The AIDS 2026 Prevention Ambassador Fellowship is a global opportunity for digital creators, advocates, and communicators who are actively involved in HIV prevention. Designed by the International AIDS Society (IAS), the fellowship supports individuals who use digital platforms and community networks to expand access to accurate, rights-based HIV prevention information.
Fellows will play an active role before and during the 26th International AIDS Conference (AIDS 2026), helping translate cutting-edge HIV prevention science, policy, and activism into accessible content for diverse audiences worldwide. The conference will take place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from 26 to 31 July 2026, with both in-person and virtual participation.
This opportunity is ideal for people working at the intersection of HIV prevention, public health communication, and digital media who want to strengthen their impact while engaging directly with the global HIV response.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Demonstrated experience advancing knowledge of or access to HIV prevention, such as:
- PrEP or PEP
- U=U (Undetectable = Untransmittable)
- Harm reduction
- Long-acting or combination prevention
- HIV prevention policy or advocacy
- Proven digital content creation experience focused on HIV prevention
- A minimum combined audience of 5,000 followers or subscribers across digital platforms (e.g., social media, podcasts, blogs, newsletters, or digital community radio)
- Applicants without follower-based metrics may qualify through documented community reach and engagement
- Commitment to ethical, evidence-based, non-stigmatizing, and rights-based communication
- Proficiency in English (multilingual creators are encouraged)
- Availability to participate in required virtual onboarding and attend the full AIDS 2026 program
- Must be 18 years or older at the time of application
Priority consideration is given to applicants whose work centers communities most affected by HIV and who bring perspectives often underrepresented in global health communication.
Benefits
Selected Prevention Ambassadors receive comprehensive professional and financial support, including:
- Funding for digital content projects
- Up to USD 500 to develop HIV prevention content ahead of AIDS 2026
- Up to USD 500 to produce real-time content during the conference
- Full support to attend AIDS 2026 in person, covering:
- International travel
- Accommodation
- Daily living allowance (per diem)
- Local transportation
- Visa-related costs (if applicable)
- Direct engagement with:
- Leading researchers and clinicians
- Policy-makers and global health leaders
- Community activists and advocates
- Access to professional development and structured networking opportunities
- Contribution to the IAS global campaign theme: Rethink. Rebuild. Rise.
Application Process
The application process is competitive and fully online. Applicants should prepare clear examples of their work and impact.
Steps to apply:
- Review the fellowship objectives and eligibility requirements carefully.
- Prepare documentation or links demonstrating your HIV prevention work and digital reach.
- Complete the online application form on the IAS website.
- Submit all required materials before the stated deadline.
- Await notification following the review and selection process.
Selected applicants will be contacted directly and onboarded ahead of the conference.
Important Dates / Deadlines
- Application Deadline: 15 February 2026, 23:00 CET
- Notification of Selection: March 2026
- Fellowship Period: March 2026 – 14 August 2026
- AIDS 2026 Conference Dates: 26–31 July 2026
Late or incomplete applications are not considered.
Official Links
- International AIDS Society (IAS): https://www.iasociety.org
- AIDS 2026 – 26th International AIDS Conference: https://www.aids2026.org
Applicants are encouraged to consult the official IAS website for full fellowship details and application access.
