By Tichaona Kurewa
THE first preparatory meeting for the International Conference on AIDS and STIs in Africa (ICASA) ended in Victoria Falls this Friday, with the government reaffirming its commitment to successfully hosting the ICASA conference next year.
Speaking to ZBC News, the Deputy Minister of Health and Child Care, Dr John Mangwiro noted that the success of the ICASA conference next year will depend largely on the support of all stakeholders, including public and private players.
“There is political will and the government will ensure that the conference is fully supported and we will do so financially. We want to make sure that issues to do with HIV and AIDS are handled by Africans. As you can see at various ICASA meetings, high-ranking officials are attending to reaffirm government’s commitment to the success of the event,” he said.
ICASA officials highlighted the outcomes of the meeting and the significance of the ICASA conference to Zimbabwe, with more than 10 000 delegates expected to converge in Harare.
“We managed to come up with the theme of the ICASA 2023 conference, the logo and the objectives which include addressing inequalities, investing in what works, innovations and others,” said ICASA 2023 President. Dr David Parirenyatwa.
ICASA Director Luc Bodea said, “The conference will put Zimbabwe on the international map and the choice of Zimbabwe as the venue of the first preparatory meeting was also strategic and this was also a way of marketing Victoria Falls to the world. Also when people come for the conference they will also come with money and other downstream industries will also benefit in the process.”
The meeting, jointly hosted by Zimbabwe and the Society for Aids in Africa (SAA) was attended by scientific, leadership and community programme committees.
Two other meetings will be held in March and August next year before Zimbabwe hosts the ICASA conference in December 2023.
