On World AIDS Day 2014, mayors from 26 cities from around the world gathered to launch the Fast-Track Cities approach to ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030. These mayors signed the Paris Declaration, pledging their commitment to the approach.
Between 15 and 17 March 2016, mayors and their representatives from 19 municipalities in South Africa will gather in Durban to do the same. They will commit to implementing multi-sectoral municipal plans to reach the 90-90-90 Fast-Track targets for HIV and TB.
These 19 municipalities together represent half of South Africa’s population, half of all new HIV infections in South Africa and the majority of people living with HIV in need of HIV treatment. If these municipalities implement the Fast-Track approach, it is feasible that South Africa could meet the global target of ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.
Mayors will gather on Thursday 17 March for a high-level meeting, followed by a signing ceremony of the Paris Declaration and a press conference.
WHAT: Signing ceremony and press conference
WHEN: Thursday 17 March 2015
Signing ceremony: 13h00‒13h30
Press conference: 13h45‒14h30
WHERE: Moses Mabhida Staduim, Durban
SPEAKERS (TBC)
Cllr James Nxumalo, Mayor of eThekwini Municipality
Cllr Thabo Manyoni, Executive Mayor of Mangaung and Chairperson of South African Local Government Association (SALGA)
Dr Fareed Abdullah, CEO of South African National AIDS Council (SANAC)
Dr Erasmus Morah, UNAIDS Country Director
Dr Gwen Ramagkopa, Chairperson of SANAC Board of Trustees
Madam Tobeka Madiba Zuma, First Lady of South Africa