The International AIDS Conference was the largest conference on any global health issue in the world first convened during the peak of the AIDS epidemic in 1985. I was privileged to participate at the just concluded 22^nd International AIDS Conference (AIDS 2018) with partial support from the International AIDS Society (IAS) and support from Ekiti State AIDS Control Agency (EKSACA) and Foundation for Sustainable Health Promotion and Development (FOSHPAD).

The conference was hosted at RAI Amsterdam, Netherlands on the 23^rd to 27^th of July, 2018 with pre conference before the official start date. This was my first conference in Europe with largest delegates in attendance, the conference gave opportunity for every delegates especially key populations such as People Living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA), Transgender, Gay, Queer, People Injecting Drugs (PIDs), People affected by HIV/AIDS, young people and others to acquire more knowledge and also discuss about problem they experience and how to achieve positive result to end discrimination and stigmatization in their local communities.

There were lots of programs, demonstrations, sessions, radio programs, indoor and outdoor programs, protests from diverse groups such activists, marginalized groups, social workers, sex workers, volunteers to address different global issues

The theme of AIDS 2018 was “Breaking Barriers, Building Bridges”. The conference brought together over 15,000 global experts such as social workers, scientists, researchers, policy makers, programme implementers and advocates working together at the unique intersection of science, advocacy and human rights to discuss and dialogue on how to strengthen policies and develop programs to put an end to HIV/AIDS

Participating at the International AIDS Conference in Amsterdam was great opportunity to meet and network with diverse participants working on the field of HIV/AIDS and STIs across the globe, acquire more knowledge which I pledge to step down to other young professionals in my community and Nigeria so they can also benefit from the international experience and also encourage them to participate in future health programs

During the conference there were showcase sessions and roundtable discussion where eminent experts discussed about scientific impact and future of HIV/AIDS. As a young Nigerian with over 4 years of experience on the field of HIV/AIDS working with a nonprofit organization name Foundation for Sustainable Health Promotion and Development (FOSHPAD). I represented Nigeria delegates to share my experience, policy and strategies developed by government of Nigeria to end HIV/AIDS and also showcase Ekiti State HIV and AIDS Strategic Plan for Action 2017-2021 done by Ekiti State Government through Ekiti State AIDS Control Agency (EKSACA), implementing partners and other local Nongovernmental Organization (NGOs).

In Nigeria according to UNAIDS, 3.2 Million People Living with HIV (PLWH) which rank Nigeria as the number 2 country with high rate of the epidemic in the Globe after South Africa, there’s National policies to fight the virus with support from US Government through US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), U.S. Presidents’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), The Global Funds and other global and local partners

During the conference, I participated at IAS regional meeting, different sessions, exhibitions, global village, pre-conference, posters presentations and other events. I attended sessions led by researchers on scientific studies, dialogue, panel discussions where they discuss about prevention, treatment, care and support. Learnt more about the importance of PrEP and PEP, best means to use and insert male and female condoms to prevent the spread of HIV, other sexual diseases and unwanted pregnancies; importance of CD4 count, antiretroviral treatment for People Living with HIV (PLWH). I learnt more about U=U (Undetectable=Untransmittable) which means if PLWH is under treatment and the virus is undetectable such positive client cannot transfer the virus to negative person while the positive client must not stop using the drugs.

The knowledge have acquired in this regard was step down to all professionals, community volunteers and interested people working on the field of HIV/AIDS in my community and also reach more population during the 2018 World AIDS Day.

I visited the city of Amsterdam and other places in Amsterdam there were modern and old buildings in the city of Amsterdam, city of bridges and bicycles, where bicycle is being ride by old and young people on bicycle lane, Dutch people were accommodating, they respect both white and blacks, it was great privileged to be in Amsterdam and also interact with them

To see an HIV free generation, I have pledge to make impact in my community, to strongly oppose discrimination and stigmatization against PLWH and also commit to Agenda 2030 not to leave anyone behind as the globe through UNAIDS campaign “Zero Discrimination” and also achieve the UNAIDS 90-90-90 target to meet the goal of ending AIDS epidemic by the year 2030.

APPRECIATION

My

appreciation goes to International AIDS Society (IAS), and other government or institutions supporting IAS. I was awarded partial scholarship through IAS Educational Funds to participate at the just concluded 22^nd International AIDS Conference held at RAI, Amsterdam, Netherlands.

The awarded scholarship covers

• Air travel
• Accommodation
• Living allowance

My presence and contributions was highly commendable while I will continue to work, volunteer and develop approaches to make HIV/AIDS a free generation in Nigeria and the entire globe

Again, thank you