In commemoration of World AIDS Day, which is actually today, Dec. 1, Fordham University will be hosting a conference titled “HIV Prevention 30 years into the Epidemic: National Strategies and Local Realities,” on Dec. 2 at 9 a.m.

Among the featured panelists included in the discussion are Dr. Blayne Cutler, assistant commissioner at the city’s Health Department and Dr. Donna Futterman, director of Adolescent AIDS Program.

The panelists will be discussing different HIV prevention modalities in the context of both staggering poverty and HIV rates found in the Bronx.

Congressman Serrano offered his words and support of the event, touching on the importance of honoring those that have passed away from the disease by rededicating ourselves to the cause.

“Too many of our friends and family members still contract HIV and too many still die of AIDS,” said Serrano. “This is the best way we can honor their lives and their untimely deaths.”

The event is being put together by Bronx Aids Service (BAS), whose mission is to ‘empower and improve the lives and circumstances of adults and adolescents in the Bronx who are HIV positive (or at risk) and lack the resources to meet their daily needs.”

According to Pamela Babbs of BAS, data shows that in 2008 the Bronx HIV/AIDS diagnosis rate was 33% higher than that of NYC as a whole (63.1 per 100,000 compared to 47.6 per 100,000).

Keynote Speaker Dr. Jessica Justman, an associate professor at Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health, served as an infectious disease attending physician at Bronx Lebanon Hospital for 10 years prior to joining Mailman’s faculty and has conducted the majority of her research on HIV prevention.

The conference will be held in Keating Hall on Fordham University’s Campus, and care providers, clients and students are welcome to attend. There will be a light breakfast and lunch provided courtesy of Janssen Therapeutics.