The visa hurdle: Why conference applicants from the global south can't always clear it

Kareem Samsudeen Adebola of Nigeria (left) and Tanaka Chirombo of Malawi devote their careers to help those with HIV/AIDS. Both wanted to attend the upcoming International AIDS Conference in Montreal. But first they needed a Canadian visa. Their initial applications were denied — part of a pattern of visa obstacles that keep many from the global south out of gatherings in Western countries. (Kareem Samsudeen Adebola, Zintombizodwa Nyasulu)

Tanaka Chirombo was afraid he wouldn't make it to the 24th International AIDS Conference taking place in Montreal later this month.

Chirombo lives in Malawi, and his life work revolves around HIV. His interest in the virus began with his father, who delighted him with made-up stories as a boy. His dad contracted HIV but delayed seeking medical help because of the stigma of the disease and the cost of treatment. It progressed into AIDS, and he passed away when Chirombo was 4 years old.