DUSHANBE, July 24, 2012, Asia-Plus — The XIX International AIDS Conference (AIDS 2012) that kicked off in Washington, D.C., on July 22 will last till July 27.
Press release issued by the U.S. Embassy in Dushanbe says the AIDS 2012 has brought together scientists, health professionals, policy makers, and people living with and affected by HIV to assess recent progress and identify next steps in the global response to AIDS.
The International AIDS Conference is the world’s largest meeting dedicated to a single health issue and is supported by a broad range of government and private-sector donors around the globe. For the first time in 22 years, this year’s meeting will be held in the U.S., offering the U.S. government a unique opportunity to call on other countries to support global action on HIV/AIDS.
More than 25,000 participants from nearly every country in the world are participating in AIDS 2012, including 2,500 members of the media. The conference focused on three issues: science, community involvement, and leadership and accountability.
Tajikistan has reportedly sent six representatives from government, international organizations, and NGOs to attend the AIDS 2012.
Recent scientific advances in HIV treatment and biomedical prevention, coupled with continued progress in developing countries, have led to renewed hope and optimism across the globe. Since the discovery of AIDS over 30 years ago, the U.S. has played a leading role in HIV science and in translating scientific progress into lifesaving prevention, care, and treatment programs in communities across the country and the world. The United States’ AIDS research portfolio represents the largest and most significant public investment in AIDS research in the world.
In Central Asia, the U.S. President”s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) is implemented through USAID (United States Agency for International Development), CDC (the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), and the U.S. Peace Corps. PEPFAR partners with the governments throughout Central Asia to build the capacity of institutions, organizations, and individuals to more effectively plan, deliver, and monitor quality services for most at-risk populations. Globally and here in Central Asia, PEPFAR works to expand access to comprehensive HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment, and care services.
In Tajikistan, with PEPFAR support, local organizations are working together to reduce policy and attitudinal barriers (including stigma and discrimination) that limit access to services. PEPFAR is partnering with Ministries of Health and nongovernmental organizations to improve outreach to most-at-risk populations and strengthen facility-based HIV/AIDS care and treatment services. In collaboration with local government leaders, PEPFAR is also strengthening the capacity of public health institutions to collect, analyze, and utilize data to obtain accurate and complete information about the HIV/AIDS epidemic.
