Working group: ICASA 2008
Working group: ICASA 2008
Background:
The International Conference on AIDS and Sexually Transmitted Infections in Africa (ICASA) was established by a group of African scientists in 1986 and is hosted by African countries biennially. It serves as a forum to discuss ways of managing and reversing the impact of HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) on the African continent.
The previous two ICASA were held in Nairobi (2003) and Abuja (2005). Over 6000 delegates attended each of these events, representing African governments, major financial donors, international NGOs, researchers, HIV and AIDS service providers, community organizations, faith-based groups and people living with the virus. ICASA serves as a key venue for communicating/ exchanging ideas and approaches, as well as for political lobbying and influencing research. Both of the previous ICASA had very limited participation by persons with disabilities, due partly to unadapted communication and inaccessible conference venues. Futhermore, only a handful of scientific posters or oral presentations highlighted persons with disabilities affected by or responding to HIV & AIDS.
The next ICASA will be held in Dakar, Senegal, December 8-11, 2008. The planning is already underway, although still in its early stages. There is therefore a window of opportunity to lend high visibility to the participation of persons with disabilities in the African response to the epidemic.
Objective of the ICASA working group:
Intense participation of persons with disabilities in the next ICASA, Dakar, December 8-11, 2008.
Expected Outcomes:
1. Accessible communication about the Conference
2. Accessible meeting venues, documentation, or other provision for persons with special needs
3. Disability issues on the Conference agenda
4. High participation of persons with disabilities
Activities
- Sensitise the ICASA organisers
- Provide guidance for accessible communication and venue
- Encourage submission of scientific abstracts from groups across Africa addressing complex issues surrounding Disability and HIV & AIDS
- Encourage participation