Introduction
AIDS 2026, the 26th International AIDS Conference, brought together science, public policy, health services, and communities in Rio de Janeiro from July 26 to 31, under the theme “Rethink. Rebuild. Rise.” The conference came at a pivotal moment: more tools than ever are available to prevent, diagnose, and treat HIV, yet profound gaps persist in ensuring that these tools reach everyone who needs them.
For many organisations, community leaders, health professionals, health service managers, and representatives of national programmes in Latin America and the Caribbean, direct participation in a conference of this scale is not possible. This webinar aims to bridge that gap. It is not about summarising hundreds of sessions in 90 minutes, but about translating the most relevant information, placing it in a regional context, and opening an honest conversation about what can change—from this moment forward—in policies, services, and community responses.
Purpose
To bring the most relevant information from AIDS 2026 to key stakeholders across Latin America and the Caribbean—especially those unable to attend the conference—by providing an accessible, critical, and action-oriented perspective, sharing specific information on TB and HIV, and fostering discussion about their visibility and the actions needed to address them.
Specific Objectives
- Share, in clear language, the main scientific, programmatic, and policy advances presented at AIDS 2026.
- Put these advances into perspective in light of the realities, gaps, and opportunities in Latin America and the Caribbean.
- Balance scientific evidence with communities’ experiences and priorities.
- Present the progress made by the Alliance for HIV Elimination in the Americas, including its achievements, challenges, and next steps.
- Analyse TB and HIV, their visibility on the response agenda and in current debates, in order to initiate dialogue and concrete future regional action with an impact at the country level.
- Provide a brief opportunity for direct exchange with the panellists.
Target Audience
Health professionals, health service managers, health programme leads, civil society organisations, and communities.
Meeting Recording
Agenda
11:00 a.m. - 11:01 a.m.
Session introduction
Moderator
11:01 a.m. - 11:07 a.m.
Key advances in HIV self-testing and long-acting PrEP.
Hortencia Peralta PAHO
11:07 a.m. - 11:13 a.m.
Key advances in treatment and advanced HIV disease.
Omar Sued, PAHO
11:13 a.m. - 11:19 a.m.
Alliance for the Elimination of HIV in the Americas
Monica Alonso , PAHO
11:19 a.m. - 11:25 a.m.
Key messages, demands, and community experiences highlighted at the conference. Caribbean perspective.
Iván Cruickshank, CVC Caribe
11:25 a.m. - 11:31 a.m.
Perspective of national programs on the opportunities and challenges of prevention.
Manuel Romero , Ministry of Health, Cuba
11:31 a.m. - 11:37 a.m.
Key messages, demands, and community experiences highlighted at the conference. Latin America perspective.
Lídice López Tocón , Corresponsales clave
11:37 a.m. - 11:57 a.m.
Questions and dialogue with participants
Moderator
11:57 a.m. - 12:03 p.m.
Where do we stand in the response to TB and TB/HIV co-infection?
Pedro Avedillo , PAHO
12:03 p.m. - 12:09 p.m.
Perspective of national HIV and TB programs on strengthening timely diagnosis of TB/HIV co-infection.
Carlos Benites , Ministry of Health, Peru
12:09 p.m. - 12:29 p.m.
Moderated discussion with responses that encourage dialogue.
Moderator
12:29 p.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Closing Remarks
Moderator