The 19TH International Conference on Aids and STIs in Africa will be taking place in Abidjan Cote d’Ivoire from December 4th – 9th, 2017. This year, conference theme “Africa: Ending AIDS-delivering differently” but with a strong focus on reaching the UNAIDS 90, 90, 90 with human rights as priority. Human rights has always been key in the response to HIV. People living with and affected by HIV and the civil society groups working on their behalf both have fought for human rights, and their efforts have led to many of the major successes of the HIV response such as their rights to participation, non‑discrimination, information and treatment among others.
ICWEA however notes that while there have been gains, there are still inequities for example in reaching populations that are deeply marginalized and criminalized. Being able to reach such populations will require human rights work to overcome legal and social barriers, and to empower affected communities. There is hope that 19th ICASA is an opportunity to re-strategize and come up with innovative ideas to reach such populations.
Catch ICWEA in Session: On December 8th, 2017, Lillian Mworeko the Executive Director of ICWEA will be speaking at a session on Young Adolescents, women and girls: The hidden face of the Epidemic. Look out for this session!
