HIV: Rethink, Rebuild and Rise Up - With the IAS’ Birgit Poniatowski

Mar 26, 2026

44:37

Episode Description

Ben talks with Birgit Poniatowski, the Executive Director of the International AIDS Society (IAS), about the role of professional associations in the HIV movement and IAS’s convening power. Poniatowski describes IAS’s origins in 1988, its 13,000-member multidisciplinary base including people living with HIV, and its three main conferences: the IAS Conference on HIV Science (odd years), the International AIDS Conference (even years), and HIV Research for Prevention. They discuss why the International AIDS Conference remains vital amid abrupt funding cuts and shifting donor priorities, the limits and value of hybrid/virtual formats, and plans for AIDS 2026 in Rio with the theme “Rethink, Rebuild, Rise,” emphasizing rebuilding systems for long-term realities, financing and equity, and a broad prevention toolbox. Poniatowski also outlines IAS governance changes to embed community decision-making, priorities “2026 onwards,” youth leadership programs, her career path, and how to engage via the IAS website and volunteering.

For more information visit

iasociety.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.iasociety.org/

Stephanie Nolan’s article on the state of negotiations between the US and Zambia.

nytimes.com/2026/03/16/health/zambia-hiv-aid-minerals-trump.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.nytimes.com/2026/03/16/health/zambia-hiv-aid-minerals-trump.html

00:00 Welcome and Setup

01:08 What Is the IAS

03:01 IAS Conferences Overview

05:25 Why the Big Conference Matters

08:01 Are Conferences Worth It

10:20 Hybrid and Virtual Access

13:47 AIDS 2026 Theme

15:07 Donor Politics and MOUs