The Society for AIDS in Africa (SAA) has cancelled Uganda’s rights to host the International Conference on AIDS & STIs in Africa (ICASA) which is scheduled for 6th – 11th December 2021.
Uganda was on December 11th, 2019 announced to have won the bid to host the biennial ICASA 2021 Conference during the just-concluded 2019 ICASA conference in Kigali-Rwanda. Uganda beat her neighbour Kenya and others like Nigeria, Zambia and Tunisia to host the prestigious conference slated for December 6th – 11th, 2021.
The country’s success was linked to the local research on Aids and the willingness of political leaders to combat the pandemic over the years. And yesterday, the SAA announced that ICASA 2021 will no longer be held in Kampala.
“We would like to inform with deep regret, all partners, stakeholders, delegates and the international community, that unfortunately ICASA 2021 will no longer be held in Kampala, Uganda from 6th – 11th December 2021 as planned as a result of circumstances beyond our control,” reads in part of the statement.
The Society for AIDS in Africa acknowledges that without peace, security and a conducive environment for all, “we have no option but to revoke the hosting rights of Uganda. The Society for AIDS in Africa apologizes for any inconveniences this might cause.”
The new host country and venue will be announced in the coming days. The Society assured its partners, stakeholders, esteemed delegates, and the International community that the 21st edition of ICASA will still be organized from 6th – 11th December 2021.
“The Society for AIDS in Africa would like to reassure the people of Uganda, despite the fact that ICASA 2021 will not be hosted in Uganda, we will continue working with you towards our common goals, which is a continent free of HIV, TB, Malaria and emerging infections, where our communities are empowered; with zero stigma and discrimination against PLHIV and Key populations, where there is social justice and equitable access to services, care and support for all.”
