The 22nd International Conference on AIDS and Sexually Transmitted Infections in Africa (ICASA 2023) taking place in Harare, Zimbabwe from December 4–9.
ICASA 2023 represents a tremendous opportunity to highlight the diverse nature of the African region’s HIV epidemic and the unique response to it.
According to the 2020 Global Fund COVID-19 Funding report, the emergence of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has had a catastrophic impact on the most vulnerable communities across the African continent, and around the world. As such COVID-19 threatens progress made in mitigating the impact of HIV, TB, and malaria globally. It is important to note reprogramming of HIV, TB and malaria resources (over $500 million USD) to the COVID-19 Response Mechanism has helped to dramatically alter the course of the COVID pandemic, but hindered progress on the continent’s HIV response. However, we must not relent in our goal for an AIDS-free Africa. It is imperative for the continent to continue to learn from recent scientific advances to mobilize internal and endogenous resources.
ICASA 2023 also comes a year after the UNAIDS Global AIDS Update 2022 Report, In Danger, which revealed the potentially catastrophic impacts of COVID-19 on health systems worldwide and the urgent need to reinforce HIV health systems. ICASA 2023 offers a unique platform for leaders, activists, scientists and community to take stock of the multiple and overlapping crises and find avenues for mitigating the devastating impact on people living with and affected by HIV.
Pathfinder is striving for a world free from stigma, discrimination, and HIV-related morbidity and mortality.
For over 25 years, Pathfinder has contributed greatly to the global HIV pandemic response, integrating HIV services with other sexual and reproductive health interventions, recognizing the opportunity to meet people’s needs in a single visit.
