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Returning from AIDS2014, the NZAF team bring back new insights along with sharing our successful prevention programme – LYC. 

“Many people at the conference were interested in our prevention work through LYC. We also had a chance to listen and learn, and I think there will be something we want to include in our approach in New Zealand,” says Shaun Robinson, Executive Director, NZAF. “For example, we need to push harder for a greater reach on testing throughout the health system as well as increased access to treatment.”

The New Zealand AIDS Foundation had committed to a large programme at the upcoming conference in Melbourne, Australia. The team has several opportunities to present and share why our HIV prevention programme works. This was the first time the world AIDS conference has been so close to New Zealand.

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We have done many things right in this county in controlling HIV and AIDS and it is important for us to show the world what works. Of course there are always refinements that we can make to our work and the NZAF team was keen to hear what is being done around the world to see if it is relevant for our country,” says Mr. Robinson. 

The Foundation has partnered with Gay Men’s Sexual Health Research Group at the University of Auckland and the team from SHORE at Massey University to present a satellite session ‘Primary prevention of HIV among Gay Men – Why do we need it?’ Additionally, a big effort went in to NZAF’s presentation at the MSM Global Forum Pre-Conference where we will share our HIV prevention story. 

Two short documentary films produced by the NZAF focussing on the experiences of Pacific and Maori people and how sexuality and gender diversity is lived out non-European cultures will be screened. These highlighted some of the specific challenges inherent in working with non-European cultures in the context of HIV prevention. Attendees had an opportunity to ask questions of NZAF’S Pacific Community Coordinator and Programme Manager Community Engagement.

The International AIDS Conference is the largest global conference that brings people from all over the world to discuss AIDS and strategies with a scientific, medical, cultural, political and activist approach. This is the first time the biannual conference has been held in Australia, which is part of the Asia-Pacific region.

Article | gayexpress

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