Taking steps towards the end of AIDS

A Tanzanian designer has taken out the global competition to design the logo for next year’s International AIDS Conference in Melbourne.

The new logo by Yohana Longinus Haule, 22, from Dar El Salaam, Tanzania was announced last week in Melbourne and features two sets of footprints in the shape of the iconic AIDS red ribbon.

Victorian health minister David Davis said he thought the logo showed everyone should walk together towards a time where there was an end to AIDS.

“I can already feel the excitement that is being generated by this event and I put that down to the fact that we are a very open society, willing and able to discuss all issues, even those that are sensitive,” he said.

“We don’t want minority groups affected by HIV to be left on the sidelines. We want AIDS 2014 to be a truly inclusive conference with representation from all walks of life affected by HIV/AIDS.”

AIDS 2014 local co-chair Professor Sharon Lewin said the logo was important in promoting the event and its principles such as inclusiveness and equality.

“I am looking forward to welcoming everyone to Melbourne for AIDS 2014 where we will discuss the latest HIV scientific breakthroughs, where we will have a dynamic global village for HIV activists and community representatives, and where we will give everybody the opportunity to learn and gather new information that they can put into practice back home,” Lewin said.

Approximately 18,000 delegates from around the world will gather in Melbourne next year for the conference.