Experts explore the human face of Aids epidemic

INTERNATIONAL experts on HIV and Aids are in Cape Town today for the 13th Aids Impact Conference to find solutions for the prevention and care of the epidemic.

The conference, hosted by Stellenbosch University (SU) and the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC), aims to look at the human face of the epidemic.

Dr Sarah Skeen of SU and co-chair of the conference, said a greater focus has been placed on medical research, and not so much on the faces behind the epidemic.

“Despite the vast importance of medical inquiry and advancements in the fight against HIV, attending to the humanitarian and social ‘face’ of the epidemic are invaluable,” Skeen said.

The Cape Town conference is titled “What will it take to end the epidemic?” and aims to promote work on understanding the dynamics of “this changing” epidemic. The latest solutions for prevention, treatment and care will also be high on the agenda.

The HSRC’s Professor Heidi van Rooyen, co-chairperson of the conference, said: “If we are to stem the epidemic in Africa, then addressing poverty, gender inequality and genderbased violence, which fuel the spread of HIV among vulnerable populations, requires our urgent attention.”

The meeting will bring together delegates from 54 countries who are new to the field, as well as seasoned researchers, prevention workers, community members, policy makers, and other key stakeholders from universities, insti- tutes, and organisations.

Professor Lorraine Sherr of the International Scientific Board said governments needed to look closer at community needs especially where the HIV/Aids rates are high.

“If we forget the human face behind the epidemic the virus will triumph – if we grasp the needs of humanity, we can pinpoint a turning point in the journey to eradicate Aids,” she said.

The plenary session will also provide a platform for activists.

The conference runs until Wednesday.