Alice Kayongo

Brilliant opening ceremony moderated by Alberto Pereira Jr. (Brazil), officiated by Beatriz Grinsztejn (IAS President, International Co-Chair), Draurio Barreira (Local Co-Chair), Claudia Cortes (Regional Co-Chair), Winnie Byanyima (UNAIDS), Dr. Tedros Adhanom (WHO), Alexus D’Marco (UCTRANS), Jabas Barbosa da Silva Jr (PAHO) and Dr. Alexandre Padilha, (MOH-Brazil). Entertainment by Jaloo (Brazil)

Alberto Pereira Jr. moderated the session, welcoming delegates and calling the global community to learn from Brazil about the courageous political choice made — rooted in science, public health and human rights; underscoring healthcare as a right and not a privilege. Dr. Beatriz Grinsztejn acknowledged that gaps in the HIV response are persistent in countries carrying the highest burden, but noted that by following new scientific advances, focusing on implementation, and centering access, the curve can be bent . Dr. Draurio Barreira highlighted treatment as meaningless if it fails to reach those who need it. Claudia Cortez and Alexus D’Marco urged delegates to rise above the noise of inequality, while activists demonstrated for a cure, noting that “cuts = deaths” and “Pharma greed costs lives”. Winnie Byanyima indicated that every breakthrough was due to direct confrontation of inequality and called for refocus on rights, science and financing. Dr. Tedros called for domestic and international funding, defending community organisations, repealing criminalization laws, and refusing to see the response as finished business. Dr. Jabas Barbosa, emphasised — “innovation changes lives only when people access it.” Concluding the ceremony, Dr. Alexandre Padilha echoed all speakers in affirming that “innovation without access is injustice.”

As a convener of delegates from 170 countries, the International AIDS Conference collects scientific evidence, community experiences, provides a platform for asking questions hindering the end of AIDS and gives space for candid discussions on how to continue the response with zeal and commitment. Delegates including key speakers refuse to see the response as finished business but rather call for recommitment to end the epidemic. It's for this reason among others, that AIDS 2026 urges all stakeholders to rethink, rebuild and rise to keep on doing what was committed to make the end of AIDS a reality.