MEDIA RELEASE
Released By:
Gambaro
As the XVI International AIDS Conference in Canada comes to a close today, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Foreign Affairs Teresa Gambaro said the focus would turn to Australia when Sydney hosts the next major International AIDS Society Conference.
The 4th International AIDS Society Conference on Pathogenesis, Treatment and Prevention, which will be held from 22 - 25 July 2007, will be the largest HIV/AIDS conference ever to be held in Australia. Over 6000 international HIV researchers and clinicians are expected to attend.
Ms Gambaro said the gathering would enable HIV researchers and clinicians to share the latest scientific and technical advances. She said it would also enhance the capacity of researchers from developing countries to contribute to the HIV response.
'The hosting of this significant conference underscores the international leadership role which Australia is taking in the global fight against HIV/AIDS, particularly in the Asia Pacific where there are 8.4 million people infected,' Ms Gambaro said.
'Australia's record on HIV prevention and care is strong. The foundation of this success has been the close collaboration with affected communities, all levels of government and the medical and scientific community.
'We have learnt valuable lessons which we are sharing with our neighbours as they scale up their responses to the disease.'
The Australian Government has committed $600 million from 2000 to 2010 to combat the problem.
Media Contacts:
AusAID Public Affairs 0417 680 590
Dean Savage (Ms Gambaro's Office) 0438 171 330