Uganda to host international AIDS conference

Uganda is set to host the 21st International Conference on AIDS and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) in Africa (ICASA) in December 2021.

The conference aims to strengthen partnerships among governments, civil society, and development partners and renew commitments to achieve an AIDS-free Africa.

This year the 20th ICASA conference will take place in Kigali, Rwanda under the theme: "AIDS-Free Africa - Innovation, Community, and Political Leadership."

Top on the agenda is the global ambition to ensure that by 2020, 90% of all people living with HIV will know their HIV status, 90% of all people with diagnosed HIV infection receive sustained antiretroviral therapy and 90% of all people receiving antiretroviral therapy have viral suppression.

The conference is an opportunity to renew the global commitment to end the AIDS pandemic by drawing the world's attention to threats as a result of the global economic downturn.

This year's ICASA is an opportunity for the international community, and all Africans, to join efforts in committing to achieving an AIDS-free Africa.

According to a conference advisory, between 7,000 and 10,000 of the world's leading scientists, policymakers, activists, persons living with HIV, government leaders and civil society representatives will take part in this year's conference at Kigali Convention Centre from December 2 to 7.

Cabinet on Monday discussed and approved Uganda's bid to host the 2021 edition of the conference, the Uganda Media Centre deputy executive director, Col Shaban Bantariza disclosed on Tuesday.