By MONICA KAYOMBO, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
AFTER a week of scientific debate, policy discussions and community engagement, the 26th International AIDS Conference has closed in Rio de Janeiro, leaving one clear message that the fight against HIV has reached a defining moment.
Held under the theme “Rethink. Rebuild. Rise.”, the conference attracted more than 7,000 participants from across the globe, including scientists, researchers, policymakers, healthcare workers, journalists, civil society organizations, advocates and people living with HIV.
Together, they examined how the world can sustain progress against HIV at a time when international funding is shrinking, even as science continues to deliver groundbreaking innovations.
Throughout the conference, delegates repeatedly acknowledged that remarkable progress has been made over the past four decades. Long-acting HIV prevention medicines, simplified treatment options, vaccine research and cure science have all advanced significantly. However, speakers warned that these achievements could be undermined if countries fail to protect HIV programmes from financial uncertainty.
Speaking during the official closing ceremony held on Friday, July 31, 2026, outgoing International AIDS Society (IAS) President Professor Beatriz Grinsztejn urged governments, researchers, development partners and communities to carry the momentum generated in Rio beyond the conference halls.
She stressed that scientific discoveries alone will not end AIDS unless they reach the millions of people who still need prevention, treatment and care. She reminded delegates that the conference theme should become a commitment to rethink existing approaches, rebuild stronger health systems and rise together in defending the gains already achieved.
The conference also marked a leadership transition within the IAS as Kenya’s Professor Kenneth Ngure assumed the presidency. In his inaugural address, he pledged to champion equitable access to HIV prevention and treatment, strengthen partnerships between science and communities and support the next generation of researchers. He emphasized that innovation must benefit every country regardless of income, adding that protecting people already receiving treatment should remain a global priority.
Many of the concerns raised during the closing echoed conversations held throughout the week.
In an earlier interview with this reporter, IAS President Professor Beatriz Grinsztejn had emphasized that the organization’s immediate priorities are ensuring that people remain on treatment, stay connected to care and continue receiving HIV prevention services despite disruptions in funding.
She noted that facilitating access to these essential services remains central to the IAS mission.
For Zambia, the discussions resonated strongly.
Professor Lloyd Mulenga, Director of Infectious Diseases under the Ministry of Health the, told this reporter in an interview that although global funding reductions have created uncertainty, Zambia continues to make important strides in both HIV prevention and treatment. He explained that the country has expanded access to innovative prevention options, including long-acting injectable medicines, while maintaining efforts to keep people living with HIV on treatment.
Prof. Mulenga also observed that Zambia’s HIV epidemic continues to evolve, with emerging patterns of transmission requiring new prevention strategies and sustained public education.
His message reflected the broader discussions in Rio that countries must constantly adapt their responses as the epidemic changes.
One of the conference’s strongest themes was that communities remain indispensable partners in ending HIV. Scientists repeatedly acknowledged that research breakthroughs only become meaningful when translated into accessible services supported by governments, healthcare systems and community organizations.
As delegates departed Rio de Janeiro, attention turned to the next International AIDS Conference, which will be held in Bangkok, Thailand, in 2028. Expectations are that by then the global community will be able to assess how countries have responded to current funding challenges, whether new prevention technologies have become more widely available and whether the world remains on track to end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.
The challenge now is ensuring that political commitment, sustainable financing and equitable access keep pace with scientific progress.
