As the 13th IAS Conference on HIV Science (IAS 2025) opens today in Kigali, Rwanda (13–17 July), the global HIV community converges to address pressing challenges and celebrate groundbreaking advancements. This year’s conference, held for the first time in Africa, underscores the continent’s leadership in the HIV response, with Rwanda’s achievement of the **UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets seven years ahead of schedule** serving as a beacon of progress .
Community-Led Advocacy: Bridging Science and Equity
Florence Riako Adam, Co-Executive Director of the Global Network of People Living with HIV (GNP+), highlights the urgency of translating research into tangible outcomes. “Timely testing and treatment save lives and reduce transmission,” she asserts, emphasizing the ‘Undetectable = Untransmittable’ (U=U) principle, a game-changer in Rwanda’s HIV strategy . Her call aligns with the conference’s focus on people-first language and inclusive policies to dismantle stigma .
Riako’s advocacy gains further resonance as the World Health Organization (WHO) prepares to launch **new guidelines at IAS 2025, including recommendations for long-acting injectable Lenacapavir for HIV prevention and integrated care for hepatitis/STIs. These updates aim to address gaps in service delivery, particularly for marginalized groups .
Youth at the Forefront: Demanding a Seat at the Table
ķJero Plimo, Executive Director of IRO Kenya, challenges the historical exclusion of young people from HIV decision-making. “Youth bear the brunt of new infections but are sidelined in research,” he notes, pointing to Rwanda’s rising youth HIV rates** . His demand for **youth-led programming** echoes the conference’s Young Leaders Programme, which features workshops on innovative solutions and dialogues with IAS leadership .
Plimo’s urgency reflects the conference’s broader theme: sustaining the HIV response amid funding cuts. With global aid disruptions threatening progress, IAS 2025 spotlights African-led innovations, such as AI-driven vaccine research** and differentiated service delivery models, to “do more with less” .
Rwanda’s Dual Challenge: Progress and Persistent Stigma
Dr. Mutambuka Deo of Rwanda’s Network of People Living with HIV (RRP+) underscores the paradox of medical success and social barriers. “Stigma is rising in schools and families,” he reveals, urging policies that pair clinical care with anti-discrimination measures . His concerns are amplified by sessions on community-led monitoring and **mental health integration**, critical to achieving equitable care .
A Conference of Firsts and Futures
IAS 2025 breaks new ground as the largest HIV science conference in Africa, featuring:
– 1,400+ posters and 100+ sessions, from PrEP innovations to AI in vaccine development.
– Fully funded scholarships* for 500+ attendees from low-income countries, prioritizing underrepresented voices .
– Virtual access to major sessions, ensuring global participation beyond Kigali .
As Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus (WHO) opens the conference today, his message resonates: “The path to ending AIDS requires science, solidarity, and systemic change” . In a world grappling with inequities, IAS 2025 stands as a testament to the power of uniting research, advocacy, and lived experience to shape a future where HIV is no longer a threat.