VIENNA, AUSTRIA -- (Marketwire) -- 07/20/10 -- Editors Note: A photo for this release will be available on the Canadian Press picture wire via Marketwire.
The Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Canada's Minister of Health, and head of the Canadian delegation at the XVIII International AIDS Conference (AIDS 2010) in Vienna, Austria will return to Canada today following a series of successful meetings at the world's largest public health conference. While in Vienna, the Minister also announced the new Canadian HIV Vaccine Initiative Research and Development Alliance, the cornerstone of the renewed Canadian HIV Vaccine Initiative, which is a Government of Canada and Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation collaboration.
"The Canadian HIV Vaccine Initiative highlights our country's world-class HIV and vaccine research expertise," said Minister Aglukkaq. "It complements our efforts to address the spread of HIV and AIDS in Canada and around the world by advancing the science that will lead us towards the ultimate goal of an HIV vaccine."
While attending the AIDS 2010 conference, Minister Aglukkaq had the opportunity to meet with Canadian HIV/AIDS community organizations as well as counterparts from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the Global HIV Vaccine Enterprise, and fellow Minister of Health, Alois Stoeger, of Austria.
"It was wonderful to meet with so many dedicated individuals at AIDS 2010 who are united to address HIV and AIDS around the world," said Minister Aglukkaq. "From the beginning of the HIV epidemic, Canadians have played a major role in research, discovery, prevention and support, and these contributions are recognized globally."
Minister Aglukkaq addressed all Canadian delegates at a Canada reception held Monday night, where she extended thanks to Canadian community organizations for their dedication to the cause. On behalf of the Government of Canada, Minister Aglukkaq also extended her thanks and congratulations to the local organizing committee of AIDS 2010, and wished all delegates continued success in their meetings.
The XVIII International AIDS Conference continues in Vienna until July 23, 2010. Canada's Chief Public Health, Dr. David Butler Jones will assume the role of the head of the Canadian delegation, and will take this opportunity to meet with a number of international and domestic leaders in the HIV/AIDS community.
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Contacts:
Office of Leona Aglukkaq
Minister of Health Canada - Santé Canada
Jenny VanAlstyne
613-957-0200
Public Health Agency of Canada
Media Relations
613-941-8189