Media [International Conference on AIDS (11th: 1996: Vancouver, Canada)]

XI International
Conference
on AIDS
Vancouver
July 7-12, 1996
"I cannot express strongly enough my profound disappointment in the fact that many AIDS-related foundations and
international development agencies refused our requests for funds that would have allowed us to bring even more
deserving scholarship applicants to the Vancouver Conference. In fact, for every seven foundations and international
development agencies that we approached for funding we received approval from one;' said Dr. Rekart.
"We hit a wall of donor fatigue.This is particularly distressing because scholarship contributions were clearly
earmarked to assist those on the frontlines in the struggle against HIV/AIDS both in the developing world and for
those working with marginalised groups in the developed world.
"But our dedicated scholarship team did not stop," said Dr. Rekart."They just kept knocking on every door and
following every lead.They never gave up."
In the end, a total of 29 agencies and pharmaceutical corporations contributed approximately $2.4 million (CAD) to
the Scholarship Program.
As fully-registered delegates to the XI International Conference on AIDS, scholarship recipients are able to access the
full range of sessions offered by the Conference. A large number of scholars submitted abstracts and many have been
invited to make oral presentations.
In developing the criteria, policies and procedures of the Scholarship Program, the Organising Committee was assisted
by the Scholarship Working Group representing the stakeholders (ie the HIV/AIDS community and donors), under the
direction of scholarship Coordinator, Ida Giordano.The 1I0-member committee was comprised of representatives from
six global regions.
"The support of the working group and the dedication of the program staff made the Scholarship Program possible"
said Ms Giordano."More than ever, the struggle against HIV and AIDS is taking place in the developing world and
among marginalised populations.The experience, knowledge and connections that scholarship recipients will gain
and share this week in Vancouver will take us one step closer to reducing the effects of the pandemic where it
rages worst."
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