AIDS 2014 Connecting school Program Workshop for high school students 20-24 July

This year, Melbourne is hosting the 20th International AIDS Conference (AIDS 2014). AIDS 2014 is the world’s largest health conference, and it is the first time the event is being held in Australia. Designed to unite leading scientists, health care professionals, policy makers, community organisations and people living with HIV, an estimated 15,000 delegates are expected to attend. The theme of AIDS 2014 is 'Stepping up the Pace' and accordingly, the International AIDS conference will emphasise moving towards an HIV/AIDS-free generation. Importantly, there has been a strong focus placed on global youth, recognising that such a massive task cannot be achieved without youth empowerment and leadership.

To capitalize on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Melbourne and Victorian youth, a group of volunteers from Monash University, Burnet Institute, WEHI, GTAC and the youth organization YEAH (Youth Empowerment Against HIV/AIDS), have developed a workshop targeted to high school students in years 8-12. The one-day workshop will be held concurrently with the AIDS2014 conference, 20-24 July, and is designed to engage, educate and ultimately empower student representatives for them to become effective communicators and leaders. Students will be given the facts about HIV, such as transmission, treatments and hope for the future of HIV/AIDS research. Workshops will also tackle issues of stigma and discrimination, the politicisation of the epidemic, as well as both local and global challenges that lie ahead.

Few global challenges in the recent history of infectious diseases are comparable to that of HIV/AIDS. Inaction, misinformation and discrimination continue to be a major setback to the prevention, treatment and eradication of this epidemic. The workshop aims to motivate students to get involved and learn more, to recognise stigma, and to think about how they can make small but significant contributions both locally and globally.

Enquiries & registration:
Ms Nitasha Kumar ph: 0431 097 545
Email:  aids2014.schoolprogram@gmail.com
Registration link: http://www.redaware.org.au/aids-2014-school-workshop/