5th SA AIDS Conference
Message from the Chairperson
2011 Conference Chair
Prof WD Francois Venter, FCP (SA)
Theme: “Leadership, Delivery and Accountability”
The theme of this AIDS conference is “Leadership, Delivery and Accountability”. We’ve never needed it as much as now.
HIV in sub-Saharan Africa is at a crossroads. Prevention programmes have been disappointing, and HIV remains at very high prevalence levels in almost every community. Treatment and prevention of mother-to-child programmes have been scaled up, but donor support has wavered, leaving many countries in the desperate position of rationing. Budgets are under pressure, in the wake of a recession and competing priorities in the fields of job creation, housing and education. TB remains a stubborn and complex problem.
We have excellent treatment for HIV, but health systems are failing in provision of care. We have good data on risk factors for HIV acquisition, but limited agreement on prevention strategies. We have excellent legislation, but evidence of widespread discrimination and stigma. The excitement and relative chaos that has occurred in the last few years, pushed on by the huge, increased funding and passion for changing the system.
A certain level of cynicism has crept in around AIDS conferences in the last couple of years. They are seen as talk shops and endless ‘calls to action’. This is a pity; I remember my first few HIV conferences, the excitement of seeing passionate people addressing a mortal disease with courage and wisdom. As the next generation of clinicians, researchers and activists start entering the field, we need to similarly inspire them. It is with this in mind, that we have put together an exciting and diverse programme, with something for everyone, and with a very strong African focus. The Conference committees, the board, and everyone involved has worked very hard to bring you something special. We hope you enjoy it!
Prof WD Francois Venter, FCP (SA)
Deputy Executive Director, WrHI (Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute)
Associate Professor, Department of Medicine
University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
List of Committee members
| Name & Surname | Company | Designation |
|---|---|---|
| Francois Venter |
Wits Institute for Sexual & Reproductive Health, |
Conference Chair |
| Gustaaf Wolvaardt | Dira Sengwe | Board of Directors Representative |
| Wendy Burgers | Institute of Infectious Diseases | Track 1: Chair |
| Vivek Naranbhai | CAPRISA | Track 1: Co-chair |
| Nesri Padayatchi | CAPRISA | Track 2: Chair |
| Doug Wilson | KZN Dept of Health | Track 5: Co-Chair |
| Shereen Usdin | Soul City, IHDC | Track 5: Chair |
| David Coetzee | University of Cape Town | Track 3: Co-Chair |
| Laetitia Rispel | University of the Witwatersrand | Track 4: Chair |
| Mary Crewe | Centre for the Study of AIDS, UP | Track 4: Co-Chair |
| Winnie Moleko | Wits Institute for Sexual & Reproductive Health, HIV and Related Diseases | Track 5: Chair |
| Jonathan Berger | Section 27 Incorporating the AIDS Law Project | Track 5: Co-Chair |
| Boniswa Seti | ARASA | Track 6: Chair |
| Bonnie Jean Saxon | Wits Institute for Sexual & Reproductive Health, HIV and Related Diseases | Track 6: Co-chair |
| Fatima Shaik | SA HIV Soc | Skills Development |
| Muthei Dombo | SA Registrars Association | University Scholarship Programme |
Conference poster
