Reflections on the Week: AIDS 2024

Last week, 30 EGPAF team members joined over 15,000 delegates in Munich for AIDS 2024 . It was a week of learning, connecting, and leading. EGPAF’s vast conference footprint showcased our efforts to put children first.??

At the end of the week, we asked our delegates what their favorite moment was.??

Akwila Temu, Senior Technical Advisor – Pediatrics and Youth Services, EGPAF-Tanzania

“The theme of putting people first really connected with me. We were reminded that we are all former children – let us become champions and carry the torch for children in this fight against HIV.”

Angasyege Kibona, Senior Technical Advisor – SRH, EGPAF-Tanzania

“One of the highlights for me was sharing the impactful work EGPAF is doing in Tanzania through the SEVIA app . It was gratifying to see genunine interest and enthusiasm from those who listened to my oral abstract presentation. This experience underscored the value of sharing our activities and achievements more widely.

Anja Giphart, Executive Vice President, Medical and Scientific Affairs

“Seeing our African colleagues present on real program experiences for the first time at an international conference and doing an amazing job.”

Anne Hoppe, Director, Innovation

“This was the first time I attended the conference as part of an organization’s delegation with many different disciplines represented. The experience was very special to me.”

Appolinaire Tiam, Vice President, Technical Strategy and Innovation

“For me, it was seeing a strong EGPAF presence with real-world data and interdepartmental collaboration. It allowed us to connect with various communities and advocates.”

Caren Mburu, Senior Technical Advisor – Pediatrics & Adolescents Services, EGPAF-Kenya

“A highlight for me was the updates on the action plan to accelerate access to bnAbs for peri and post-natal infant prophylaxis. This could be a game-changer!”

Catherine Connor, Vice President, Public Policy and Advocacy

“Pretzels and programmatic data!”

Emiliana Maswi, Consultant, EGPAF-Tanzania

“Attending the AIDS conference for the first time was an unforgettable experience for me. One of my favorite moments was how EGPAF shined on multiple platforms, showcasing our diverse and impactful work in progress to achieving the organization’s mission. It is incredibly motivating to see how our efforts are making a tangible difference in the fight against HIV/AIDS.”

Fatima Tsiourus, Senior Director, Catalytic Initiatives & Program Optimization

“My favorite moment was meeting with colleagues from near and far and watching the EGPAF team shine on all levels at the conference. Also very exciting to hear the results of the PURPOSE 1 trial and how much promise has for prevention of new infections.”

Juma Songoro, Senior Manager - HIV Programs, EGPAF-Tanzania

“One of my favorite moments was the session that emphasized the importance of community-based interventions and patient-centered care. The discussions around integration of HIV services into primary care is one of my take-home messages to work on.”

Katie Coester, Associate Director, Public Policy and Advocacy

“For me, it was being able to spend time with colleagues from other countries who we rarely or never see in person. I left the conference feeling reenergized and excited by seeing how many people work in our field and are working together on the same goal.”

Laura Guay, Vice President, Research

“The promise of relatively simple twice-a-year prevention with Lenacapavir ! The study was a great example of including pregnant women in research.”

Lephosa Likobe, Director PUSH, EGPAF-Lesotho

“Since the Lesotho program is expanding our scope so much beyond HIV, a highlight for me was networking with people working in health system strengthening (HSS), integration of mental health at the community level, and noncommunicable disease integration.”

Mary Spencer, Technical Officer, CIPO

“In the first plenary, Anna Turkova presented on ‘Not Forgetting Children’ and she summarized our 'why' so well. I also enjoyed meeting colleagues in person for the first time that I’ve been working virtually with for years.”

Natella Rakhmanina, Senior Technical Advisor

“Seeing EGPAF shine on multiple platforms – from maternal health to pediatric ART to AHD to co-morbidities to mentorship models. We have to offer such a diverse and multidisciplinary approach to meet the healthcare needs globally.”

Roland Van de Ven, Technical Director, EGPAF-Tanzania

“Apart from the latest scientific updates, the general vibe is what impressed me most. The passion of the EGPAF team and other attendees shows me there is commitment and goodwill to end AIDS. These events rejuvenate the energy we need to make it happen.”

Sajida Julius Kimambo, Country Director, EGPAF-Tanzania

“EGPAF’s presence in advocacy, abstracts, panel discussions, social media, and more – our work and mission were well profiled.”

Shalom Dunga, Senior Technical Advisor, EGPAF-Malawi

“Presenting on the panel that was all men – I was the only female presenter at the session. And participating in the opening ceremony, I thought it was spectacular.”

Responses have been edited for length and clarity.