World AIDS Day 2015: CanCURE contributes to the fight against the pandemic
Each year, December 1st marks World AIDS Day. Canada contributes significantly to the international effort against HIV/AIDS through the CanCURE research consortium.
Last November 11, 12 and 13, members of CanCURE gathered at the Institut de recherches cliniques de Montréal (IRCM) for their second Annual Meeting. On this occasion, the Team's Scientific Investigators presented the progress of their research projects. Students, postdoctoral fellows and research assistants showcased the results of their work during poster sessions and prizes of distinction were awarded by Merck Canada to the best presenters. Members of the Scientific Advisory Board attended the meeting to give their insight on the Team's research orientations. In addition, members of the Community Advisory Board joined the event to interact with the scientists and share the views of people living with HIV.
Moreover, keynote speaker Dr. Romas Geleziunas offered a presentation on Cure strategies being developed by his scientific team at Gilead Sciences.
This year's Annual Meeting held last Nov 11, 12 & 13 at the IRCM reunited 90 participants involved in CanCURE's research program.
Awardees of the poster competition prizes, from left to right: Éric A. Cohen (CanCURE Team Leader), Nischal Ranganath (Ph.D. awardee), Taharima Habib (M.Sc. awardee), Amy Baxter (Postdoctoral Fellow awardee) and Jean-François Fortin (representing Merck Canada at the meeting)
CanCURE would like to take advantage of this World AIDS Day to remind the importance of supporting efforts towards prevention, screening, research and abolishment of prejudice. We would also like to share the statement issued by the Prime Minister of Canada on this World AIDS Day 2015.
Ottawa, Ontario - 1 December 2015
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on World AIDS Day:
“World AIDS Day is an opportunity for us to unite with the global community to raise awareness about HIV and AIDS, to stand in solidarity with those living with the virus, and to remember those who have died.
“Almost three decades after the first World AIDS Day was held, we are now at a point where we can envision a future free of this terrible disease.
“We thank the Canadian researchers and doctors who have played such an important role in the medical advancements that have revolutionized the prevention and treatment of HIV, making it possible for many diagnosed with the infection to live full lives.
“We must also honour the dedicated members of our communities who work to prevent HIV/AIDS, reduce stigma and discrimination in its many forms, and help people get the care, treatment, and support they need.
“While unprecedented efforts have yielded impressive results, work continues toward preventing new infections, providing access to treatment for all who suffer around the world, and discovering a cure.
“Today, we reflect on the history of our global efforts against HIV and AIDS, and look forward to a time when future generations will never have to experience the loss, hurt, and isolation of this preventable and treatable condition.”