The XVII International AIDS Conference was held in Mexico City, Mexico from August 3–8, 2008. The theme of the conference was "Universal Action Now."
Some of the topics covered at the conference include the following:
25,000 people attended the conference.[2]
The Global Fund hosted a photography exhibition by Magnum Photos showing persons with HIV before beginning antiretroviral drug therapy and then again four months later.[3]
The International Planned Parenthood Federation was promoting the use of evidence-based social services to cross promote HIV education with sexual and reproductive health.[4]
UNIFEM organized many events relating to women's rights and gender inequality.[5]
Doctors without Borders hosted an event about the difficulties people under age 15 have in accessing HIV education and treatment.[6]
The media coverage of the event led to an unprecedented level of publication on HIV topics in Latin America. Many political leaders from all parts of the world made major announcements relating to HIV either immediately before or during the conference.[7]
James Chin argued that the conference's efficacy was hindered by attendee's practice of political correctness. Specifically he said that sub-Saharan Africa's HIV prevention programs were being harmed by the incorrect idea that poverty and discrimination rather than risky sex were the forces to be targeted when combating the spread of HIV. In places other than Africa, Chin stated that prevention programs should focus on gay men, injecting drug users, and sex workers and their clients because these groups are at highest risk of contracting HIV.[8]
we use evidence-informed advocacy and services to link HIV with sexual and reproductive health.
