Annisa Essack | kzn@radioislam.org.za
19 June 2023 | 15:00 CAT
1 min read

Photo Credit: SAAIDS

The world will focus on South Africa as the HIV/AIDS Conference begins tomorrow in Durban.

Deputy President Paul Mashatile, in his capacity as the Chairperson of the South African National AIDS Council (SANAC), will deliver a keynote address during the Opening Session of the 11th South African AIDS Conference at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal province.

The 11th SA AIDS Conference, scheduled to take place from 20-23 June 2023, will be held under the theme: “Act, Connect and End the Epidemic”, and it brings together the HIV community of scientists, researchers, social activists, programme implementers, policymakers and most importantly, people living with HIV (PLHIV), to review and reflect on progress made towards HIV/AIDS and TB epidemic control amid pandemics and other global health threats.

The conference will also provide a platform for taking stock of the post-pandemic South African HIV/AIDS, TB and STIs response and to deliberate on emerging priorities as the country forges ahead with efforts and strategies to eliminate HIV as a public health threat.

SANAC, chaired by Deputy President Mashatile, has played a leading role in championing response programmes in line with the new 2023-2028 National Strategic Plan (NSP) for HIV, TB, and STIs through a multi-sectoral engagement which includes government, civil society and the private sector.

The Deputy President will lead the Opening Plenary alongside the SANAC Civil Society Chairperson, Ms Steve Letsike, the Minister of Health, Dr Joe Phaahla, KwaZulu-Natal Premier Ms Nomusa Dube-Ncube, other government officials and representatives of development partners inclusive of UN Agencies and the African Development Community.