Southern Africa HIV/AIDS Information Service, UNAIDS Launch Program To Fight Epidemic in Region
The Southern Africa HIV and AIDS Information Dissemination Service and UNAIDS recently launched an electronic HIV/AIDS discussion forum that aims to foster dialogue and promote HIV prevention in the region, the Herald/AllAfrica.com reports. The forum also aims to promote advocacy, partnerships and networking at both the national and sub-regional levels.
The forum, which will run for six months, will discuss several major themes -- including the main drivers of the epidemic, the role of men in HIV prevention, prevention among young people, the role of sexually transmitted infections in HIV prevention and the spread of the virus, and strategic condom programming. Papers on the topics written by experts also will be made available on the forum, and participants will able to critique them and contact the authors personally, the Herald/AllAfrica.com reports.
SAFAIDS Executive Director Lois Chingandu at the launch of the forum said, "While in the last few years we have witnessed an upsurge in political leadership and commitment, resources, and improved HIV programming in the area of care and treatment, the large numbers of new infections reported is a clear indication of failures and shortcomings of our prevention programs." According to the Herald/AllAfrica.com, Chingandu called on the public to actively participate on the forum (Herald/AllAfrica.com, 5/2).