Conference on HIV/AIDS kicks off in Zimbabwe

By Xinhua

HARARE, Dec. 5 (Xinhua) — The 22nd edition of the International Conference on AIDS and STIs (Sexually Transmitted Infections) in Africa (ICASA) kicked off here on Monday. The regional event, the largest HIV and AIDS conference in Africa which runs from Dec. 4 to 9, provides an important platform for sharing and experiencing cutting-edge evidence and lessons in response to HIV and other epidemics afflicting the continent and beyond. In his keynote address during the official opening of the conference, Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa said the event allows Africa to reflect on its ongoing response to HIV/AIDS. “We should not relax, AIDS is not over. The pandemic remains one of the silent threats to sustainable socio-economic development,” he said. “It is, however, commendable that we have made progress and positive outcomes through our robust interventions which are infusing the hope that we can indeed eliminate AIDS,” said Mnangagwa. Enditem