Update - XIV international AIDS Conference, Barcelona
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7 - 12 July 2002
Barcelona, Spain
CONTENTS:
1. Key conference messages
2. Barcelona 2002 welcomes new co-operating institutions
3. Scholarships deadline looming
4. Skills building program in full development swing
5. Young scientists travel grants program
6. New secretariat staff
7. Abstract submissions & review
8. Conference organizing committee (COC) meets in Barcelona
9. Registration update
10. Media registrations
11. Volunteers needed
12. Local celebrities endorse conference messages
13. PWA lounge takes shape
14. Commercial exhibition deadline extended
15. Exhibition of non-governmental, non-profit organizations
16. Third party media conference applications
17. An invitation to the community forum
18. Invitation to participate in Rauxa
19. Xiulet conference newsletter invites your input
20. Web site interest climbing
21. Upcoming committee meetings
22. Important deadlines
23. Keep in touch
1. KEY CONFERENCE MESSAGES
The Conference Organizing Committee (COC) has developed a set of nine
key messages that form the guiding principles upon which the confer-
ence program is being developed. These messages reflect the reason
for holding this conference, as well as the reason why people should
attend.
The conference's key messages are as follows:
1. HIV/AIDS is a global emergency with far-reaching effects: There is
no country that has been left unscathed by the epidemic. It affects
all countries socially, economically and culturally. It threatens de-
velopment and human security.
2. Immediate action is necessary to prevent further catastrophe: Vio-
lence, poverty, insecurity and war contribute to the spread of
HIV/AIDS. In today's uncertain climate, HIV/AIDS demands increased
focus, commitment and effort. HIV/AIDS is a worsening crisis, which
will increase further in times of war and instability.
3. Commitments of the United Nations Special Session on HIV/AIDS
(UNGASS) urgently require implementation: In June 2001, world leaders
met at UNGASS in New York City. The UNGASS Declaration sets out pri-
orities and targets for fighting the epidemic on a global and a na-
tional level.
4. With political commitment given at UNGASS, there is now renewed
opportunity for action: This action must be directed toward the crea-
tion of global, regional and national responses to HIV/AIDS that are
sustainable and based on sound knowledge.
5. Knowledge must be used to translate commitment into action: The
world has gained a vast amount of knowledge about effective strate-
gies against HIV/AIDS from scientific inquiry and community mobiliza-
tion. This knowledge must now be used to increase the scale and ef-
fectiveness of our response to this epidemic.
6. A unified effort is needed: All aspects of HIV/AIDS must be ad-
dressed by a unified body of scientists, politicians, and people liv-
ing with HIV/AIDS, community groups, religious leaders, business and
the media. All groups have valuable experience and lessons to share,
and these can accelerate this shared response.
7. Decreasing the impact of HIV/AIDS depends on effective prevention:
Prevention and care are complementary, not competing priorities. Ef-
fective prevention efforts that combine education, information, ser-
vices and structural change to the social environment are needed on a
massive scale around the world.
8. Access to care and treatment must be available to all people liv-
ing with HIV/AIDS: Maximizing access to comprehensive care and effec-
tive treatment requires more support to communities, better health
infrastructures, cheaper drugs and more resources. Resources for new
Global Fund to fight AIDS, TB and Malaria (GFATM) need to be in-
creased along with boosts to direct national and private sector
spending on AIDS.
9 Social exclusion is at the root of HIV-vulnerability: Exclusion of
people from social support and networks because of their religion,
social standing, sexual orientation, HIV status, race or gender con-
tributes to vulnerability to HIV and worsens the impact of HIV. Ex-
tending dignity and respect to all people is therefore key to re-
sponding to HIV.
2. BARCELONA 2002 WELCOMES NEW CO-OPERATING INSTITUTIONS
We welcome three new co-operating institutions:
Swedish International Development Agency
The International Harm Reduction Development Program
Family Health International
We thank you for your valuable support.
3. SCHOLARSHIPS DEADLINE FAST APPROACHING
1 February!! 1 February!! 1 February!! 1 February!! 1 February!!
The only way to get a scholarship is to apply for a scholarship....
apply before 1 February 2002.
Visit our web site http://www.aids2002.com for application forms.
4. SKILLS BUILDING PROGRAM IN FULL DEVELOPMENT SWING
During four consecutive days of the Conference, the Skills Building
Program will offer scheduled workshop sessions covering a diverse
range of contents.
