The International AIDS Society (IAS) Conference on HIV Science, that will be held in Kigali-Rwanda, from 13- 17July, 2025, will bring together a global community of scientists, policymakers, and activists to confront the evolving challenges of the HIV response. Among the prominent voices at the conference are Florence Riako and Jerop Limo, passionate advocates representing people living with HIV and youth affected by the epidemic.
Florence Riako Adam, Co-Executive Director of the Global Network of People Living with HIV (GNP+), emphasized the critical role of community-led advocacy in ensuring access to HIV treatment and care GNP+, a global organization led by and for people living with HIV, works to turn scientific advancements into practical, accessible solutions.
Riako stressed that timely testing and treatment not only help people with HIV live long and healthy lives but also significantly reduce transmission. “When people reach viral suppression, they cannot transmit HIV to others.” she explained and highlighted the importance of early treatment and continued care.
“The IAS 2025 conference is an essential platform for translating scientific progress into national policy, service delivery, and community-based programs. A key highlight of this year’s gathering is the World Health Organization’s expected release of new global guidelines on the treatment of HIV, hepatitis, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including updated recommendations for children and integrated service delivery.”
Jerop Limo, Executive Director of the youth-led organization Ambassador for Youth and Adolescent Reproductive Health Program (IRO Kenya), is attending his third conference in Kigali with a clear mission: to elevate the voices of adolescents and young people in HIV research and development.
Limo pointed out that historically, young people have been excluded from scientific and policy discussions, despite being significantly affected by HIV. “We are here to change that narrative and calling for meaningful engagement of young people in product development and program design.”
In a time of declining donor funding, particularly from traditional sources in the Global North, Limo emphasized the urgent need for innovation. “We must find new ways to do more with less urging collaboration to ensure treatment retention, access to new products like long-acting injectables, and stronger youth-led programming.”
Dr. Mutambuka Deo, the Executive Secretary of the Rwandan Network of People Living with HIV (RRP+), stated that the purpose of the upcoming conference is to collectively reflect on strategies to improve the lives of people living with HIV. The focus is to ensure that they continue to live healthy lives, receive high-quality healthcare services, both in hospitals and within the community and that efforts are intensified to fight against stigma and discrimination, which remain persistent challenges.
“What we are observing is that stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV are on the rise, not just among adults, but also affecting children and within families. This is especially evident in schools, where learners living with HIV experience exclusion and unfair treatment.”
Additionally,” We are seeing an increase in new HIV infections, particularly among the youth, in this context, we see this national-level meeting as a valuable opportunity for the members of the Rwandan Network of People Living with HIV, and for our partners from different countries, to come together and advocate for better conditions for people living with HIV. Our aim is to ensure they have access to good healthcare, are not marginalized, and are treated with dignity because they too are human beings, just like anyone else.”
He emphasized that addressing stigma and discrimination is just as critical as providing medical care, as these social barriers deeply impact the well-being and mental health of those affected.
IAS 2025 marks a pivotal moment for the global HIV response. The conference not only showcases cutting-edge research but also spotlights the growing need for political will, sustainable funding, and inclusive decision-making as the world navigates shifting financial landscapes and evolving epidemics, the voices of those most affected, people living with HIV and young leaders, are more vital than ever in shaping an equitable, science-driven future.
