Parliament marks World AIDS Day, looks to 2014 conference

THE House of Representatives passed a motion in recognition of World AIDS Day last week, affirming Australia’s ongoing commitment to meet the needs of people living with HIV and AIDS and to support continued research.

Unanimously supported, the motion came from Higgins federal Liberal MP Kelly O’Dwyer (pictured), who highlighted the AIDS 2014 conference to be held in Melbourne by praising its organisers.

“We have come a very long way on the journey to end discrimination and to find a cure for HIV and AIDS. But there is still a very long way to go. Together, I am very confident, we will get there,” she said.

Last week also marked the announcement of the AIDS 2014 conference plenary speakers, which include Michael Kirby on HIV and the law, Vietnam’s Khuat T. H. Oanh on drug policy and harm reduction, Switzerland’s Antonio Lanzavecchia on issues around developing a HIV vaccine, and more.

AIDS 2014 conference co-chair and Nobel Laureate Françoise Barré-Sinoussi said: “By bringing together all stakeholders in the field of HIV, including scientists, people living with HIV, activists, policy makers, political leaders and young people, AIDS 2014 will provide n unique opportunity to discuss collective challenges and successes and, most importantly, new strategies on how to address the epidemic.”