The call for submissions to this program is open, and the deadline is
1 February 2002.
Once the selection is completed, the Skills Building Program will be
put on the conference web site and workshop registration will open on
1 May 2002 for delegates to register for individual workshops.
The Skills Building Program will accept workshop proposal submis-
sions, much like abstract submissions, from experienced facilitators.
Workshops must comply with at least one of the following categories:
Strategies for better living with HIV: information access; treatment,
care and support; physical changes; spiritual needs and creative ex-
pression. Population specific approaches for HIV prevention and harm
reduction work. Gender, sexuality or age-specific issues. Cooperation
and participation of health and public policy professionals, HIV af-
fected communities and scientists, in media, advocacy, and the imple-
mentation of programs and services. New or innovative applications of
scientific research, surveillance methods, treatment management or
diagnostic tools, to cover the needs of science professionals, health
care providers and community workers in different resource settings.
To access the down-loadable submission form, visit the conference web
site http://www.aids2002.com
For more information, contact Jenifer Johnson <jjohnson@aids2002.com>
5. YOUNG SCIENTISTS' TRAVEL GRANTS PROGRAM
The XIV International AIDS Conference Secretariat is pleased to an-
nounce the first special Young Scientists Travel Grants Program.
This competitive awards program is designed to encourage Barcelona
AIDS Conference participation and presentation of research by young
scientists from all countries in Track A Basic Sciences. With support
from the U.S. National Institutes of Health, this program seeks to
stimulate interest in research careers focusing on the basic sciences
related to HIV/AIDS and will be targeted at scientists who have re-
ceived advanced degrees within the last five years.
Award recipients will be granted free XIV International AIDS Confer-
ence registration and a cash award of US$ 2,000 toward airfare and
living expenses paid on arrival at the Conference
Applicants for the Young Scientists Travel Grants Program must hold
an earned doctoral degree in basic sciences; and have a maximum of 5
years postdoctoral research experience
Applicants should submit the following information to the Conference
Secretariat (see information below) via e-mail or post by February
15, 2002: A letter describing why you believe you should be granted
this travel award; a one-page curriculum vitae including relevant
publications; and a copy of your Conference abstract for Track A (if
submitted). This application should be sent to:
M. Patricia Needle, Ph.D.
Director, Conference Secretariat
Barcelona AIDS 2002
Barcelona 08017, Spain
Contact Patricia Needle for more information:
mailto:mpneedle@aids2002.com
This travel grant should not be confused with the IAS Young Investi-
gators' Award. This award was initiated at the International AIDS
Conference in Geneva 1998. With it, the IAS honours one Young Inves-
tigator from each conference program track. The awards are selected
on the basis of submitted abstracts by a panel of eminent scientists
in collaboration with the Committee on Interventions, Program Imple-
mentation and Policy (IPIP). For more information, contact Madeleine
Arfelt at the IAS:
mailto:madeleine@ias.se
6. NEW SECRETARIAT STAFF
We extend a warm welcome to two new staff members: Cecilia Garcia
(Scientific Assistant) and Maria Jose Leon (Skills Building Program
Assistant).
7. ABSTRACT SUBMISSIONS & REVIEW
By 21 January more than 7,400 abstracts had been received. A final
number of abstracts received will be given in the next AIDS 2002 Up-
date.
The selection of abstract reviewers has closed (the deadline was 15
December). A total of 1,300 reviewers from all over the world were
selected. Their task is to review the thousands of abstracts re-
ceived. Each abstract will be sent to three different reviewers be-
tween 15 February and 1 March. The final list of accepted abstracts
will be drawn up during the Marathon Meeting in March.
We remind you that the deadline for submission of abstracts has now
closed (on 23 January 2002)
8. CONFERENCE ORGANIZING COMMITTEE (COC) MEETS IN BARCELONA
A very successful COC meeting was held at the Barcelona secretariat
on 9 and 10 January.
One of the many topics discussed was plenary sessions. Topics and
speakers were brainstormed and discussed, and the final list of
speakers will be decided at the beginning of February. We will report
on this in the next newsletter.
Abstract-driven oral and poster sessions, as well as bridging and in-
vited sessions, will be finalized at a Marathon Meeting, to be held
in March.
For more information about the COC, contact Emily Knox
<eknox@aids2002.com>. Marta Seg� <msegu@aids2002.com> can provide ad-
ditional information on the plenary sessions
9. REGISTRATION UPDATE
By 21 January, conference registrations amounted to 929. This is more
than registrations at the same stage for Geneva '98, which were 765
and Durban 2000, which were 686.
