By Rita Narayan

Squeals of excitement rose above the chatter in the foyer and exhibition centre at BEXCO (Busan Exhibition and Convention Center) every time Pacific Islanders spotted each other among the 2000 or so delegates attending the 10^th International Conference on AIDS in Asia and the Pacific (ICAAP 10) in South Korea. With their warm friendly smiles and dressed in colourful sulu and jaba, meri blouse, bula shirts, sulu vakataga and puletasi, about 60 Pacific Islanders from Papua New Guinea, Fiji, Tonga, Samoa and the Federated States of Micronesia quickly made their presence known at the conference venue in the port city of Busan.

The delegation was one of the largest Pacific delegations to attend an international meeting on AIDS. Compared to other delegations from South-East Asian countries such as Cambodia, Thailand and India, the Pacific delegation was small but its voice was strengthened by the presence of Fiji’s President, Ratu Epeli Nailatikau; Papua New Guinea’s former Minister for Community Development, Dame Carol Kidu; and UNICEF Pacific’s Regional Ambassador, Mere Nailatikau. There was also a strong show of Pacific solidarity as Pacific Islanders turned up in numbers to support their colleagues during their sessions and participate in discussions.

The theme for the conference was ‘Diverse Voices, United Action.’  It reflected the Pacific delegation, with its diverse representations from youths and other stakeholder groups involved in the HIV/ AIDS response in their countries.

With over 250 posters on display, satellite meetings, skill-building workshops, plenary sessions and symposia dealing with the social, economic, cultural, religious and scientific aspects of HIV and AIDS, there was certainly a lot of information to digest.  Under one roof, delegates were offered the latest knowledge, information, skills and technology. They were inundated with pamphlets, pens, condoms of all flavours and sizes, key tags, Red Ribbon pins and other mementos carrying various messages on HIV/AIDS.    

ICAAP 10 gave delegates the opportunity to reflect on the achievements, challenges and emerging issues related to the HIV/AIDS response, thirty years after the world’s first AIDS case was reported. Social stigmatisation, and universal testing remain barriers for people living with HIV/AIDS. Another challenge is ensuring that marginalised people are provided equal care.

Held over a week in August, 2011, the conference also gave delegates the opportunity to enjoy some of Busan’s tourist attractions. It is a city that is famous for its beaches and seafood delicacies.

As the dust settles at BEXCO and the delegates get back to work in their home countries, ICAAP 10 will be remembered as the place where alliances were forged and partnerships created to help address effective HIV prevention in Asia and the Pacific. The onus is now on the delegates to share their ICAAP exposure with those at home.