The AIDS Impact Conference serves as a powerful reminder that scientific progress alone isn’t enough
A team from Chiva were fortunate to attend the 16th AIDS Impact Conference in Casablanca in May 2025 to share the findings from Positively Spoken – our pioneering oral history project developed in partnership with National Life Stories at the British Library.
Attending this conference was a vivid reminder of the important work being undertaken around the world exploring the psychosocial aspects of HIV. This resonated deeply with Chiva’s mission.
Our Positively Spoken symposium highlighted the long-overlooked voices of young people born with HIV in historical records. Young people’s voices have often been absent from the HIV narrative due to the complexities of privacy in family experiences of HIV and lack of opportunities for young people to own their own stories.
Through a trauma-informed, participatory approach, Chiva co-produced a rich collection of life stories that have been archived at the British Library and creatively shared through podcasts, original music compositions, and we were delighted to share recording excerpts and creative outputs at the conference.
Positively Spoken is a reminder that history is not just what we record but who we choose to listen to.
Interrogating who holds knowledge and who has the power to be heard?
One of the standout conference presentations for us came from those challenging traditional research norms. As we heard, meaningful community engagement in research must be more than a token gesture. It’s about recognising lived experience as expertise and creating space for community members not just to be participants, but authors, analysts, and architects of research.
It was powerful to hear calls for epistemic justice. This shift in thinking has the potential to radically improve both the quality and relevance of HIV research, particularly in underrepresented groups.
We must not neglect supporting the providers of care
Healthcare providers (HCPs) are under immense pressure. Shawn Malone’s presentation on person-centred care in South Africa reminded us when care models are rooted in audit and enforcement rather than empathy and empowerment, they can easily fail. We heard that person-centred care begins with supporting caregivers themselves, through supervision, stress and mental health support, and recognising their contributions.
Communication, empathy, stress management, and teamwork emerged as essential training priorities. The challenge is finding feasible ways to embed this support into daily practice. A universal lesson emerged that wherever person-centred care works, it’s because support is integrated and HCPs are recognised.
Digital health is the future but innovation must be equitable
New technologies hold great promise but also risk widening the existing gaps. Tools that combine in-person care with digital engagement (such as homework tasks for young people between clinic visits) are exciting, but we must proceed carefully. Health equity must be built into the DNA of digital solutions.
From surviving to thriving: Lessons from Zvandiri
Perhaps one of the most inspiring sessions came from Sarah Bernays and the Zvandiri programme in Zimbabwe. Their CAT model (peer-delivered support to adolescents living with HIV), shows the profound impact of psychosocial support alongside medical care.
This model goes beyond managing a health condition. The data shared at the conference illustrates how this support builds connection, hope, and self-acceptance among adolescents, leading to flourishing. It’s not just about being well, but feeling buoyant, purposeful, and part of something greater. Zvandiri’s success lies in relational support, reflective empathy, and reciprocity – values that connect strongly with Chiva. We came away inspired and committed to an ongoing conversation with Zvandiri exploring opportunities for collaboration and ongoing sharing and learning.
The Casablanca conference was a powerful reminder that scientific progress alone isn’t enough. People thrive in environments where they are seen, supported, and valued, and staying connected as a global community with such missions at their core has never been more important.
