Experience Brazil for Free: Fully Funded AIDS 2026 Prevention Fellowship

Applications are now open for the International AIDS Society (IAS) AIDS 2026 Prevention Ambassador Fellowship, a fully funded global fellowship for young professionals working in HIV prevention, advocacy, and digital communication.

The fellowship is organized by the International AIDS Society (IAS)—a leading global organization dedicated to ending HIV as a public health threat through research, education, policy engagement, and community collaboration. Since its establishment, IAS has played a critical role in advancing global HIV and AIDS responses by uniting scientists, clinicians, policymakers, and community leaders worldwide.

About the AIDS 2026 Prevention Ambassador Fellowship

The AIDS 2026 Prevention Ambassador Fellowship supports individuals who are actively expanding knowledge, access, and awareness of HIV prevention. Selected fellows will participate in the 26th International AIDS Conference (AIDS 2026), taking place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from 26–31 July 2026, with both in-person and virtual participation options.

The conference will convene global experts, including researchers, clinicians, public health professionals, policymakers, activists, and people living with HIV, to discuss the latest developments in HIV prevention science, policy, and community-led action.

Fellowship Benefits

The fellowship offers comprehensive support to ensure full participation and meaningful impact:

Project Funding:
- Up to USD 500 to implement a pre-conference digital HIV prevention project
- Up to USD 500 to support digital content creation during the conference
Travel & Logistics Support:
- Round-trip travel
- Accommodation
- Daily per diem
- Ground transportation
- Visa support (if applicable)
Professional Development:
- Access to global HIV researchers, policymakers, and activists
- Networking and mentorship opportunities
- Participation in professional development and advocacy activities
- Engagement with the IAS “Rethink. Rebuild. Rise.” campaign

The fellowship will run until 14 August 2026, following selection notifications in March 2026.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

Be 18 years or older
Be actively involved in HIV prevention work, including areas such as:
- PrEP and PEP
- U=U (Undetectable = Untransmittable)
- Harm reduction
- Long-acting HIV prevention
- Combination prevention
- HIV prevention policy and advocacy
Have experience creating digital content on HIV prevention
Demonstrate a combined following of at least 5,000 across digital platforms or equivalent reach through community networks and documented engagement
Show commitment to ethical, evidence-based, and rights-respecting communication
Be proficient in English
Be able to participate in virtual pre-conference onboarding and the full duration of AIDS 2026

Priority Applicants

Priority will be given to applicants who represent or work closely with key and priority populations, including:

People living with HIV
Men who have sex with men
Trans and gender-diverse people
Sex workers
People who inject drugs
Adolescent girls and young women
Migrants and underserved communities

Applicants from low- and middle-income countries, those producing content for underserved audiences, and individuals with experience working with community-led organizations, clinics, or advocacy coalitions are strongly encouraged to apply.

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit the following:

Completed online application form
Statement of motivation
Descriptions of two proposed digital HIV prevention projects:
- One pre-conference project
- One during-conference project
  Each should include objectives, themes, target audience, platforms, and sample posts
CV with links to recent HIV prevention content or portfolio
Evidence of audience reach or engagement
Letter of support from employer (if employed) or a reference letter (if self-employed)

All application materials will be treated confidentially. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

For inquiries: hivprevention@iasociety.org

Additional Information