The 13th edition of AFRAVIH 2026 will take place from 4 to 7 May 2026 in Lausanne, Switzerland, bringing together researchers, policymakers, health practitioners, and community leaders from across the francophone world to discuss progress and challenges in HIV, hepatitis, sexual health, and emerging infections.
For Unitaid, the conference provides an important opportunity to engage with partners, researchers, and communities working to expand access to health innovations. In 2026, Unitaid marks 20 years of work to improve access to life saving tools for HIV, tuberculosis, malaria, and other global health challenges. Through strategic investments and partnerships, Unitaid has helped introduce and scale innovations such as early HIV diagnostics, paediatric antiretrovirals, and new prevention tools in low and middle income countries.
During the conference, Unitaid will host a dedicated symposium highlighting lessons from two decades of work to expand access to HIV innovations. The session will focus on how innovation, market shaping, and community engagement can reduce HIV related deaths and new infections, with particular attention to countries in francophone Africa where access barriers remain. The symposium will also explore how partnerships with communities and national programmes can accelerate the adoption of new tools and strengthen the HIV response in the years ahead.
Unitaid will host a shared booth with community and civil society partners, building on the collaborative model used at major global health conferences. The space will serve as a hub for dialogue, knowledge exchange and joint activities with organizations working to expand equitable access to HIV prevention, testing and treatment.
This 90-minute symposium organized by Unitaid will highlight how innovation, community engagement, and strategic partnerships have driven progress in HIV prevention, diagnosis, and treatment over the past two decades. Speakers will explore how Unitaid’s work has helped transform access to essential health tools and discuss the next generation of solutions, including long-acting technologies, integrated sexual health services and innovations addressing emerging infectious diseases.
The event will also spotlight the critical role of communities in shaping policies, strengthening prevention, and accelerating adoption of new health technologies. Through case studies and experiences from partners in francophone Africa, the session will explore how community leadership has contributed to improved access to care and better health outcomes.