KwaZulu-Natal Premier says the provincial government will move with speed to prepare for the 21st International Aids Conference scheduled to take place in 2016 in Durban.
“I wish express my appreciation to the South Africa Government led by His Excellency Mr J.G Zuma and the international community for once again showing confidence in our ability to host international conferences.”
“We welcome the opportunity to host the 21st International Aids Conference in 2016. This will be a gathering of scientists, policymakers and non-governmental organisations, health activists and community healthcare workers.”
“As this province we promise to ensure that we host the most successful ever HIV Aids conference giving delegates the opportunity to shape efforts that will strengthen a global fight against this pandemic.”
“We are calling upon all stakeholders, representatives from health fraternity, non-governmental organisations, civil society, academics, religious leaders, traditional leaders, leaders of all political parties and the media to work with government to implement our programme of action that will ensure that we are ready to host more than 20 000 delegates expected to descend on KwaZulu-Natal province.“
“Over the years, we have worked hard to ensure that we portray this province as an important site for exchange of ideas, and finding solutions to problems of different parts of the globe.“
“The 21st International AIDS Conference presents a wonderful opportunity to unleash a new leadership that will champion the global fight against this pandemic. The global agenda can only be influenced by dedicated leaders who lead from the front. The primary responsibility of such leaders is to make a positive impact in their communities. What distinguishes these leaders from others is that they have a sense of urgency.”
“On behalf of South Africa, KZN looks forward to hosting the 21st International Aids Conference in Durban with optimism. We are looking forward to ground-breaking decisions that will generate hope and optimism about the future fight against HIV and AIDS.”
“We wish Durban to be a world landmark for a decisive action and a global giant leap from the 20th AIDS conference held in Melbourne, Australia last week. We want Durban to be remembered positively such as its role in the World Conference Against Racism, Non Aligned Movement Summit, the formation of the African Union, BRICS Summit, CORP 17 and many other international conferences. “
“We will therefore move with speed as the provincial government to set up the 2016 Provincial Co-ordinating Committee: 21st International AIDS Conference. This will be chaired by the Premier in his capacity as the Chairperson of the AIDS Council.”
“This committee will focus on preparations for the hosting of a successful conference and it will also convene the Pre 21st International Aids Conference. Such conference will be attended by members of cabinet, provincial executive council, and leaders of political parties, academics, mayors, traditional leaders, traditional healers, NGOs, civil society and general members of the public.”
“The 20th International AIDS Conference in Melbourne resolved to bring to an end to HIV and AIDS by 2030. By bringing to an end HIV and Aids by 2030, the 20th International AIDS conference means that:
- 90% of people know their status
- 90% of those that are HIV positive are on treatment
- 90% of those on treatment are virally suppressed.
“As we approach 2016, our Programme of Action must focus on examining the progress we have made in terms of establishing district and local aids councils and ward committees. These are very crucial structures that will ensure that the management of HIV and AIDS programme and decision-making is brought closer to local communities where this pandemic is making a devastating impact.”
“We must evaluate how far we have gone in terms of developing effective mechanisms to engage communities as partners in the rollout of the programme against HIV, AIDS and TB. Have we succeeded in establishing better links between health professionals involved in this programme, volunteers, leaders and local communities?
“We must discuss ways of improving aids awareness campaigns as well as health promotion activities. We must strengthen the campaign on treatment adherence as well as campaigns on testing and counseling for confirmed HIV patients.”
“Young people hold the key to the future but unfortunately, as they grow, they are increasingly exposed to reproductive health risks such as sexual transmitted infections and unplanned pregnancies. We must strengthen the campaign on behavioral change targeted at young people.”
“It is very important that we implement this Programme of Action because our progress in the fight against HIV and Aids will be judged in 2016 when the whole world will be focusing on South Africa and KwaZulu-Natal in particular during the International Aids conference.”
Enquiries:
Ndabezinhle Sibiya
082 3754 742