We remind you that the deadline for early registration (US$ 850) is 1
February; the deadline for the standard registration fee of US$ 950
is on 1 May. After this date, the late registration fee of US$ 1,050
applies.
Application forms may be found in the Invitation Program or on-line
at http://www.aids2002.com
10. MEDIA REGISTRATIONS
By the middle of January 2002, a total of 79 applications had been
received from journalists from the following countries: Canada,
France, Germany, Greece, India, Ireland, Japan, Kenya, Nepal, Nige-
ria, Peru, Spain, Switzerland, UK, USA and Zambia.
To apply for media registration, journalists must complete the Media
Registration form found in the conference's Invitation Program or on
the web site (www.aids2002.com). Please note that the review process
is a strict one, and therefore journalists are encouraged to ensure
they have attached the correct accompanying documentation (as de-
tailed on the form).
For more information, contact the Communications Department
mailto:media@aids2002.com
11. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Applications and expressions of interest are flooding in to the Vol-
unteer Department. However, many more applications are still needed.
To apply to be a volunteer, complete the application form available
on the web site (http://www.aids2002.com) before 31 March 2002. This
form is in English and must be completed in English. For those who do
not understand English, contact the Volunteers' Department (e-mail
address below) for assistance.
At present, the Volunteers Department is in the process of developing
the Volunteers' Training Program. International volunteers, who are
not able to attend the training sessions in person, will have the op-
portunity to follow them via email. The program will be divided into
basic training sessions (about eight hours), and specific activity
training sessions (about four hours). Volunteer Team Leaders will
also receive additional training covering topics such as communica-
tion skills and conflicts resolution.
For more information on the Volunteers' Program, contact
Blas Bayona <bbayona@aids2002.com>
12. LOCAL CELEBRITIES ENDORSE CONFERENCE MESSAGES
Several personalities from the entertainment world, including cinema,
literature, arts and sport, will formally endorse the key messages of
the XIV International AIDS Conference (see section 1 of this newslet-
ter), so lending their support to the global fight against HIV/AIDS.
The endorsement will take place in the Secretariat offices on 28
January. Celebrities have been invited to indicate their support of
the messages by signing them, and by leaving a signed hand print on
canvas. These canvas prints will then be displayed around the city of
Barcelona to maintain public interest and support for the conference.
At the time of writing this newsletter, the following Spanish celeb-
rities had indicated their presence at this exciting occasion: Maruja
Torres, Angels Gonyalons, Miquel Roca, Manuel Fuentes, Carmen Freixa
and Emilio S�nchez Vicario.
For more information contact Helena Ponce <hponce@aids2002.com>
13. PWA LOUNGE TAKES SHAPE
As in past conferences, Barcelona 2002 will also provide a space for
rest and a bit of peace and quiet for PWAs. This is a place where
PWAs can receive treatment and be provided with appropriate meals
(adapted to suit medications) in a calm and relaxing atmosphere.
Contact Hernando Mu�oz S�nchez <hmunoz@aids2002.com> for more infor-
mation.
14. COMMERCIAL EXHIBITION DEADLINE EXTENDED
To date, over 2 000 square meters of exhibition space has been sold.
With just under 1 000 square meters of space still available, the
deadline for applications has been extended to March 1.
15. EXHIBITION OF NON-GOVERNMENTAL, NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS
A limited number of 6 m2 exhibit booths will be reserved free of
charge for non-governmental, non-profit organizations.
Criteria for Selection include:
Must be a non-governmental organization / non- profit organization
Must be a community based organization Must show respect for human
rights, including people living with HIV and AIDS Must demonstrate
evidence of providing information, service, education, support or ad-
vocacy for the community Each booth space accepted will entitle one
person from the organization to a full Registration for the Confer-
ence and one Exhibit badge for the exhibition area only.
Deadline for NGO Exhibition Applications has been extended to 1 March
2002. Successful applicants will be informed by April 1, 2002
If you need further information contact: <jbaroja@aids2002.com>
16. THIRD PARTY MEDIA CONFERENCE APPLICATIONS
Applications are now open for organizations to host a media confer-
ence at Barcelona 2002.
The media center will have three media conference rooms named Barce-
lona 1, Barcelona 2 and Barcelona 3. Barcelona 1 will have seating
capacity for 150 journalists, while Barcelona 2 and 3 will each have
capacity for 60 journalists. Press conferences will be held in the
three rooms every hour from 08h00 to 17h00.
