Private & Civil sectors pledges support to Government in hosting International AIDS Conference 2016
The private sector and civil society formations have pledged to work with the KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) government in ensuring a successful hosting of the 21st International Aids Conference to be held in Durban next year.
This was during the launch of the conference by KZN Premier Mr Senzo Mchunu held in Durban this morning (Thursday 3 Sept, 2015).
Among those who have pledged support is Mr Sanele Dlamini, who is the Provincial Manager of the National Lotteries Commission. Non-government organisation also pledged to play their part in ensuring the success of the conference, which is returning to Durban for the second time.
Mchunu said the aim of the launch is to share with the media, the private sector, the continent and the world about the province’s preparations for the conference, adding that the biennial International AIDS Conference is the premier gathering for those working in the field of HIV, as well as policymakers, people living with HIV and others committed to ending the epidemic.
“It is the largest international meeting on a single health issue, where every two years between 15 000 - 23 000 participants representing all stakeholders in the global response to HIV meet to assess progress and identify future priorities,” said Mchunu.
With more than 1 500 international journalists expected to attend, the conference is the single most widely-covered HIV event in the world. The conference also serves as a focal point to intensify political and financial commitments to AIDS.
The International AIDS Conference is the largest on any global health or developmental issue. International AIDS Society (IAS) the world's leading independent association of HIV professionals, with 16,000 members in 170 countries, is the custodian of the biennial International AIDS Conference and holds the secretariat on behalf of partners.
Mchunu said the Province is geared to hosting this big international conference, pointing to other international events that have been successfully held in KwaZulu-Natal, including the 2010 Soccer World Cup and the launch of the African Union, among others.
“The government of KwaZulu-Natal has a proven track record of hosting international guests, and the people of this province are known for their warmth and the spirit of Ubuntu which leaves a lasting impression on all those who visit this province,” said Mchunu.
He said the commitments made by private and civil society sectors is a guarantee that KwaZulu-Natal will host a successful conference.
He said technical preparations have already began with the establishment of the AIDS 2016 office, which will work with the Provincial Aids council, which is chaired by the Premier of the province.
“Local partners are the South African National Aids Council, the Medical research Council and the National Department of Health. Our regional partners are the Aids and Rights Alliance for Southern Africa, Namibia, Edna Santé Senegal and African Network of Practitioners for HIV and Aids based in Senegal,” said Mchunu.
Mchunu said programs have already been developed to start the work pf planning and consultation with various stakeholders, which was recently approved by the Provincial Executive Council.
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