OBJECTIVES:

• Provide a forum in which key scientific and practice-based research, best practice, lessons learned and gaps in knowledge are addressed.



• Present strong evidence to influence leaders, including key policy makers and donors, to increase their commitment to HIV and AIDS prevention, care and treatment, undertake responsible action and be more accountable.



• Increase understanding of the contribution made by the HIV global response to broader social, economic and health issues.



• Maximize opportunities for the participation in conference and programme planning of those engaged in evidence-based responses – scientists, People living with Hiv/Aids (PLWHA),members of marginalized communities especially those most vulnerable to HIV,including women, girls, and young people as well as teens.



• Promote strategies that will reduce stigmatization and discrimination of PLWHAs and those working professionally across the response to HIV and AIDS.



• Reach a wider audience through the webcasting of conference proceedings to regional sub-conferences/meetings and through the availability of conference sessions online.



• Improve public awareness of the continued impact of and global response to HIV and AIDS through enhanced media coverage.