18th edition of ICASA AIDS conference launched

The 18^th edition of the biggest International Conference on AIDS and STIs in Africa (ICASA) has been launched in Accra.

The conference to be held on November 29th to December 4th in Zimbabwe is on the theme: AIDS in Post 2015: Linking Leadership, Science and Human Rights.

The aim of the ICASA Conference is to promote multidisciplinary dialogue and health debate on the AIDS response in Africa will bring together scientists, policy makers, activists, people living with HIV and some civil society groups.

Speaking at the launch, Director of ICASA, Luc Armand Bodea said the conference is an opportunity to renew global commitment in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

According to him, is also to strengthen the interaction between the public health, science and human right approaches in the control and elimination of HIV/AIDS and associate diseases.

Mr. Bodea noted that they will also review the HIV and AIDS response mechanisms adopted by countries as well as come up with ways of strengthening the partnership among governments and co-operating partners.

He said the over 10,000 participants will have an opportunity to reflect on the progress made to eliminate HIV and the challenges that lie ahead towards making the goal of an HIV/AIDS free Africa a reality.

“We believe in a strong partnership with all stakeholders is paramount to move the HIV/AIDS agenda forward in Africa” Luc stressed.

For her part, the Zimbabwean Ambassador in Ghana, Pavelyn Tendai Musaka expressed her profound gratitude to ICASA for choosing the country as host of the conference.

“We are very hospitable people and assure everybody of maximum security when they come to Zimbabwe” she added.

Mrs. Tendai Musaka assured all participants of total security and urged them to visit their tourist site when they arrive in Zimbabwe.

Story by Ghana/Myjoyonline.com