By Wanda London
PLHA
Peer Navigator / UCSD, Christie’s Place/Board of Director’s
Global Village:
Tuesday, July 23rd
Global Village’s official opening was on July 23rd. This year we marked the 20th anniversary of the Global Village. The Global Village was initially launched in Bangkok in 2004, to bring together ideals from different perspectives from sciences, community, and leadership in the global HIV response. The mission was, and remains, to increase public awareness and participation and to create a dynamic environment with learning opportunities for everyone involved.
The Global Village was divided up into several areas:
Posters Exhibition were on display for one full day. Presenting authors display their posters for one hour answering questions regarding the study results, NGO booths, and Marketplace booths (new studies regarding treatment and further care). Art Exhibitions, and most important—Networking zones. (sciences/Leadership overlap, the Village).
Advocacy and awareness groups share information on a range of topics. Global HIV migration, #WhatWorkForU: Empowering choices, Message in a bottle: Sharing adherence stories using empty ARV bottles. (quite neat)
Community empowerment and support:
The Silver Zone was located in this area—the discussion of long-term survivors and living longer with the virus.
Several booths regarding ‘International Community of Women and Girls living with HIV”, African disparage community networking booth, HIV Science as Art,
Health and treatment
Nursing Networking, Myth and
As you can see the mission is still the same. The information that people have shared e, has not changed.
Write it out Reclaiming your Narrative:
A chance for positive people to express their own stories. The award-winning playwright Donna R Love has created “Write it Out” – a writing workshop for people living with HIV
“Women and Girls in the Lead”. Fueling an inter-sectional feminist global HIV response
A booth in Global Village. Discussions around the need for women’s center care. We need to address the gaps between treatment for womens vs care for males, and trans-gender Women.
A timeline of challenges and accomplishments.
Youth Pavilion
As part of the Global Village the Youth Pavilion is a space led by the Munich Youth Force, aimed at spearheading an inclusive and impactful youth program at AIDS 2024. The Youth Pavilion used several interactive computer games to share knowledge and education.
At the Youth Pavilion, young people are not only delegates, they are activity organizers, speakers, and leaders. (one of the sessions)
Nothing About Us Without Us: Storytelling and discussion with young people.
Tuesday, July 23rd
Four young people with different stories shared their experiences with obtaining information on HIV/AIDS. A youth discussion on the impact of recreational camps on young people.
There was a four-person panel, also a coach. Panel Babu Seenanca- India, Violet Xhi-m. Two of the panel have been with the program for a long time. Now they work as counselors.
Goals:
- to be included in the discussion of their care
- listening “Really” listening activated, listening is not assuming
- Health Equality, in some country the quality of care is not up to standard
- Community involvement.
- Financial support to assist with testing, treatment, and non-medical services
What will it take to end the HIV Epidemic? A Global Village: ViiV Healthcare dinnere.
The in-person event consists of discussing the “Power of Partnerships”, “tacking HIV stigma”, and the “important role of activism”
Monitor Randy Davis (Canadian AIDS Society), with a panel discussion: Chrystal Bonzo (Her Voice Fund Ambassador), Bruce Richman (Prevention Access Campaign), Tristan Barber (Royal Free London Hospital. Sbong Noses (GNP+)
A journey from stigma to empowerment.
Chrystal Bonzo: Her Voice shared the importance of who’s at the front line, and the need to address care for adolescents, girls/women (around the world is the largest pop). Allies are needed.
Tristian Barber: Listening, develop active listening skills, not just assuming. Education, Seeks out those who are HIV, however, they’re not at the table. Think about who’s not at the table…and how we engage them.
Sbpmg Noses Global Strategic plan for 2026, however, we are not nearly close to that number. Health equality needs to be reviewed. *95/95 is not on course. Suggestion: we need to go back to the basics and review where we went off course. We review what is needed to ensure adequate health care. Health equality care is not the same for everyone. Note: in some global areas women are still being told they can’t bear children. No mention of current available treatment or care (2024). We need resources for communities that are struggling, (Going back to the Basics)
(*95/95: 95% of PPL living with HIV know their status., 95% are in care, become undetectable).
Bruce Richman Strong message for U=U. Why, How, and What’s especially holding back this message of U=U. We need to get the message out that “you can’t pass it on”. We need to develop language to share this message.
In some areas, Mother-to-child transmission is still high. Breastfeeding has some benefits for the child (Immune). We need to create a conversation about what can be done to ensure quality of life.
Summary:
- No one size fits all ( ex. Mick Jagger vs King Charles) different approach, lifestyle.
- You have to go where the female population resides.
- Women’s infection rates in the US are 25% vs the world’s 55%
- Shared decision-making should be the norm. Communities of color do not feel heard.
- Achieve one voice “By the Community for the Community”
- Honor people’s time/ value = reimbursement.
- Even tho HIV is treatable with medication. The stigma is still there. A strong reason why people are out of care.
- Going back to the basic
- Developing language to use in treatment
- Active listening and not assuming
- Ensuring that everyone is present at the table.
Volunteer:
Reflecting on my incredible experience as a volunteer at AIDS2024 has given me so much to be grateful for. From the wonderful people I met to the workshops I attended. I will share some wonderful moments in Germany this year when I present this Saturday August 3rd, 11am in San Diego. Pls Join us at AHF Pharmacy 3580 Fifth Ave. rsvp: erick.delatorre@ahf.org
Google Map the Meeting Location
Thank you,
Wanda London
PLHA, Peer Navigator / UCSD
Christie’s Place/Board of Director’s