Deputy President Paul Mashatile to Deliver Keynote Address at 11th SA AIDS Conference in Durban

South Africa’s Deputy President Paul Mashatile, as the Chairperson of the South African National AIDS Council (SANAC), is set to deliver a keynote address during the opening session of the 11th South African AIDS Conference. The conference will occur on June 20th to 23rd at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal province.

The Theme and Purpose of the 11th SA AIDS Conference

The 11th SA AIDS Conference aims to assemble the HIV community, comprising scientists, researchers, social activists, policy-makers, and people living with HIV (PLHIV). The conference, themed “Act, Connect, and End the Epidemic,” will provide an opportunity to review and reflect on the progress made towards HIV/AIDS and TB epidemic control while considering the challenges posed by pandemics and other global health threats.

The Role of Post-Pandemic South African HIV/AIDS, TB, and STIs Response

The conference will serve as a platform for reviewing the post-pandemic South African HIV/AIDS, TB, and STIs response while deliberating on emerging priorities. The nation moves forward with efforts and strategies to eliminate HIV as a public health threat. SANAC, under Deputy President Mashatile’s leadership, has played a pivotal role in championing response programs in accordance with the new 2023-2028 National Strategic Plan (NSP) for HIV, TB, and STIs. This approach has involved multi-sectoral engagement, including government, civil society, and the private sector.

Distinguished Figures to Lead the Opening Plenary

Deputy President Mashatile will lead the opening plenary alongside notable figures, such as the SANAC Civil Society Chairperson, Ms. Steve Letsike, the Minister of Health, Dr. Joe Phaahla, KwaZulu-Natal Premier Ms. Nomusa Dube-Ncube, among other government officials and representatives of development partners, UN agencies, and the African Development Community.

Media Personnel Expected to Attend and Cover the Session

Members of the media have been invited to attend and cover the session, which promises to be a vital event in South Africa’s ongoing fight against HIV/AIDS, TB, and STIs. The opening plenary will take place on June 20th, at 15h30, with media personnel expected to arrive by 15h00.

The 11th South African AIDS Conference, with its theme “Act, Connect, and End the Epidemic,” presents an opportunity for various stakeholders to come together and discuss the essential steps in achieving a world free of HIV/AIDS, TB, and STIs. The presence and contributions of key figures like Deputy President Paul Mashatile, leading experts, and valued members of the community will undoubtedly result in a more robust and unified approach to tackling these public health challenges in South Africa and beyond.