Addis Ababa, 29 July 2010 – UNAIDS Executive Director and Under-Secretary General of the United Nations, Michel Sidibe, met with the local organizing committee (LOC) of ICASA 2011 at the Federal HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control Office (HAPCO).
Ato Meskele Lera, Deputy Director General of HAPCO, gave a brief update on the progress of ICASA 2011. He stated that the Government of Ethiopia is committed and involved in making ICASA 2011 a successful conference. The Government has also assigned highly skilled, experienced and prominent individuals to establish a robust governance structure and lead ICASA 2011.
Dr. Tewabech Bishaw, President of Ethiopia Public Health Association (EPHA) and ICASA 2011 Vice Chair, posed a question to Mr. Sidibѐ to give his advice on the three key factors that ICASA organizers need to focus on when organizing a conference of such big magnitude.
Mr. Sidibѐ began his remark by first congratulating ICASA organizers for the professional work that has been done thus far and the progress achieved. In responding to the presented question, he stressed that organizers should focus on: making ICASA a cultural and colorful opening ceremony; giving the conference visibility as well as credibility by ensuring enough coverage; and striving to generate and stir-up community activism and set a new momentum to raise community demand.
Mr. Sidibѐ added that the time of ICASA 2011 is a very significant period. The year 2011 marks the 30th year anniversary of the discovery of the disease; 10th year anniversary of UNGASS; 10th year anniversary of the first ever Summit Meeting of the Security Council; as well as the 5th year anniversary of the launching of the framework for the universal access to HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment and care.
Therefore, ICASA 2011 is a great occasion to demonstrate the progress made in the fight against the epidemic over the last 30 years. It is noteworthy to also showcase the gains made, successes achieved as well as challenges faced during those years.
In conclusion, Mr. Sidibѐ encouraged ICASA organizers to continue the momentum and inject a sense of urgency. He also advised ICASA organizers to collaborate with all stakeholders to organize a conference that is unique, colorful and most of all open to people from all over the world.
Source: ICASA Secretariat at Federal HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control Office (HAPCO)