Copper Rose Zambia recently had the privilege of participating in the International Conference on AIDS and STIs in Africa (ICASA), which was held in Harare, Zimbabwe from 4th to 9th December 2023. The conference was held under the theme: AIDS is not over; Address inequalities accelerate inclusion and innovation, marking a significant milestone in our commitment to advancing Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) and HIV Prevention efforts.
Our engagement at ICASA went beyond a conventional presence as we connected with diverse individuals, fostering conversations and sharing insights on the critical issues surrounding AIDS and STIs in Africa. The conference served as a platform for us to showcase our dedication to the cause and connect with like minded professionals.
One of our notable highlights was the opportunity to convene Sexual and Reproductive Health experts during ICASA. This collaborative effort aimed at developing a roadmap for SRH integration. By bringing together a pool of expertise, we sought to identify innovative strategies and approaches to enhance SRH and HIV programs in order to address challenges comprehensively.
The lessons learned from ICASA 2023 are invaluable, as they reinforce the importance of collaboration and knowledge sharing in tackling the complexities of AIDS and STIs. Our interactions with experts and stakeholders provided fresh perspectives, inspiring us to refine our strategies during the implementation of activities to enable us amplify our impact in society.
Some of the lessons learned are diverse ways of packaging our learning products in ways that are both attractive and easy to use by our target audience, especially the young people to be specific. This will help us share and learn on the best practices of engaging young people in our activities effectively.
Another key lesson is the progress made by the international community in the discovery of new HIV prevention methods like the Dual Prevention Pill (DPP) , a pill that prevents HIV and Pregnancy at once. The overwhelming positive feedback from conference participants that toured our booth stands out as a fuel that will drive and encourage us to do more for our beneficiaries locally and internationally. It is also a testament of the impact that our vibrant team of young people are making within and beyond Zambia.
We were also thrilled and honored to host Zambia’s Ambassador to Zimbabwe, His Excellency Mr. Derrick Livune, and Dr. Kennedy Lishimpi, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health Technical Services at our booth during ICASA 2023. It was a pleasure engaging with over 500 people who stopped by our booth for insightful conversations and enjoyable moments.
In conclusion, our participation in the ICASA Conference was not just about showcasing our work but embracing a collective responsibility towards the broader goals of SRH and HIV prevention. As we reflect on this enriching experience, Copper Rose Zambia is poised to integrate the lessons learned into our ongoing efforts by ensuring that we have a more robust and effective approach to advancing Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health in Zambia and beyond.
CRZ staff having a light moment with Zambia’s Ambassador to Zimbabwe, His Excellency Mr. Derrick Livune, and Dr. Kennedy Lishimpi, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health Technical Services
SRH Experts during the SRH Advocacy and Integration Workshop at Cresta Oasis Hotel in Harare.
CRZ Staff sharing information about our work during booth exhibition sessions at ICASA 2023 in Harare.
