adminCatherine Murombedzi H I V Column
THE largest conference on Aids and sexually transmitted diseases in Africa ICASA will be held in Harare from November 29 to December 4 at a local conference centre.
The conference expects to host between 5 000 to 7 000 delegates in the field of HIV and 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.
ICASA Board of Governors was in Zimbabwe last month to assess the country’s suitability to host the conference.
The board was pleased and gave Zimbabwe the nod to host the biggest conference on bedroom affairs.
UNAIDS Zimbabwe congratulated Zimbabwe on winning the bid to host the biggest condom conference in Africa.
“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 and 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, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Minister of Health and Child Care, Dr David Parirenyatwa in Harare.
Speaking at the occasion, Dr Parirenyatwa, said with the signing now over what was left is for Zimbabwe to conclude the modalities and host a memorable continental meeting.
“What is left for my ministry and the country at large is to ensure a successful meeting of this magnitude and raise the Zimbabwean flag high,” said Dr Parirenyatwa.
Dr Ahmed added: “I have faith that ICASA 2015 will be a success and will set the tone for other meetings to follow in Africa.”
People living with HIV expressed their gratitude that the conference will be hosted in Zimbabwe.
Martha Tholanah a human rights activist and person living with HIV said Zimbabwe would 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 wanting. Not only are we able to host a conference of such magnitude, but we are able to show Zimbabwe as a tourist destination. The magnificent Victoria Falls, the Great Zimbabwe, the beautiful Eastern Highlands, we have great game, flora and fauna so we saying to the world, come to Zimbabwe and experience our hospitality,” said Tholanah.
Another woman who fights for the rights of ex-convicts and those still serving prison terms, Gumiso Bonzo, said this was a time to show the world that Zimbabwe was an investment destination with warm and friendly hard working people.
‘For me it is a dream come true that we will be hosting the ICASA conference. This is a big conference and all eyes will be on Zimbabwe. This is our chance to teach our visitors where we stand on HIV issues and the domestic funding that we have. The Aids levy might be small, but it is a first for a developing country to help fund itself in the field and treatment, care and support of HIV and Aids,” said Bonzo from India where she is attending a six month capacity building course.
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 especially when the country tops in uptake of condoms. This upcoming conference is mainly going to address sexually transmitted diseases, HIV and Aids and Zimbabwe should turn a new leaf with ICASA.
All the above diseases can be prevented and it is 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.
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