Long-Term HIV Survivors Summit 2026: Barcelona – Stories & Legacy
A gathering of long-term and lifetime HIV survivors is set to begin in Sitges, Barcelona, Spain, on March 25th, 2026. The four-day summit, convened by the European AIDS Treatment Group (EATG) in partnership with Ribbon – A Center of Excellence (USA), The Reunion Project (USA), and Realize (Canada), aims to create a “Legacy Chest” – a documented collection of experiences and recommendations from those who have lived with HIV for decades.
The summit will bring together 30 long-term and 9 lifetime HIV survivors from across Europe, North America, and beyond, according to the EATG. Participants will focus on sharing personal narratives, identifying critical needs for ageing populations living with HIV, and formulating strategies for advocacy and systemic change.
Organizers emphasize the event as a crucial opportunity to reclaim the narratives of those who navigated the early years of the HIV epidemic. The focus will be on reflecting on defining moments of survival, exploring the strategies used to support themselves and others when formal systems were inadequate, and distilling lessons learned about resilience, mental health, and navigating healthcare systems marked by stigma.
The initiative seeks to address the often-overlooked challenges faced by long-term survivors as they age. Although advances in treatment have transformed HIV from a death sentence to a manageable chronic condition, the unique experiences and needs of those who lived through the epidemic’s most devastating years remain under-addressed. Participants will discuss what future generations need to know, what lessons must not be forgotten, and what changes are still required to ensure equitable care and support.
The summit also serves as a memorial to those lost to the epidemic, acknowledging their contributions to the progress made in HIV treatment and prevention. The EATG stated that the event is about honouring those who paved the way forward.
Following the summit, the EATG and its partner organizations plan to translate the collected stories and insights into practical tools for improving health outcomes, combating stigma, and amplifying the voices of long-term survivors. The project is supported by Gilead Sciences, ViiV Healthcare, and Merck, Sharp & Dohme.
The European AIDS Treatment Group (EATG) will also host a European Community Advisory Board meeting with MSD, Gilead Sciences & ViiV Healthcare in Sitges, Spain, from April 23-25, 2026, to discuss topics of interest to the community related to HIV treatments.