Ethiopian Health Minister Dr. Theodros Adhanom
Addis Ababa, August 22, 2011 (Addis Ababa) – A reception was thrown to Owners of Hotels and Managers who are expected to strive for the success of the 16th International Conference on AIDS and Sexually Transmitted Infections (16th ICASA 2011) in Africa scheduled for the first week of December in Addis Ababa.
The Conference aims to serve as a platform for sharing of progress towards universal access to HIV prevention, treatment, care and support in the continent, which is a milestone of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
Health Minister, Dr. Tedros Adhanom said on the occasion that stakeholders, particularly owners of hotels, managers and investors engaged in tourism sector would have a great contribution for the success of the Conference,
Dr. Tedros said the conference will also help to mobilize African leaders, partners and the communities to increase ownership, commitment and support for the response to HIV, AIDS, TB, and Malaria, among others.
The conference expects to welcome over 10,000 delegates from around the world that are active in the fields of HIV/AIDS, STIs, TB and Malaria, organizers said.
Minister of Culture and Tourism, Amin Abdulqadir on his part urged owners and managers of hotels, lodges, guesthouses, and restaurants to work aggressively in especially in customer handling.
The government is working hard currently to make Ethiopia one of the five tourist destinations in Africa in 2012, he said, adding that in this regard, customer satisfaction would have a paramount importance.
President of ICASA 2011, Dr. Yigeremu Abebe on the occasion said Ethiopia, as a host country of ICASA 2011, is responsible for the creation of a local environment conducive to supporting the success of the conference.
ICASA is a major international AIDS Conference that takes place biennially in Africa.
It provides a forum for the exchange of scientific knowledge, experiences and best practices on HIV and AIDS, and STIs in Africa and around the world.
Source: ENA