Information

The idea of an International Students Conference on AIDS originates in the workshop for sensitization and awareness creation for HIV/AIDS among students of higher learning institutions in Tanzania in May 16-17, 2002, where the former president of the united republic of Tanzania, his excellence Ali Hassan Mwinyi officiated the opening. The Students HIV/AIDS Prevention Committee of the Muhimbili University College of Health Sciences (MUCHS) hosted the activity, in the CPL hall at MUCHS, Dar es salaam, Tanzania. The workshop had 360 participants from 10 different universities.

The first ISCA will have the following objectives;

(a)     To assemble students, scientists, social workers, politicians and exhibitors, who are currently engaged or not engaged in conventional and alternative health administration, practices, services, and studies, among the world’s diverse populations, for presentations, discussions and exchange of real life experiences and knowledge in medicine and healthcare relating to HIV/AIDS;

(b)  Generate a pool of invaluable scientific findings to enhance medical
education, scientific research and the provision of healthcare in HIV/AIDS
related settings;

(c) Share the findings with interested governmental and non-governmental
agencies, institutions of learning and practice of medicine for possible
integration into public health policies and global health education; and

(d) To coordinate students activities against HIV/AIDS by establishment of a network of societies dealing with HIV/AIDS, family planning, and STDs control

The theme for the first ISCA is "youth – force for change!" and it is anticipated to include about 400 to 500 hundred students from different corners of the world.

Participants will undertake the following activities;

·         Will listen to the speeches delivered by popular opinion leaders including politicians, AIDS activists and advocates, PLWHA e.t.c from different parts of the world

·         Attend and participate in workshops, symposia, and skills building seminars

·         Participate in outdoor activities such as beach parties, night outs, galas and outreach activities. Some participants from outside Tanzania with some few Tanzanians will enjoy the opportunity to visit tourism sites, such as the tallest in Africa mountain Kilimanjaro, the game reserves and national parks where they will have a memorable experience of seeing the elegant Giraffe and many more, historical sites such as the famous Bagamoyo slave market and its lovely beach, and various cultural scenes and sites

·  Perform cultural dances of their homeland with various HIV/AIDS specific messages

·         Watch and discuss various theatrical presentations carrying specific HIV/AIDS themes

All in all ISCA will be both a conference and a festival, where a diversity of young people will get the opportunity to meet each other and discuss and share their knowledge and experiences of not only HIV/AIDS but also contemporary issues of global importance, towards making the world a better place for everyone. The conference will be an arena for overcoming cultural, political and religious boundaries, in order to promote tolerance and understanding.