Plenary Session III – James O’Connor: HIV and AIDS – A Positive Perspective

Plenary Presentation:  James O’Connnor

HIV and AIDS – A Positive Perspective

For a podcast of James’s Presentation, please click here!

About James O’Connor:

Following the medical and social impact of an AIDS diagnosis in 1991, James O’Connor is acutely aware of the human cost of living with HIV and AIDS.  In 1997, he became one of the founding HIV Positive members of Open Heart House.  Through his role with the organisation he has successfully facilitated the development of a national Support Network of over 1,000 people living with HIV and AIDS (PLHIV) in Ireland.  At a global level, he has represented the Irish Community of PLHIV on three occasions as a member of Government delegations.  While at the United Nations General Assembly Special Sittings (UNGASS) on HIV and AIDS in 2006 and 2008 he successfully advocated that Ireland place special emphasis on combating HIV-Related stigma and discrimination.  In February 2008, O’Connor joined representatives of other International Networks of PLHIV in order to strategise and plan together with a range of Government and Civil Society global donors to HIV and AIDS. This meeting was a great success, with all donors renewing their commitment to the positive impact of International Networks of PLHIV.

Download

• James O’Connor Podcast (28.17 MB)