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Vienna Symposium 2010 Photos

The Children and HIV: Family Support First - Working Together to Achieve Universal Support and Access to Treatment symposium was held in Vienna, Austria on July 16th and 17th, 2010, prior to the XVIII International AIDS Conference. This two-day symposium jointly hosted by The Teresa Group, the Coalition on Children Affected by AIDS (CCABA), and World Vision Austria, brought together service providers, donors, researchers, advocates and policy leaders working within affected communities on national, regional, and global platforms. Delegates from nearly 70 different countries came together to share and learn about the latest evidence and models on family-centred care and services for children affected by HIV and AIDS. The underlying theme for this symposium was based on the findings of the Joint Learning Initiative on Children and AIDS, which demonstrated how central and under-supported families are in their care of children affected by HIV and AIDS.

The symposium was a huge success! Attendees came hoping to gain knowledge, obtain and discuss relevant information and practices related to their jobs, share experiences and information, and network with other professionals from around the world. They have expressed that their expectations were met! Delegates also reported that they are sharing the knowledge, information, and skills acquired at the symposium with colleagues in their home country and implementing these skills in their work.

Here’s what people are saying about the conference:

• “I am sure it will go a long way in helping us deal with the needs of the children affected in our country. The symposium opened our minds and helped us think together of their needs. We hope we can continue such collaboration.”
• “I am determined more than ever before to strengthen our PMTCT (Preventing Mother to Child Transmission) program and other related services with inspiration from Vienna 2010.”
• “I came expecting to interact with others who are working in similar fields like ours and who probably have better experiences than we do and from whom we can learn. I was not disappointed. I met with some of the most brilliant minds and passionate hearts one could think of.”
• “As a result of this symposium, we have re-designed our approach and we are in the process of re-defining our strategies and updating our website and research options accordingly.“