Could the 2010 International AIDS Conference Take Place in DC?

This morning I attended a Debrief of the International AIDS Conference sponsored by the Kaiser Family Foundation and the Center for Strategic and International Studie. Many of the speakers commented on the focus on prevention at the conference, the role of 'celebrity' advocates like Bill & Melinda Gates, Bill Clinton, and Richard Gere.

Speakers were also expressed their desire to see the Conference (which is held in locations around the world) return to the United States. Unfortunately, our immigration and travel policies make it difficult for HIV positive individuals to enter the United States. The Immigration & Nationality Act makes applicants for a visa or for admission the United States inadmissible if they have a "communicable disease of public health significance" and HIV is currently included in that category.

There are some exceptions to the rule. Most notably HIV Positive Individuals attending a United Nations HIV/AIDS Meeting were granted a waiver. Still, as long as the policy stands, the International AIDS Conference will not be returning to the United States.

Marsha Martin, Director of the DC The Administration for HIV Policy and Programs, and a number of other folks in the room, expressed interest in working to overturn this policy. Dr. Martin went one step further, suggesting that Washington DC would be a good location to host the 2010 International AIDS Conference.

It's a bold suggestion, but one that is entrely possible. If there is a strong push for Congress to overturn this policy, it could be overturned before 2008. And DC is as well-equipped as any city to host a conference of this magnitude. Will it happen? We will see, but it would be a big boost to the city and to our efforts to fight HIV in the District.