The International AIDS Conference, “Turning the Tides Together,” will take place July 22-27 in Washington, DC. The Conference brings activists, researchers, and policy makers from all over the world together to evaluate progress in eradicating HIV/AIDS and determine what obstacles remain. It also marks a major milestone for U.S. activists, because this year’s will be the first International AIDS Conference held in the United States in 22 years. A ban on most HIV-positive individuals entering the United States in 1987 was enacted in 1987 and was lifted in 2010. Attendees hope to accomplish improved collaboration in research, deeper understanding of the epidemic’s effect on communities, and more effective government and community responses to the epidemic.

As for the significance of the conference taking place in the District, The Washington Post says, “Holding the conference here has particular resonance, activists say, because HIV/AIDS is at epidemic levels in the District. About 2.7 percent of city residents older than 12 were living with HIV or AIDS in 2010, according to the latest annual report, released last month.”  Lobbyist Kareem Murphy is quoted in that same article saying, “The city feels like it’s asleep to the reality of the existence and prevalence of HIV/AIDS.”

The AIDS Quilt, a community art project started in 1987 to memorialize loved ones who died of AIDS and now consisting of 1.3 million square feet of quilt, will be on display throughout the city July 21-25 in tandem with the conference.

To learn more about the conference, visit http://www.aids2012.org or follow @AIDS2012 on Twitter.

To learn more about the AIDS Quilt, visit http://quilt2012.org or follow @AIDSquilt on Twitter.