At the opening of AIDS 2024, Andriy Klepikov’s speech received a standing ovation

In Munich, Germany, the 25th International AIDS Conference (AIDS 2024) began—the largest global conference dedicated to the fight against HIV/AIDS. Over 10,000 people living with HIV, activists, scientists, and government representatives gathered to exchange experiences, develop new strategies, and celebrate achievements in combating HIV. The conference is taking place from July 22 to 26, 2024.

The opening of AIDS 2024 featured speeches by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Andriy Klepikov, Executive Director of the Alliance for Public Health, IAS President Sharon Lewin, Christoph Spinner, Executive Director of the Department of Medicine and Strategy and Chief Medical Officer at the Right Bank Isar University Hospital, Winnie Byanyima, Executive Director of UNAIDS, and Jay Mulucha, Executive Director of the Fem Alliance. The official ceremony was hosted by singer Vira Brezhneva and actress and presenter Annabelle Mandeng.

Germany reaffirmed its unwavering support for the Global Fund.

In his speech, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz reaffirmed the German government’s commitment to the global fight against AIDS, emphasizing support for the Global Fund, and urged other world nations to do the same.

“Germany, as one of the largest donors to the Global Fund, is allocating 1.3 billion euros to fight HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria,” Scholz said.

“And we will continue to support it,” he added. Why is this so important? Because the programs funded by the Global Fund have saved the lives of fifty-nine million people. Fifty-nine million! That number speaks for itself.

“I would like to call on other donors for greater support,” the Chancellor added.

AIDS 2024 is particularly focused on Eastern Europe and Central Asia—a region with one of the fastest-growing HIV epidemics in the world.

Beginning his speech, Andriy Klepikov noted that he wished air raid sirens could sound in the hall—a sound that has become an everyday reality for Ukrainians. These sirens have become a symbol of the resilience of the Ukrainian people and a reminder of the need for global solidarity in the fight against HIV.

“While in most regions of the world the HIV epidemic has been stabilized, in Eastern Europe and Central Asia it continues to spread rapidly,” emphasized Andriy Klepikov, regional co-chair of AIDS 2024 and Executive Director of the Alliance for Public Health.

“Only half of the people living in our region have access to antiretroviral therapy, which is far below the global target of 95%. The main reasons for the spread of HIV in the region are drug use, stigma, harmful policies, and unfortunately, the war.”

He reminded that in Ukraine, medical workers, social workers, and volunteers risk their lives daily to provide assistance to hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians amidst the constant risks of rocket attacks, air raid sirens, and power outages.

During Klepikov’s speech, conference participants expressed solidarity with Ukraine by lighting lanterns, playing the sounds of sirens, and raising Ukrainian flags. Andriy Klepikov concluded his speech with the phrase “Glory to Ukraine!” to which the delegates responded “Glory to the heroes!” and greeted Andriy Klepikov’s speech with prolonged standing ovations.