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

OPENING CEREMONY,nteratio
Conference
on AIDS
Vancouver
July 7-12, 1996
A moving, entertaining, and heartfelt welcome will be offered to Conference delegates and special guests on
Sunday, July 7th at 3:30 pm at General Motors Place.
The Opening Ceremony of the XI International Conference on AIDS is intended to create a gentle but
inspiring transition to four intense days of learning, networking, and problem-solving.
The messages of hope, urgency and unity delivered at the Opening Ceremony will set the tone for the entire
Conference.
International Scope of AIDS
While the epidemic can be found in the four corners of the globe, its most profound impact has been on the
developing world, particularly on southeast Asia and Africa. Dr. Nkosazana Zuma, the Minister of Health for
South Africa will offer a keynote address and a message from President Nelson Mandela about their region's
struggle with AIDS.
Global Response to AIDS
Messages from the international Supporting Organisations of the Conference will be delivered to the delegates
during the Opening Ceremony.These are AIDS organisations representing researchers, community-based
groups and people living with HIV/AIDS. Each of the five groups will welcome delegates and update delegates
on the important work they are doing around the world.
* United Nations Joint Program on AIDS (UNAIDS), Peter Piot
* Canadian Association for HIV Research, (CAHR), MarkWainberg
* Global Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS (GNP+), Shaun Mellors
* International AIDS Society, (IAS), David Cooper
* International Council of AIDS Service Organisations, (ICASO), Rita Arauz
Messages from People Living with HIV
Four people living with HIV/AIDS will offer delegates their very personal messages about HIV and how it
affects their lives.Their messages of urgency will contribute to the inspiration all delegates will need to sustain
their efforts against HIV/AIDS.The Conference organisers are very proud that the first words spoken at the
Conference will come from a person living with HIV/AIDS from Vancouver.
* Doreen Millman
* Eric Sawyer
* Paul Toh
* Yolanda Simon