The Minister of Social Development, Ms Bathabile Dlamini will chair the universal access International Advisory Group (IAG) on HIV and AIDS meeting that will be held as follows:
Date: 26 to 28 April 2011
Venue: Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg
Minister Dlamini was nominated as co-chair at the recent IAG Regional Asia/Pacific consultation meeting that was held in Thailand. The IAG is an independent advisory group composed of experts from various constituency and stakeholder groups including governments, civil society, donor and development agencies across the globe.
The objective of the upcoming IAG meeting is to assess the findings and processes of the universal access reviews and to agree on recommendations reflecting global priorities and envisioning the way forward. The review process gives account of progress with regard to universal access to HIV and AIDS treatment from all regions of the world.
The IAG is supported by UNAIDS and is part of the regional preparations for the high level meeting which will develop a new declaration and set the course for the next five years. On the agenda will be the reviews on country and region-specific progress, gaps and challenges with regard to implementation of universal access.
In 2001 the United Nations Member States, including South Africa signed the United Nations General Assembly Special Session (UNGASS) Declaration of Commitment on HIV and AIDS.
Universal access to treatment is one of the key issues reflected in the Declaration of Commitment as well as the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). On 26 April 2011 Minister Dlamini will host a welcome reception in honour of the IAG and UNAIDS dignitaries from 19h00 - 21h30 at the Sandton Convention Centre.
NB: Please note that IAG meeting is open to members only. The Minister will host a welcome reception for IAG members on 26 April 2011 at 19h00 which is open to members of the media.
Members of the media who are interested in pre-meeting interviews or discussion of the meeting can contact the following officials:
Abram Phahlamohlaka
Cell: 082 928 6590
Thapelo Sakoana
Cell: 078 453 6750
Enquiries:
Abram Phahlamohlaka
Tel: 012 312 7475
Cell: 082 928 6590
E-mail: abramp@dsd.gov.za
