Just days after World AIDS Day, the 19th International Conference on AIDS and STIs in Africa (ICASA) has opened in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
At the opening ceremony, UNAIDS Executive Director Michel Sidibé implored the audience not to let ongoing political and social troubles threaten the many achievements made in the AIDS response. In his speech, he laid out key priorities, including ensuring that women and adolescents be better protected from HIV, and demanded more space for civil society, crediting civil society’s huge impact in the AIDS response.
ICASA, a biennial gathering that this year will be held from 4 to 9 December, brings together people working in the field of HIV, as well as leaders, people living with HIV, activists and representatives of civil society. In addition, researchers from around the world will share the latest scientific advances to develop strategies to further HIV prevention and treatment options. More than 4000 delegates from more than 125 countries have gathered for the event.
UNAIDS is hosting several sessions during the conference to discuss the western and central Africa HIV catch-up plan. Other events organized by UNAIDS at ICASA include sessions on reinvigorating HIV prevention following the Prevention Coalition initiative, innovative partnerships to drive male engagement, ending the AIDS epidemic among children and young women under the Start Free, Stay Free, AIDS Free framework and achieving the Fast-Track Targets in cities.
Abidjan is playing host to ICASA for the second time. In the ICASA held in 1997, the then French President, Jacques Chirac, denounced the injustices experienced by people living with HIV in Africa.
“Abidjan is thrilled to play host for the second time to this important AIDS conference gathering leaders, scientists and those working in the HIV field. Let us not forget the important role that research can play. We must increase our overall investments notably in research to improve the quality of life of people living with HIV.”
Alassane Ouattara President of Côte d'Ivoire
“The many changes under way in our world should not threaten the sustainability of our great achievements in the AIDS response. We cannot afford to lose our gains. If we want to end this epidemic, we must act now and act differently.”
Michel Sidibé UNAIDS Executive Director
“Health is a right, ending AIDS is our duty.”
Raymonde Goudou Coffie Minister of Health and Public Hygiene, Côte d’Ivoire
“I am 20 and was born with HIV. I am here in front of you, young and in good health taking medicine, so do not give up. And to those of you who are free of HIV, do everything you can to protect yourselves.”
Asseta Yabyouré Asao person living with HIV
