In a monumental step towards combating HIV on a global scale, the International AIDS Society (IAS) has announced that its 13th Conference on HIV Science (IAS 2025) will be held in Kigali, Rwanda, from July 14 to 17, 2025.
According to the organisers, this conference serves as a crucial platform for researchers, advocates, communities, and policymakers, to convene and collaborate on advancing HIV science and addressing challenges faced by regions heavily affected by the virus.
"IAS 2025 will serve as a critical reflection point to collectively take stock of how and in what ways the advances in HIV science can be expanded on and accelerated to end AIDS as a public health threat,” IAS President-Elect and IAS 2025 International Chair Beatriz Grinsztejn said.
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"With only five years left to meet the 2030 targets, it is critical that the global HIV science agenda makes even deeper inroads in support of a more equitable HIV response. This conference provides a powerful platform for researchers, advocates, communities, and policy makers to move that response forward together.”
According to the organisers, Rwanda’s selection as the host underscores the commitment to evidence-based approaches in combating HIV. Rwanda has notably achieved the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets, whose aim was to diagnose 95% of all HIV-positive individuals, provide antiretroviral therapy (ART) for 95% of those diagnosed and achieve viral suppression for 95% of those treated by 2030
Despite significant progress, Africa continues to bear the worst part of the HIV epidemic, underscoring the urgent need for collective action.
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Rwanda’s Minister of Health Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana emphasized the importance of tailored approaches and addressing inequities to effectively combat HIV.
He said: "To end HIV as a public health threat, we need to invest in effective prevention, including addressing inequities that continue to put women at greater risk than men of acquiring HIV. Our history has taught us the critical importance of nimble and tailored approaches.”
To ensure inclusivity, the IAS will offer scholarships and discounted registration rates for young people and individuals from lower-income countries. Additionally, major conference sessions will be accessible online free of charge two months after the event, further extending the reach of critical discussions and findings.
The upcoming IAS 2025 conference in Kigali holds promise as a catalyst for transformative change in the global HIV response. By fostering collaboration, sharing knowledge, and amplifying success stories, this gathering represents a beacon of hope in the ongoing fight against HIV/AIDS.
To eradicate HIV/AIDS by 2030, the organization conducts programmes that seek inclusive responses to HIV with a focus on mother-to-child transmission, paediatric treatment and care, and new HIV infections in adolescents. According to Rwanda Biomedical Centre’s 2022-2023 report, the national programme prioritizes targeted testing. The number of HIV tests conducted decreased from 2,283,301 to 2,072,366 tests. A high decrease was reported in HIV testing services (HTC).
The overall HIV testing yield remained at 0.7%. The highest HIV testing yield of 4.1% was recorded among elicited partners of index cases who were reached and tested through partner notification services.
Deo Mutambuka, the Executive Secretary of the Rwanda Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS (RRP+), highlighted the importance of protected sex, citing its numerous benefits including fostering safer sexual practices among partners.
He said: "Remember that sex is not only for fun. It can also be a powerful way to communicate affection, make a commitment, and build a relationship.
"But when you're having it with someone who could conceivably give you a gift that will last a lifetime, you've got to be responsible. You've got to protect yourself.”