From 26 to 31 July 2026, the 26th International AIDS Conference will take place in Rio de Janeiro – the world’s most important gathering on HIV, AIDS, medicine, prevention and the community. With over 10,000 participants expected, it is the largest conference of its kind and offers a unique interdisciplinary platform for the exchange of knowledge and experience. Aids-Hilfe Schweiz will be represented on site by a delegation and will take part in the international exchange.

The theme of this year’s conference is ‘Rethink. Rebuild. Rise.’. It highlights the need to rethink global HIV prevention and care, to strengthen existing structures and to develop new strategies together. At the heart of this is a consistent focus on people’s needs, particularly those most affected by HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. Effective health promotion requires accessible services throughout the entire care pathway: from information on vaccination, through protection options and testing recommendations, to treatment. Strengthening services tailored to specific target groups and health centres remains central to this, both globally and here in Switzerland.

As part of the conference, Aids-Hilfe Schweiz is presenting a study on HIV self-tests in Switzerland (Embargo period: Monday, 27 July 2026, 7.00 pm CEST). The results show that tests which can be ordered free of charge and anonymously can reach new target groups and break down barriers to access – particularly among men who have sex with men but do not identify as gay. HIV self-tests thus represent an additional strategy for encouraging people who have not previously been reached to get tested for the first time. The study is based on a national pilot project involving around 1,344 analysed orders and accompanying surveys.