July 15, 2010

I arrived in beautiful Vienna today, which is where the International AIDS Conference 2010 is going to be held from July 18-23. The conference is the key gathering of those working in the field of HIV, as well as policy makers, people living with HIV and other individuals committed to ending the pandemic. It is an opportunity to evaluate recent scientific developments and collectively chart a course forward and I have been lucky enough to gain a place as a volunteer at this pivotal event.

As an official staff member (as of today!), I was offered a special training session for ‘The Condom Project’. Trainings took place throughout the registration day and were split into one - hour sessions. The interactive presentation explored a variety of condoms and lubricants available around the globe and influenced and expanded on the discussion about condoms.

While opinions varied, the overall consensus was that young people are beginning to revolutionise HIV prevention. Young people are starting to be more aware of the risks of HIV, so the rate at which young people are contracting the disease is becoming slower, because they are practicing safer sex and have less sexual partners.

"Many of the countries prone to HIV are on track to reach a 25 per cent reduction target in HIV/AIDS rates in 15 to 24 year olds by the end of 2010."

The prevalence of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) that causes AIDS is steadily dropping among young people in countries most affected by the disease, a study by UNAIDS found. And there’s more good news - many of the countries prone to HIV are on track to reach a 25 per cent reduction target in HIV/AIDS rates in 15 to 24 year olds by the end of 2010.

I wasn’t too keen on attending this session I have to admit, but it really emphasised variety, education and communication as a strategy to increase their (condoms) acceptance and use. It also made me aware that young people in Africa and elsewhere are starting to be more aware of the risks and as a result are using protection.

The Condom Project is a really promising  organisation that works in Europe and internationally to de-stigmatise condoms among all people and in doing so encourages the increase of use among young sexually active individuals.

Words and photo: Carissa Yeboah. The photo is of Mats Ahlund, Director of Operations and Conferences at the International AIDS Society in Geneva - speaking at the opening of the Vienna AIDS Conference 2010.
Photo of condoms: Flickr user quesemanas

For more info about ‘The Condom Project’ check out: www.thecondomproject.org