English
FrançaisICASA Youth Programme
Background
The 22nd edition of the International Conference on AIDS and Sexually Transmitted Infections in Africa (ICASA 2023) in Harare, Zimbabwe in December 2023 represents a tremendous opportunity to highlight the diverse nature of the African region’s HIV epidemic and the unique response to it.
The International Conference on AIDS and STIs in Africa (ICASA) is a biennial conference organized by the Society for AIDS in Africa (SAA), which brings together thousands of participants from across the globe to discuss the latest research, policies, and developments related to HIV/AIDS and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in Africa. ICASA provides a platform for researchers, healthcare professionals, activists, policymakers, and advocates to share their experiences and expertise, and to network and collaborate on efforts to combat the HIV/AIDS epidemic as well as strengthen the Health systems in Africa. One of the key features of ICASA is its youth programme, which is designed to engage and empower young people in the fight against HIV/AIDS and STIs. The youth programme aims to provide a platform for young people to share their experiences and perspectives on HIV, TB, Malaria, STIs, SRHR and climate change, to learn from experts and peers, and to develop leadership and advocacy skills.
The youth programme at ICASA typically includes a range of activities, including pre-conference, youth pavilion activities, and youth special sessions. These activities are designed to address the unique challenges and opportunities faced by young people in the context of HIV, TB, Malaria, STIs, SRHR and climate change in Africa, and to provide them with the platform to engage, network, learn best practices necessary to make a difference in their communities.
One of the key themes of the youth programme at ICASA is the importance of youth-led advocacy and activism in the fight against HIV, TB, Malaria, STIs, SRHR and climate change. Young people are encouraged to take a leadership role in shaping policies and programs related HIV, TB, Malaria, STIs, SRHR and climate change, and to use their voices and experiences to advocate for change at the local, national, and international levels.
Overall, the youth programme at ICASA is an important part of the conference, providing a space for young people to learn, connect, and collaborate on efforts to combat HIV, TB, Malaria, STIs, SRHR and climate change in Africa. By empowering young people to take a leadership role in the fight against HIV/AIDS and STIs, the youth programme at ICASA is helping to ensure that the next generation is equipped with the knowledge, skills, and resources they need to make a difference in the fight against these diseases and strengthening health systems in Africa.