adminCatherine Murombedzi
It is 30 years since the first case of HIV was noted in Zimbabwe. For the country today it is a statistic but for the family it was heartache, going to and fro hospital and finally bereavement.
It marked a change and as the nation and medical fraternity was gripped with a mammoth health issue, a son to the man who first tested HIV positive knew there was to be medical help and that surely is available today.
The family’s son who was a minor then vowed that he would make a change in the field of HIV and today is a medical doctor who has specialised in immunology and is furthering his studies in the United Kingdom.
For the country hosting the 18th international conference on sexually transmitted diseases is an opportunity to assess the road travelled and what measures have been put in place to curb new HIV infections.
What is the way forward for those testing HIV positive today and the care, support and treatment in Zimbabwe.
The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health and Child Care Retired Brigadier, Dr Gerald Gwinji, has said that registered participants at the coming biggest sexually transmitted infections conference in Harare now stand at 4 700.
“As of today we have 4 700 confirmed participants to ICASA. More still are expected as we plan on handling 7 000 for this conference. It is an opportunity for the health sector and tourism will stand to benefit too,” he said in Harare last week at the ICASA update diary.
The largest conference on AIDS and sexually transmitted diseases in Africa ICASA will be held from November 29 to December 4 in Harare.
The 18th international conference expects to host 7 000 delegates in the field of HIV/AIDS. Scientists, doctors researchers, human rights activists in the field of HIV, health ministers and people living with HIV will converge in Harare and brainstorm on the way forward for Africa and the world on STIs and getting to zero as concerning new HIV infections. The UNAIDS saw this as Zimbabwe’s opportunity to show the world where it was in the ever changing field of HIV/AIDS.
“Congratulations Zimbabwe for getting such an opportunity. It is the time to show the world what Zimbabwe has achieved and where it is headed in the next decade as concerning HIV/AIDS. This is the time to rise and shine by lifting the country’s flag high. We wish the country success in hosting ICASA,” UNAIDS congratulated Zimbabwe.
Tunisia was initially supposed to host the conference and pulled out at the last minute. This did not stop Zimbabwe from showing the world that is was a capable host.
ICASA president Dr Ihab Ahmed is confident of the conference’s success.
Dr Ahmed added: “I have faith that ICASA 2015 is going to be a success and will set the tone for other meetings to follow in Africa.”
Martha Tholanah, a human rights activist and person living with HIV, said Zimbabwe is going to show the world what it is made of.
“This is the time to market and sell Zimbabwe to the global village. All eyes will be on Harare and we will not be found lacking. Not only are we able to host a conference of such a magnitude but we are able to show Zimbabwe as a tourist destination. The magnificent Victoria Falls, the Great Zimbabwe Monument, the beautiful Eastern Highlands, we have great game, flora and fauna so it’s come Zimbabwe and experience our hospitality,” said Tholanah.
Can ICASA not leave a mark in Zimbabwe and also feel the Zimbabwean touch? That remains to be seen.
As you may know Zimbabwe uses or rather takes the largest chunk of condoms distributed globally. In 2013 the country took up 25 million condoms whether they were used correctly is another story.
Sexually transmitted diseases are reported to be up in some hot spots so are new HIV infections.
In Harare, Highfield, Mbare and Harare’s Avenues area were reported to have seen an increase in new and repeat sexually transmitted diseases.
This is scary, sexually transmitted diseases when the country tops in uptake of condoms. This upcoming conference is mainly going to address sexually transmitted diseases, HIV/AIDS, where the global science in medicine and microbicides has reached and the reality of ending AIDS worldwide.
Zimbabwe should turn a new leaf with ICASA. All the above diseases can be prevented and it’s entirely up to an individual to act responsible. Be faithful to one partner and to those on the flip side use condoms consistently and correctly.
Feedback:[email protected] <mailto:Feedback%[email protected]>
Online Reporter