XVI International AIDS Conference

MaRS hosted several events related to the conference held in Toronto in August.


DIGNITAS: HARNESSING THE POWER OF COMMUNITIES IN THE FIGHT AGAINST AIDS

Leaders from business, media and academia, along with delegates from the XVI International AIDS Conference, were drawn together by Dignitas International and the Canadian Club of Toronto at the MaRS Centre in August. The evening featured an address by Dr. James Orbinski, President of Dignitas International, and a performance from Grammy-award winner Sarah MacLachlan. Attendees also enjoyed a screening of the short film The Bicycle, documenting the efforts of one community in Malawi to meet the needs of those affected by HIV/AIDS. Highlighting the effectiveness of the grassroots projects developed and administered by Dignitas International, the Bank of Montreal announced a $1 million donation to the non-profit organization.


HIV/AIDS AND CHILDREN SYMPOSIUM

The MaRS Collaboration Centre hosted several hundred delegates over two days for The Teresa Group’s symposium on the effects of HIV/AIDS on children. Stephen Lewis, United Nations Special Envoy for HIV/AIDS in Africa, delivered an opening address that outlined the disparity that exists between HIV/AIDS-affected communities in developing and developed countries and the devastating implications that befall children. The seminars and roundtable discussions allowed delegates from various regions to share their experiences and discuss how the issues surrounding HIV/AIDS and children are being dealt with in their respective communities.


MICROBICIDES NETWORKING RECEPTION

MaRS and the Canadian AIDS Society co-hosted a reception for conference delegates interested in or involved in microbicides research or activism. The goal of this diverse group’s combined efforts is ultimately to develop a new substance that will be an inexpensive, effective, and female-controlled means of preventing the transmission of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). This worldwide effort involves applying scientific research and innovation to a major global health problem, highlighting the need to accelerate the process of bringing a vital product to market. At the reception, this international, coordinated effort was celebrated and furthered by the convergence of the researchers and diverse groups working toward their common goal.


THE IMPACT OF HIV/AIDS ON EMERGING ECONOMIES

Hosted by Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada and MaRS, a fascinating discussion covered the role of business in the HIV/AIDS pandemic from a number of different angles. The panelists included Francesca Boldrini, Director of the World Economic Forum’s Global Health Initiative, Don Drummond, Chief Economist at TD Bank, Dr. Prabhat Jha, Director of the Centre for Global Health Research at St. Michael’s Hospital and University of Toronto, Tim Evans, Assistant Director General World Health Organization, Kabelo Ebineng, Chairman of the Botswana Business Coalition on AIDS and moderated by the Honourable John P. Manley, Vice-Chair of the MaRS Board of Directors. They focused on how businesses can respond to AIDS both in their communities, particularly if they work in regions where the disease is prevalent, and globally. One recurring theme was the lack of information and the huge potential negative impact of HIV/AIDS on the world economy.

In addition to these events held at the MaRS Centre, the MaRS Portal offered in-depth coverage of the Conference. MaRS also coordinated the media efforts of the Discovery District as they related to Toronto’s role in HIV/AIDS research, highlighting the historical significance of research here.

See the coverage on the MaRS Portal: www.marsdd.com/aidsconference2006


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