The International AIDS Society Conference on HIV Science(IAS 2025) that will be held in Kigali-Rwanda, from 13-17July, 2025, has brought together a global community of scientists, policymakers, and activists to confront the evolving challenges of the HIV response.
Florence Riako Adam, Co-Executive Director of the Global Network of People Living with HIV (GNP+), is one of the prominent voices who stressed that timely testing and treatment not only help people with HIV live long and healthy lives but also significantly reduce transmission.
“When people reach viral suppression, they cannot transmit HIV to others.”
She also emphasized the critical role of community-led advocacy in ensuring access to HIV treatment and care GNP+, a global organization led by and for people living with HIV.
“ A key highlight of this year’s gathering is the World Health Organization’s expected release of new global guidelines on the treatment of HIV, hepatitis, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including updated recommendations for children and integrated service delivery.” she added.
Her colleague Jero Plimo, The Executive Director of the youth-led organization Ambassador for Youth and Adolescent Reproductive Health Program (IRO Kenya), pointed out that historically, young people have been excluded from scientific and policy discussions, despite being significantly affected by HIV.
“We are here to change that narrative and calling for meaningful engagement of young people in product development and program design.”
Dr. Mutambuka Deo, the Executive Secretary of the Rwandan Network of People Living with HIV (RRP+), said that the purpose of the upcoming conference is to collectively reflect on strategies to improve the lives of people living with HIV.
“What we are obseving is that stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV are on the rise, not just among adults, but also affecting children and within families. This is especially evident in schools, where learners living with HIV experience exclusion and unfair treatment.”
“We are seeing an increase in new HIV infections, particularly among the youth. Our aim is to ensure they have access to good healthcare, are not marginalized, and are treated with dignity because they too are human beings, just like anyone else.” He added.
Global Network of People Living with HIV (GNP+) said that the reality is 630,000 people died from AIDS-related causes last year, and these deaths are often preventable. The reason why they call people to confront stigma, support people to stay on treatment, and ensure early diagnosis especially for adolescents and young women in Africa, who remain disproportionately affected.
Naomi Irakoze Mugaragu.