Between July 26 and 31, Rio de Janeiro will host the 26th International AIDS Conference (AIDS 2026), considered the largest global meeting dedicated to public health, science and human rights related to HIV and AIDS. The event will take place for the first time in South America and, in this edition, is supported by the Brazilian Ministry of Health, Fiocruz, the Rio de Janeiro City Hall and the Brazilian Interdisciplinary AIDS Association (ABIA).

The conference will bring together people living with HIV and/or AIDS, researchers, managers, policymakers, representatives of social movements and other stakeholders involved in the global response to HIV. With the theme “Rethink. Rebuild. Proceed.”, AIDS 2026 will adopt a hybrid format, allowing both in-person and virtual participation. The event takes place at a crucial moment for the international response to AIDS, marked by funding challenges and cuts in HIV programs in several countries.

The program includes keynote conferences, roundtables and scientific sessions, as well as the presentation of national and international research and experiences. Interested participants may submit abstracts, exhibition proposals, satellite events, workshops and pre-conference activities until January 27. Submissions and registrations must be completed through the official website, with discounted registration fees available until February 11.

Brazil has a long history of responding to HIV based on scientific evidence and respect for human rights. In the late 1990s, the country became the first low- or middle-income nation to provide free access to antiretroviral therapy for people living with HIV. In 2013, Brazil adopted the Treatment for All policy, which contributed to a nearly 33% reduction in AIDS-related deaths by 2023. In December last year, the country also achieved the elimination of vertical transmission of HIV — during pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding. Brazil’s combined prevention strategy offers free access to condoms, lubricant gel, HIV testing and both pre- and post-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP and PEP), which use antiretroviral medications to reduce the risk of infection.

According to IAS president Beatriz Grinsztejn, a researcher and head of the STI and HIV/AIDS Clinical Research Laboratory at the Evandro Chagas National Institute of Infectious Diseases (INI/Fiocruz), the conference will highlight the specific dynamics of the HIV epidemic in Latin America, where new infections are still increasing despite a global downward trend.

“Brazil’s response to the epidemic has always been grounded in human rights and a strong history of leadership, universal access to treatment and prevention, as well as strong community engagement supported by a vibrant network of activists, researchers and policymakers. This makes the country a strategic setting for rethinking, rebuilding and advancing the response to HIV in Brazil, the region and worldwide,” she said.

Draurio Barreira, director of the Department of HIV, AIDS, Tuberculosis, Viral Hepatitis and Sexually Transmitted Infections at the Brazilian Ministry of Health and co-chair of the AIDS 2026 Organizing Committee, highlighted the importance of hosting the conference.

“It is an honor to host the AIDS 2026 conference, especially after so many positive advances recently achieved by Brazil. These results were only possible thanks to the SUS, the prioritization of life and human rights, and strong partnerships with society throughout the more than 40 years of the epidemic in the country. The event will be another opportunity to share our experience and strengthen the international response to HIV and AIDS,” he said.

Veriano Terto Jr., vice-president of the Brazilian Interdisciplinary AIDS Association (ABIA), emphasized that the conference will also be a space to address the major paradoxes that still hinder the global fight against AIDS.

“AIDS 2026 will be an opportunity to debate and find solutions to the major paradoxes that still stand in the way of controlling AIDS. Inequality between countries continues to prevent progress from reaching everyone who needs it, especially the poorest populations. We hope the conference will help identify ways to overcome these challenges and bring science and communities closer together as fundamental sources of knowledge and effective responses,” he said.

The conference will also address region-specific challenges. In Latin America, access to treatment has increased and AIDS-related deaths have declined since 2010. However, in some countries, mortality among women has risen. Moreover, while the world has experienced a reduction in new HIV infections, Latin America has seen an increase in recent years, reinforcing the need for integrated actions in prevention, care and the fight against stigma and discrimination.

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International AIDS Conference (AIDS 2026)
Date: July 26–31, 2026
Location: Riocentro Convention Center, Rio de Janeiro
Registration: www.iasociety.org/conferences/aids2026

Source: Agência Fiocruz de Notícias (AFN).