The International AIDS Society (IAS) has announced the opening of registration for the 26th International AIDS Conference, AIDS 2026, taking place from 26–31 July 2026 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and virtually. The conference will bring together scientists, policymakers, advocates and communities to drive innovative, community-centered solutions amid a global HIV funding crisis.
Conference organizers underscore that the suspension of US foreign assistance in 2025, including PEPFAR, has triggered a major funding crisis that threatens to scale back HIV programmes worldwide. They emphasize that AIDS 2026 aims to serve as a platform for the global HIV community to rethink current models, rebuild sustainable financing systems and prevent the erosion of hard-won progress.
Despite major scientific advancements, the trajectory of the epidemic remains deeply concerning: in 2023 and 2024, 1.3 million people acquired HIV, 630,000 died of AIDS-related causes, and 9.2 million people living with HIV were still not receiving life-saving treatment. Persistent barriers — including stigma, criminalization and structural inequalities — continue to limit access to essential services.
The conference theme ”Rethink. Rebuild. Rise.” highlights the pivotal moment facing the global HIV response. Organizers stress the need to rethink outdated models, rebuild systems that put people first, and rise together through inclusive policies, innovation and sustained collaboration. As we approach World AIDS Day 2025, this call becomes even more urgent: progress in the years ahead will depend on collective action and the engagement of all stakeholders. IAS invites people around the world to join the movement by sharing their stories, perspectives or messages using the hashtag #RethinkRebuildRise — amplifying the conversation about what a truly transformative and equitable HIV response should look like.
Register now for AIDS 2026 at: aids2026.org