatment, prevention and care options but actively work to overcome the stigma and inequities sustaining the epidemic. Our Positive Action programme aims to do just that, by working directly with affected communities to tackle misconceptions and discrimination through education and advocacy.
Let’s harness the energy from this moment to power us forwards, uniting science, community and partnerships to leave no person living with HIV behind.
Highlights from AIDS 2024
WHAT WILL IT TAKE TO END HIV? IT TAKES A VILLAGE
Read more stories from ViiV here.
In this article by Professor José Gatell, he shares his insights on what multidrug-resistance HIV is and his insights on how to manage such a complex condition.
In this article, Mercy Shibemba shares her hopes and aspirations for the future. She reflects on how living with HIV shaped her childhood and how her concept of healthy living may shift as she
gets older.
To lift the substantial burdens of daily treatment and social stigma associated with HIV. A cure is essential towards accomplishing our goal of ending the HIV epidemic. With this goal in mind, we are in pursuit of a cure for HIV.
NP-GBL-HVX-COCO-240044 July 2024
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