Aids Conference: Inclusion of vulnerable communities tops agenda

Panelists, including the president of the International AIDS Society

https://www.jacarandafm.com/news-sport/news/all-hands-deck-21st-international-aids-conference/

, have been deliberating on the topic of vulnerable communities including homosexual men, transgender people, sex workers, drug users and prisoners. 

President of the International AIDS Society Chris Beyrer says these vulnerable populations share not only high burdens of HIV but also low access to essential services that would help them protect themselves and get treatment. 

Abhina Aher, who's a transgender woman, says it's time for minority groups to be included in the conversation. 

"We do not have enough capacities within the trans networks and organisations to implement the program. We don't need any more lip service. What we need is your action and your engagement. When you do that - make sure that you are sitting on the right table," he said.  

Justice Edwin Cameron of the Constitutional Court of South Africa has echoed Aher's sentiments calling for the recognition of vulnerable communities. Cameron was diagnosed with HIV nearly 30 years ago.

"We've had to struggle for that representation, ownership, and recognition. Ladies and gentlemen - we live on a continent in which levels of homophobia are appalling. We have to protect the rights of the key populations - transgender people and sex workers," he said.