The AIDS 2026 Prevention Ambassador Fellowship is a prestigious international fellowship organised by the (IAS). The fellowship supports digital creators, advocates, and professionals working to advance HIV prevention knowledge, access, and community engagement, with full participation at AIDS 2026 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
The programme combines funding, global exposure, professional development, and international travel for selected fellows.
Scholarship Details
- Programme Type: Prevention Ambassador Fellowship
- Host: International AIDS Society (IAS)
- Event: AIDS 2026 – 26th International AIDS Conference
- Location: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Conference Dates: 25 – 30 July 2026
- Fellowship Period: March 2026 – 14 August 2026
- Application Deadline: 15 February 2026 (23:00 CET)
Benefits
Selected fellows will receive:
- Financial support of up to USD 500 for a digital HIV prevention content project before AIDS 2026
- Financial support of up to USD 500 for a digital content project during AIDS 2026
- Full support to attend AIDS 2026 in person, including:
- International travel
- Accommodation
- Per diem
- Ground transportation (where applicable)
- Opportunity to:
- Amplify HIV prevention messaging globally
- Translate scientific and policy discussions into accessible digital content
- Network with researchers, policymakers, activists, and global health leaders
- Participation in professional development, networking, and advocacy activities
Eligibility
Applicants must meet all of the following:
- Be 18 years or older at the time of application
- Have a proven track record in advancing HIV prevention knowledge or access (e.g. PrEP, PEP, U=U, harm reduction, policy, long-acting prevention)
- Demonstrate content creation experience on HIV prevention through:
- Social or digital platforms (TikTok, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, Facebook, X, Bluesky)
- Podcasts, blogs, newsletters, or community radio
- Have a minimum reach of 5,000 total followers/subscribers across platforms, OR documented community reach and engagement
- Commit to ethical, evidence-based, non-stigmatizing, rights-based communication
- Be proficient in English
- Be available for:
- Virtual pre-event onboarding
- Full participation during AIDS 2026
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 people
- Sex workers
- People who inject drugs
- Adolescent girls and young women
- Migrants and underserved communities
- Are based in low- and middle-income countries
- Produce content for underserved audiences
- Have experience collaborating with community-led organisations, clinics, or advocacy coalitions
Required Documents
Applicants will be required to submit:
- Completed application form
- Demographic information
- Work history
- Motivation statement
- Descriptions of two digital HIV prevention communication projects:
- One to be implemented before AIDS 2026
- One to be implemented during AIDS 2026
- For each project:
- Intended outcomes
- Planned themes
- Target audiences
- Platforms to be used
- Two sample posts showing how the project would look
- Curriculum Vitae (CV), including:
- Portfolio and/or links to recent prevention-related digital content (last 6–12 months)
- Evidence of reach (screenshots of analytics or engagement metrics)
- Letter of support (if employed)
- Letter of reference (if self-employed)
Deadline
- Application Closes: 15 February 2026 at 23:00 CET
Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
How to Apply
- Download and complete the official AIDS 2026 Prevention Ambassador Fellowship application form
- Prepare all required documents and project descriptions
- Submit your application before the deadline
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. All application information will be treated confidentially.
FAQs
Is this a fully funded opportunity?
Yes. Selected fellows receive funding for digital projects and full support to attend AIDS 2026 in Brazil.
Do I need to be a medical professional?
No. Applicants may be content creators, advocates, researchers, community workers, or digital communicators with proven HIV prevention engagement.
Can social media creators apply?
Yes. Creators on platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, blogs, podcasts, and community media are encouraged to apply.
Is English mandatory?
Yes. English proficiency is required to engage with AIDS 2026 content and communications.
Can applicants from Africa apply?
Yes. Applicants from low- and middle-income countries, including African countries, are strongly encouraged to apply.