International AIDS Society Newsletter, no. 16

IAS
INTERNATIONAL
SOCIETY
Dear Friends,
It is gratifying to see how many people that have registered for the XIII International AIDS Conference in Durban, demonstrating
their commitment to the fight against HIV/AIDS and their solidarity with the millions of people affected by HIV in the Southern
hemisphere. Attending the Durban Conference is turning out to be a litmus test as far as commitment to the HIV/AIDS cause is concerned - perhaps also a test of courage. Some Westerners seem too easily scared and dread the security situation. Yet, compared with
the courage it takes to live with HIV/AIDS in the discriminatory settings prevailing in the world, not much courage is needed to make
the trip to Africa.
The Durban Conference is an international one, which is intentionally located to South Africa. This offers opportunities to highlight
the pledge of the developing part of the world as a whole as well as the disproportionate and catastrophic toll of many African countries, particularly those in Southern Africa. However, we should not forget the emergencies in other areas of the world, e.g. in parts of
Asia and in Eastern Europe.
The overture to the Durban Conference has been somewhat distorted, not only by the exaggerated security concerns, but also by an
unexpected opportunity for the deniers of HIV/AIDS to get renewed attention, after a dozen or so years in the grave. To me, it seems
that some of the followers are doing it for the game. Others are firm believers, like religious fanatics in a war of faith. However, let us
not fall into the trap by wasting energy and resources on this, but focus on the grim realities of the HIV/AIDS pandemic.
The location to Durban will assist us in focusing on the specific characteristics of HIV infection and HIV disease in the developing
country settings. Admittedly, too often Western views and solutions have been projected on other cultures, sometimes well-intended
but out of place and therefore not efficient. At the same time it is important to remember that the situations may vary considerably
between countries in the same region, even between neighbouring countries. Why is it for instance, that some sub-Saharan countries
maintain a relatively low HIV prevalence over the years, whilst others are ravaged by prevalences of catastrophic dimensions? And
what can be learned from the countries that have succeeded to turn the tide like Uganda, Senegal, and Thailand? However, let us not
forget the many successful studies targeting the specific local conditions through twinning research institutions in the South with their
equals in the North. Many such major programmes have continued to grow during the recent 10-15 years and have given invaluable
insights into HIV transmission, biological and social parameters in different societies (see the relevant series of articles from Africa in
this issue of the Newsletter). We are not exactly starting from scratch, but many more studies are needed in order for us to learn more
about background and preventive interventions adapted to the prevailing socio-economic conditions. Humility is needed - not arrogance. Trying to superimpose Western-style experiences and policies, simply does not work.
Bringing the Conference to Durban in the midst of these realities has been a great challenge indeed. We sincerely hope that this Conference will take a productive and beneficial step forward in our fight against HIV/AIDS.
Yours,

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Lars 0. Kallings
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