By Elizabeth Nyaguyo
The International Conference on AIDS and Sexually Transmitted Infections in Africa (ICASA) 2023 s not all about HIV and AIDS but it will also cater for other diseases so as to help many people.
This was said during Wednesday meeting between different stakeholders as they pledged to work together so that the event will be a success.
Different stakeholders which include the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA), Hospitality Association of Zimbabwe (HAZ), key and vulnerable populations and UNAIDS among others assured to work together.
Addressing journalists in Harare, the President of Society for AIDS in Africa (SAA) Dr David Parirenyatwa said that as Zimbabweans they are ready to go for the ICASA 2023.
“I would like to say to the team that has come that Zimbabwe is ready to go for the 2023 ICASA and would like to thank you all for coming,” he said.
He added that, ICASA is not all about HIV and AIDS but it will also cater for other diseases so as to help many people.
“ICASA is not about HIV and AIDS but it can encompasses TB,Malaria and other emerging pandemics including COVID-19.
“Cancer can also be included as we fight HIV and all forms of cancer like breast, cervix and prostate in men I think that we should take on board lets not fight only HIV.
“We know that COVID has taken away the focus but we want to refocus back to HIV so that we can achieve 2030 as we go,” said Dr Parirenyatwa.
Stakeholders who graced the event spoke on the preparations they are doing so as to make sure that ICASA 2023 will be a success.
“As the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority, we are more than ready and committed to work with all stakeholders to make sure the event is a success.
“We know in 2015 it was like a race but now we have got a year to plan it is our hope and desire that as soon as the date is announced our delegates will start make traveling arrangements to Zimbabwe,” said ZTA marketing manager Walter Chakuzura.
“As an association our members are ready for now making sure that our visitors will have a memorable experience not just in the rooms but in the restaurants, they will be enjoying.
“So preparations are underway in making sure that we will show case Zimbabwe to out full potential and make Zimbabwe the first host destination ever,”said the second Vice President of HAZ Emma Kativhu.
This is not the first time Zimbabwe that is going to host the ICASA but it hosted in 2015 though the country had only four months to prepare but it was a memorable event to the world at large.
