The INFO Project Blog

So I first must apologize for the lack of actual photos in this first blog piece.  You see, there were strict security requirements to enter the opening ceremony.  The opening ceremony was in a separate spot from the convention in order to accommodate the 25,000 delegates.  All of my bags had to be left at the convention center.  All buses returned to the hotels after the opening and thus my bags are still at the convention center with pictures from today’s sessions.  I also didn’t get any pictures of the amazing opening, due to the fact they lead us to believe we weren’t able to carry anything in.

I think I’ll describe the opening since it’s fresh in my mind and then move on to the two integration sessions I attended.  After several entertaining pieces by the Ballet Folklorico, the speakers began.  One of the notable speakers included Peter Piot, Executive Director of of UNAIDS, who told delegates to “get up, stand up, don’t give up your fight.” In line with Mr. Marley, Dr. Piot told delegates to never give up their fight against HIV/AIDS.  Dr. Margaret Chan, Secretary General of the World Health Organization,  Ban Ki Moon, Secretary General of the United Nations and Mexican President Felipe Calderon all stressed the need to combat stigma, homophobia, and discrimination to fight HIV/AIDS  and to ensure that vulnerable populations including sex workers, men who have sex with men and IDUs are targeted in prevention efforts and receive necessary services. President Calderon also announced that he would allow other countries to introduce anti-retroviral medications into Mexico, drastically lowering the price of such drugs.  His commitment received much applause.

The theme ”Universal Action Now/Acción Universal !Ya!” was also echoed by all of the speakers, including Mony Pen, a Cambodian activist, the former President of Botswana Mr. Festus Mogae and the 12 year old Honduran activist who received a standing ovation, Keren-Dunway Gonzalez.  Citizens and civil society must pressure their governments to take greater action to ensure that all people have access to HIV prevention, treatment and care services. Read the rest of this entry »