Munich, Germany – The AIDS 2024 conference will feature a pivotal session titled “From Ruin to Resilience: Harnessing Community Strength in the Face of Natural Disasters,” highlighting the critical intersection of climate change and public health. This scientific symposium, accredited for Continuing Medical Education (CME), will take place on July 25, 2024, from 15:00 to 16:00 local time in Room 13a for in-person participation and on Channel 6 for virtual attendees.
Spotlight on Ali Raza Khan
One of the key speakers for this session is Ali Raza Khan, an HIV-positive gay activist from Multan, Pakistan. Khan is the founder of PridePakistan.org and co-lead of TheYouthPACT.org. His work focuses on advocating for the rights and health of marginalized communities, particularly those affected by HIV and climate change.
Session Overview
Moderated by Mary Ann Torres from ICASO, the session will delve into the dire impacts of emergencies caused by pandemics, war, the climate crisis, and other catastrophic events on vulnerable and marginalized communities. The discussion will cover a range of critical issues, including:
- Continuity of Care: Ensuring ongoing care for children and young people born with HIV.
- Access Disruptions: Addressing interruptions in HIV prevention, testing, and treatment services.
- Challenges for Migrants and Refugees: Highlighting the specific difficulties faced by these groups.
- Increased Vulnerability to Co-Infections: Focusing on diseases such as diarrhoea, lung infections, and TB.
- Impact of Food and Water Shortages: Examining how these shortages increase vulnerability to illness.
- Inequalities in Social Protection: Discussing disparities in access to social safety nets.
- Risk of Violence and Exploitation: Addressing the heightened risk of violence and exploitation in crisis situations.
- Gender Inequality and Gender-Based Violence: Exploring the exacerbation of these issues during emergencies.
- Forced HIV Testing of Migrants: Highlighting the ethical and health implications.
- Funding Challenges: Discussing the impact of dwindling resources in the face of multiple crises.
- Link to program details on International Aids Society: https://programme.aids2024.org/Programme/Session/15
Ali Raza Khan’s Contribution
Ali Raza Khan will share insights from his extensive work in Pakistan, where he has witnessed firsthand the devastating effects of climate change on communities living with HIV. His presentation will focus on the resilience and strength of these communities in the face of natural disasters. Khan will highlight the innovative strategies employed by community organizations to mitigate the impacts of climate change, such as plantation projects and collaborations with stakeholders to ensure inclusive efforts for those living with HIV.
Other Speakers
The session will also feature contributions from:
- Juddy Otti from the Africa Advocacy Foundation, United Kingdom
- Sophia Charles from Caris Foundation International, United States
These speakers will provide a global perspective on the challenges and solutions related to the health of vulnerable communities during emergencies.
Ali Raza Khan’s participation in this session underscores the importance of community-led initiatives and the need for global solidarity in addressing the multifaceted challenges posed by natural disasters and other crises. His work with Pride Pakistan and The Youth PACT exemplifies the power of resilience and the critical role of advocacy in safeguarding the health and rights of marginalized populations.
Link to program details on International Aids Society: https://programme.aids2024.org/Programme/Session/15
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