The Life Group LA is hosting the FREE zoom seminar, “A Brief Overview of AIDS2026

The Life Group LA is hosting the free zoom seminar, “A Brief Overview of AIDS2026 – The international AIDS Conference in RIO”, next Friday, August 28, 2026, from 12:00-1:00pm, with guest speaker, Michael Bultron. This event is free but requires registration prior to the seminar.

The seminar will cover Overview of AIDS2026, from the International AIDS Conference in Rio de Janeiro. The International AIDS Conference is both the largest conference centered on HIV/AIDS and the largest conference that is focused on any one disease. The biannual event alternates between the global north and global south and was held for the first time in Brazil.

The speaker, Michael Buitron, has attended and presented at three past conferences and most recently attended AIDS2026. Unlike many conference updates, which present updates only on laboratory and clinical science, Buitron will cover all tracks, including epidemiology, prevention, economics, ethics, and human rights. His talk will cover major scientific advancements, including two patients cured of HIV, new longer-acting therapies, including weekly, monthly, and twice-yearly dosing, alternative modalities for PrEP, and vaccine and cure research.

Buitron presentation uses the Conference’s theme, Rethink. Rebuild. Rise., to frame these advancements, and will also include information on setbacks around vaccine research and funding, and its implications on future progress.

Part of the goals of his presentation is to share the vibe of the event: the conversations in the hallways, the commercial exhibitions, community-led programs, and the protests. He hopes to inspire others to attend future conferences.

Conference updates on the drug pipeline, cure research, the impact of funding cuts

The 2026 conference was dramatically different, as researchers and government officials were virtually absent. Because of this, we expect there will be less sharing of the advancements and setbacks so that is why we are providing this presentation.

Once you register for the event via email info@thelifegroupla.org include your name, phone number and zip code. Please send the email by August 27th A z the Zoom link once you are signed up. Download and install the ZOOM application before you try and log in.

About the Speaker:
Michael Buitron has worked in HIV research and in clinical setting for over three decades. He has presented at international AIDS conferences in Genevea, Duban, and Barcelona and worked for the California State Office of AIDS to help local health departments across the state create more effective HIV prevention programs. He has worked as case manager, PrEP and PEP navigator, implemented an opt-out emergency department HIV testing program and mostly recently he coordinated a program at APLA Health and Wellenses for HIV+ gay men over fifty. He also facilitated a peer support group for persons newly diagnosed with HIV for thirteen years.

About the Life Group LA:
The Life Group LA is a powerful coalition of people focused on the spiritual, emotional and physical well-being of people living with HIV and those who support them through education, empowerment and emotional support. Our work is to assist people so that they may make informed choices and decisions regarding their healthcare and personal well-being.
Founded in 2005 Life Group LA provides free of charge, much needed information and emotional support through medical forums, emotional support groups and the POZ Life Weekend Seminar. All services are offered in a non-judgmental and safe environment with compassion and understanding.

Safety, respect and confidentiality are the cornerstones of our philosophy. We accomplish this by providing trained support group facilitators for our emotional support groups and our POZ Life Weekend Seminar. These facilitators have been trained in the art of active listening and conduct themselves with empathy and compassion.

In a time when the HIV epidemic has surpassed its 35th year and new HIV infections continue to occur on a daily basis, now more than ever we must continue the struggle against HIV/AIDS.