Applications for this facility will be reviewed by the Communications
Department, and the facility will be granted at the discretion of the
Department.
There is no deadline for application. However, time slots are allo-
cated on a first-come, first-served basis.
For more information, contact Karen Bennett <kbennett@aids2002.com>
17. AN INVITATION TO THE COMMUNITY FORUM
On Sunday July 7 at the XIV International Conference Barcelona 2002
the Community Forum "Punto de Encuentro" is creating a space for 1500
delegates to meet.
Following the Geneva and Durban principle, the Community Forum will
be an opportunity for individuals, groups, organizations, people liv-
ing with HIV and AIDS, peer support groups GO's and NGO's from the
civil or private sector to address relevant issues, to hear key
speakers, and to meet and interact with each other in order to make
contacts with people from the same Field and Region and share experi-
ences.
Contact Hernando Mu�oz S�nchez <hmunoz@aids2002.com> for more infor-
mation.
18. INVITATION TO PARTICIPATE IN RAUXA
Creative talent from around the world is invited to participate in
RAUXA, the Conference's Cultural Program.
The program is intended to serve as a bridge between the Conference
delegates and the citizens of Barcelona. The cultural program aims to
include all kinds of cultural and artistic expressions: theatre, cin-
ema, dance, music, sculpture, painting, photography, and literature.
Application forms are available on the web site. The deadline for ap-
plications is 15 February 2002. For additional information, contact
Judith Cobe�a <jcobena@aids2002.com>.
19. XIULET CONFERENCE NEWSLETTER INVITES YOUR INPUT
The Conference newsletter Xiulet is a printed multilingual magazine
(English, Spanish and French), and a communications vehicle between
the Conference and the world.
The first edition has been printed and distributed. The next edition
will be edited in April. If you would like to receive a copy,
mailto:jbaroja@aids2002.com
One of the newsletter's features will be a page featuring input from
its readers. We invite all readers of AIDS 2002 Update to be a part
of this feature. To do so, simply send us your ONE-LINE response to
this question: "What is the silliest thing that you've heard about
HIV/AIDS?" You can be as creative and imaginative as you want in your
answer. You can remain anonymous or identify yourself by including
your name, age, country and profession. We will publish a selection
of the responses in the next magazine. Send your responses to:
mailto:jbaroja@aids2002.com
20. WEB SITE INTEREST CLIMBING
Website traffic to http://www.aids2002.com is up and still climbing.
Take a look at December's statistics:
Number of Hits for Entire Site 886,731
Number of User Sessions 18,665
Average Number of Hits per Day 29,557
Average Number of Page Views Per Day 1,930
Average Number of User Sessions per Day 622
Average User Session Length 00:09:34
21. UPCOMING COMMITTEE MEETINGS
The BBSS (Biomedical, Behavioural and Social Sciences) Committee will
meet in Barcelona on 25 and 26 January. The purpose of this meeting
is to discuss bridging sessions, symposia and debates related to
tracks A to E.
Contact Robert Muga <rmuga@aids2002.com> or
Marta Seg� <msegu@aids2002.com> for more information
The Marathon Meeting will be held in Barcelona from 16 � 18 March
2002.
22. IMPORTANT DEADLINES
Please mark your calendars with these important dates:
1 February 2002: Early registration fee cut-off date
1 February 2002: SCHOLARSHIPS DEADLINE: All scholarship applications
must be received by our office by 6pm
1 February 2002: SKILLS-BUILDING WORKSHOP DEADLINE
15 February 2002: SATELLITE MEETINGS DEADLINE
15 February 2002 RAUXA Cultural program deadline
1 March 2002: COMMERCIAL EXHIBITION application deadline
1 March 2002: NGO EXHIBITION application deadline
31 March 2002: Volunteer Application deadline
1 May 2002: Standard Registration fee cut-off date
1 June 2002: LATE BREAKER ABSTRACTS DEADLINE
23. KEEP IN TOUCH
This newsletter is intended to keep you informed of our activities.
For this reason, we would welcome any input from you in the form of
general feedback, criticism, suggestions and/or requests for specific
information. Please contact us:
By Fax: +34-93-254-0575
By Post:
Attention Communications Department
XIV International AIDS Conference
Calle Pomaret 21
08017 Barcelona, Spain
mailto:kbennett@aids2002.com
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