Mozambique’s President Filipe Nyusi on Monday joined Rwanda’s Paul Kagame and other leaders for the 20th International Conference on AIDS and Sexually Transmitted Infections in Africa (ICASA 2019).
The two-day summit is being held under the theme “Aids-Free Africa – Innovation, Community, and Political Leadership”.
ICASA is a platform for drawing African leaders’ attention to the 90-90-90 strategy and renewing their commitment to an AIDS-free Africa.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the conference, President Kagame called for open communication as a way of tackling the deaths from sexually transmitted diseases.
“Open dialogue saves lives. When it comes to sexually transmitted infections, stigma and silence are real killers just as much as the underlying viruses.” he said.
On his part, President Nyusi called for inclusive efforts in the fight against the sexually transmitted diseases.
“We need a multi sectoral approach in addressing the issue around HIV/AIDS prevention& treat’t , recognize vulnerable , key populations and marginalized groups in this cause. They must be carried along,” he said.
Other leaders present in Kigali for the Conference include the World Health Organization Director General Tedros Adhanom, President of ICASA Prof John Idoko and several First Ladies from across the continent.
During his stay in Rwanda, President Nyusi will also hold bilateral talks with President Kagame aimed at bolstering ties between their two countries.
Nyusi is accompanied in Rwanda by a higl level delegation including Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation José Pacheco and Minister of Health Nazira Abdula.
