AIDS Conference focuses on diagnosis and treatment
The largest gathering of academic, community, government and corporate actors focused on the global HIV/AIDS epidemic begins today at the Gaborone International Convention Centre (GICC).
The sixth biennial Botswana International AIDS Conference, to be held over five days, calls for better access to diagnosis and treatment for all people living with the illness. The familiar note of urgency in this year’s theme, ‘Total Inclusion For Greater Impact,' is a reminder that collaborative efforts from all stakeholders remain a part of the HIV/AIDS frontier.
While naysayers have suggested that conferences of this nature are little more than “talk shops” that do little to further the fight against HIV/AIDS, the Chairman of Botswana HIV Clinicians Society (BHIVCS), Dr Mpho Letebele says this could not be further from the truth. “These meetings provide not just an opportunity for scientists to share their most recent findings.
They are also a platform for advocates and activists to engage with science in a way that’s not usually possible. Most of these findings may not otherwise be disseminated beyond exclusive, expensive research journals,” he said.
According to Dr Letebele, the fact that the conference is shaped by a coalition of scientists, policymakers, public health practitioners, clinicians, community members and people living with HIV, offers a rare opportunity for constituencies that do not always see eye-to-eye to listen and learn from each other. Dr Letebele said it was good that the conference would coincide with the country’s golden jubilee celebrations.
“It accords us invaluable opportunity to reflect on our HIV epidemic control past achievements and challenges and chart a way forward to better combat this scourge,” he said.
Dr Letebele will today chair a panel discussion titled, “Access to healthcare and ARV.” Speakers include Chairman of the Champions for an AIDS Free Generation and former President of the Republic of Botswana, Dr Festus Mogae, Director of Policy at the National AIDS Trust, Yusef Azad and Professor Simon Barton, Associate Medical Director Chelsea and Westminster Hospital in the United Kingdom amongst others.
The session will cover issues related to access to ARV by key populations (LGBTI, FSW etc.), prisoners and non-citizens. Ethical and legal issues will also be discussed.