[pronut-hiv] ICASA 2005

["ProNUT-HIV" <pronut-hiv@healthnet.org>]

ICASA 2005
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INTRODUCTION 
Greetings from the secretariat of the 14th International Conference on AIDS and STIs in Africa (ICASA) scheduled to hold in Abuja, Nigeria in December 2005. 

With the continuous rise in HIV/AIDS infections in sub-Saharan Africa and the disturbing effect the disease has on a growing number of persons, children, communities and nations affected by the disease, the time has come once again for scientists, policy makers, political leaders, People Living With HIV/AIDS (PLWHAs), communities and individuals to come together to discuss current advances and strategies in the prevention and management of HIV/AIDS and STIs from political, socio-economic, cultural and scientific perspectives and how best to stop the spread of the infection in the continent. 

HIV/AIDS AND AFRICA 
Despite the gruesome reality that Sub-Saharan Africa contains little more than 10% of the world's population and inhabits nearly two-thirds of the worlds HIV-positive people, African countries are still far behind in containing and bringing the epidemic under control, as HIV/AIDS continues to constitute a serious social, economic, political and psychological concern for most African countries. 

OBJECTIVES OF ICASA 2005
The International Conference on AIDS and Sexually Transmitted Infections in 
Africa (ICASA) was established by a group of African Scientists under the 
auspices of the Society for AIDS in Africa (SAA) in 1986, and is hosted by 
African countries biennially on a rotational basis serving as a forum to discuss ways of managing and reversing the impact of HIV/AIDS and other Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) on the African continent. 

Amongst other things, the forthcoming Conference would seek: 

To analyze the dynamics of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Africa and discuss, while focusing on the African family appropriate strategies of adequately responding to the epidemic. 

To provide a forum for a critical analysis of various initiatives undertaken by major stakeholders regarding HIV/AIDS in Africa and the extent to which these initiatives have impacted on the course of the epidemic in Africa. 

To discuss the recent advances made in the area of basic and social sciences * vaccine and microbicide development, ARV, prevention, care and support and how they will impact on the quality of life of those infected and affected by the disease. 

CONFERENCE THEME: "HIV/AIDS AND THE FAMILY"
The African family, which has from ancient times been the bedrock of all African societies, provides for its members an avenue and source of values, protection, survival, security, love and support, hence the crucial role the family plays in the fight against HIV/AIDS in Africa. 

Accordingly, ICASA 2005 will explore traditional family values with the aim of empowering African families and involving them in a comprehensive response to the AIDS epidemic in Africa, giving special attention to the youth, women and children with emphasis on those in difficult circumstances. 

The Conference theme has been sub-sectioned into seven (7) main concentrators as follows:

Accountability, Politics and Policies in HIV/AIDS 
Prevention and Control

Treatment, Care and Support 
Science and the Community * Bridging the Gap 
Human Rights, Gender and Ethics 

HIV/AIDS, the Youth and the Family 

Impact and Impact Mitigation 

THE SIGNIFICANCE OF ICASA 2005 TO AFRICA 

ICASA 2005 would by providing an environment where new and innovative ways of curbing new infections can be discussed and addressed, contribute immensely towards stemming the tide of HIV/AIDS in Africa and by doing so reverse the current position sub-Saharan Africa holds as being the region of the world most affected by HIV / AIDS. 
The Conference will in addition promote the establishment and expansion of PLWHA support groups throughout Africa and serve as an avenue for public sensitization and enlightenment on HIV/AIDS especially as regards stigmatization and discrimination at all levels of society. 

ICASA 2005 would provide an opportunity for discussions on the roles of 
traditional remedies and faith based organizations in HIV/AIDS prevention, 
treatment, care and support. 

In addition, existing health delivery systems would be addressed with a view to integrate HIV into general health care delivery and ensure PLWHAs have access to antiretroviral drugs and safe, accessible and affordable health care facilities. 

CONCLUSION 
Let me use this opportunity to thank the Nigerian President, His Excellency, 
President Olusegun Obasanjo, for the support and encouragement he has continued to render towards ensuring a successful ICASA 2005. 

I also thank International organizations, agencies and foundations particularly the UN Team, DFID, CIDA, WHO, SIDA, USAID and all who continue to show increasing support for ICASA 2005, even as we work earnestly towards ensuring a successful meeting that would benefit not just Africa but the entire human race. 

Prof. Femi Soyinka 
President ICASA 2005