The AIDS 2012 International Conference began with the Opening Session on Sunday in Washington.
Actress Sharon Stone presented the inaugural Elizabeth Taylor Award to brothers Dr. Kamiar Alaei and Dr. Arash Alaei, who pioneered the treatment of HIV and AIDS in Iran, where their work once made them political prisoners. The award is sponsored by The Foundation for AIDS Research and the International AIDS Society.
Speakers will included: Annah Sango, an educator and advocate in Zimbabwe and a member of the International Community of Women Living with HIV and AIDS in Southern Africa; Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA); and Michel Sidibé, Executive Director of UNAIDS, the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS. Kathleen Sebelius, Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, gave the evening's keynote address.
The five-day conference will present new scientific knowledge and discuss the major issues facing the global response to HIV.