SRHIN at AIDS 2026: Advancing Inclusive HIV Research and Youth Leadership on the Global Stage - Slum and Rural Health Initiative - Non-Profit Organization
August 06, 2026 SRHIN at AIDS 2026: Advancing Inclusive HIV Research and Youth Leadership on the Global Stage Peace Oregbesan, SRHIN Every global conference is built on thousands of conversations, but the ones that leave a lasting impact are those rooted in lived experiences, evidence, and a commitment to creating change. This year, the Slum and
Every global conference is built on thousands of conversations, but the ones that leave a lasting impact are those rooted in lived experiences, evidence, and a commitment to creating change. This year, the Slum and Rural Health Initiative (SRHIN) was part of those conversations at AIDS 2026 – the 26th International AIDS Conference in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Held under the theme “Rethink. Rebuild. Rise. ”, the conference brought together thousands of scientists, policymakers, healthcare professionals, advocates, community leaders, and people living with HIV to explore innovative, equitable, and community-driven solutions to the global HIV response. Representing a growing generation of African researchers and advocates, our Director of Collaboration and Research, Ruth Oladele, contributed to the conference through research, storytelling, and youth engagement, demonstrating how locally driven solutions can influence global conversations. A key highlight of Ruth’s participation was the presentation of her poster, “INCLUDE Project: Promoting HIV Prevention Education and Self-Testing Uptake Among Youths with Disabilities in Nigeria. ” The research showcased the outcomes and lessons from the INCLUDE Project, funded through the 2025 IAS Youth Hub Seed Grant, which successfully expanded HIV prevention education and self-testing to more than 1,500 youths with disabilities across disability centres in Nigeria. The presentation reinforced an important message: meaningful HIV prevention cannot be achieved unless everyone, including historically underserved populations, is intentionally included in programmes, research, and policy. Beyond research, Ruth also curated “Live and Love,” an arts and storytelling exhibition featured at the Global Village. Bringing together ten powerful stories from young people living with and affected by HIV across different communities, the exhibition highlighted lived experiences around U=U (Undetectable = Untransmittable), encouraging treatment adherence while challenging persistent stigma and discrimination. Her contributions extended to facilitating one of the Youth Force World Cafés, where young leaders and advocates explored how HIV prevention strategies can become more accessible, trusted, and genuinely youth-led. These conversations reflected the conference’s broader focus on strengthening community leadership, promoting innovation, and ensuring that those most affected remain at the centre of the global HIV response. For SRHIN, Ruth’s participation reflects more than attendance at an international conference. It demonstrates our commitment to producing research that responds to real community needs, amplifying voices that are too often unheard, and ensuring that evidence generated in our communities contributes to shaping global health discussions. As the world continues working towards ending HIV as a public health threat, moments like these remind us that impactful change begins with inclusive research, authentic storytelling, and young leaders who are willing to turn local solutions into global conversations. We celebrate Ruth for this remarkable contribution and look forward to the continued impact of her work in advancing equitable, people-centred HIV responses across Nigeria and beyond.