Alejandro Balazs

Dr Jean-Pierre Routy welcomed delegates to the closing session followed by Jean-Yves Duclos, the Canadian minister of health. Mercy Shibemba delivered a message regarding the importance of equity. Current IAS president Adeeba Kamarulzaman introduced incoming IAS president Sharon Lewin who offered a message of optimism for ending the HIV pandemic.

Dr Jean-Pierre Routy highlighted the overarching closing session theme of re-engagement and following the science. Activists took the stage to demonstrate against the Canadian government, for its failure to deliver promised funding for HIV testing and treatment. The Canadian Health Minister, Jean-Yves Duclos, welcomed the activists and their message. He emphasized that Canada is re-engaging and will not allow one pandemic to overshadow another. Mercy Shibemba reminded us of the continued impact of colonialism. She emphasized that many could not attend IAS due to digital exclusion and physical borders. Additional activism took place regarding decriminalization of sex work and to demand basic human rights. Current IAS president Dr. Adeeba Kamarulzaman thanked scientists, healthcare professionals and community leaders who kept HIV programs going. She was inspired by global efforts in Botswana and Rwanda and by colleagues all over the world who work with passion and commitment towards a shared cause. Birgit Poniatowski took the stage to introduce Sharon Lewin as the next IAS president who delivered a message of hope for the future of HIV prevention and treatment to end the epidemic. The closing session ended with a plea for mutual respect from Mohawk elders, Sedalia Fazio and Mike Standup.

AIDS 2022 brought together scientists, healthcare professionals and community leaders who share a vision of ending the HIV pandemic through both additional scientific breakthroughs as well as implementation of existing interventions. Activists participated throughout the session, reminding participants of the very real people who are impacted by the HIV pandemic and the ongoing challenges they face. Remarks delivered during the closing session shared a theme of re-engagement after the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic as well as following the science to enable breakthroughs with the potential to have a meaningful and equitable global impact.