Panafrican News Agency - December 14, 2001
Speaking at the closing ceremony, ICASA chairman Prof. Robert Soudre noted that the first recommendation to scientists was "to design formulas based on molecules which can lead to effective antiretroviral medicine, easy to use and low-cost".
Soudre added that research efforts should also be beefed up to produce an effective vaccine as soon as possible.
Participants suggested to political leaders to step up the fight against poverty and ensure the implementation of legal instruments for protection and promotion, preventive, curative and environmental strategies and to fight against social exclusion.
They urged heads of state to mobilise for greater access to health care through more committed policies.
"Financial support from development partners should be continued and increased to enable scientists, health professionals and communities to achieve significant results as soon as possible", said Prof. Soudre.
Out of the world's 40 million HIV-positive people, 75 percent live in Africa, according to figures from the World Health Organisation (WHO).
Recalling that AIDS control should be multidirectional, the Conference suggested that access to antiretrovirals and production of generic antiretrovirals be supported by financial partners.
In that respect, Prof. Soudre called on policy makers to make clear proposals and translate them into plans of action for more active involvement of professionals in the area of health policies and the provision of health care.
In a call to African communities, participants recommended an end to the stigmatisation of HIV-positive people, AIDS patients and orphans, as well as psychological and spiritual support to people affected by HIV.
They also suggested that communities be further involved in AIDS control, case management of people infected with HIV and individual and collective awareness of the pandemics.
On the need for such a forum as ICASA, Prof. Soudre said that the 12th edition, attended by 5,100 delegates, was a major forum for consultation and exchange of views which enabled the enhancement of cooperation among scientists and the involvement of policy makers and financial partners.
Judging from the commitment taken by policy makers, financial partners and scientists, the ICASA chairman said that there was a reason for hope at the end of the conference.
The 13th edition of ICASA will be held in September 2003 in Nairobi, Kenya.
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