World AIDS Day: Take the Rights path

This year, ITM and SHARE (ITM’s interdepartmental research platform on HIV and sexual health) will celebrate World AIDS Day in line with the global theme 'Take the Rights path'. During this event, we will highlight and discuss the importance of fostering a rights-based HIV response with ITM students, staff and the interested larger public.

Progress made in the response to HIV is directly linked to progress in protecting human rights. In turn, the progress made through the HIV response has galvanised broader progress in realising the right to health and strengthening health systems. But gaps in the realisation of human rights for all are keeping the world from getting on the path to end AIDS, with ongoing attacks on rights threatening the progress made. Ending AIDS requires that we reach and engage everyone who is living with, at risk for or affected by HIV – especially people who have been most excluded and marginalised. The path that ends AIDS is a rights path. Upholding the United Nations Declaration on Human Rights, and fostering inclusion of all communities, are essential for ending AIDS and ensuring sustainable development and global health.

Since the beginning of the HIV epidemic, ITM has been at the forefront of promoting and defending a rights-based HIV response. To commemorate World AIDS Day 2024, we strive to present international and Belgian examples of how person-centred approaches may contribute to increased access to HIV services and protect the rights of affected communities, including marginalised populations, hence contributing to advance the global HIV response.

For whom?

Community organisations, researchers, care providers, policy-makers, students and all interested in contributing to a rights-based HIV response.

Practical

• Language: English

• Format: In-person (Aula Janssens, Campus Rochus, Sint-Rochusstraat 43, 2000 Antwerpen) or online (Zoom link)

The event will be followed by a reception at 4pm in Karibu.