The International Conference on AIDS and Sexually Transmitted Infection in Africa (ICASA) are in the country for two days to monitor and evaluate Kenya’s preparedness in readiness to hold the 10,000 to 15,000 conference delegation.
Chairperson of National Syndemic Disease Control Council Dr. Ruth Laibon Masha believes that the country has all it takes to host the event which takes place in Africa after every 2-years so as to analyse African leadership and ownership, as well as investment to support the continental response to HIV and AIDS, STIs, related co-morbidities and other emerging health issues.
“Kenya is committed to fight against Tuberculosis, Malaria and HIV. The country has the second largest hospital facility in Africa to help over 1.5 million Kenyans living with HIV Aids,” observed Masha.
Led by ICASA Director Luc Armond Bodea, Dr. Sylla Alliou, ICASA Secretary General, Society and Aids Africa and ICASA deputy Treasurer and board member Florence Wamala alluded that the selection process of hosting country of the conference aims to promote equity hence the biennial hosting which alternates between Anglophone and Francophone African countries and regions.
“The criteria for the country assessment include country commitment, host country organisational capacity, conference facilities, security, political stability and enabling environment, logistics and forex services and media availability and accessibility,” stated ICASA
ICASA faces stigmatisation as the major issue and problem when organising and mobilising with Kenya topping the list followed by Uganda, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Tunisia.
Lack of food, electricity and water are other issues of concern topping the list.
ICASA called on authorities to expedite on making all health sections functional and create awareness to avoid stigmatisation.
It also called on domestic funding for African countries and public so that there is inclusivity to speak for the voiceless Kenya submitted the request to host the ICASA 2023 conference developed in partnership with Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) among other key stakeholders including the ministry of health and the country has since been preselected as a potential host country for the conference.
The visiting team from the International Conference on AIDS and STI’s in Africa will be in the country for two days before it proceeds to Zimbabwe for yet another monitoring and evaluation as a possible host.