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Leonard Ncube, Victoria Falls Reporter

A DELEGATION from the Society for Aids in Africa, which is in the country to assess Zimbabwe’s suitability to host the 22nd International Conference on Aids and Sexually Transmitted Illnesses in Africa (Icasa 2023) visited Victoria Falls to check on facilities.

Zimbabwe and Kenya are front runners to host Icasa 2023 where about 15 000 delegates are expected.

Icasa demands that countries intending to host the conference must have approval from their Government’s highest authority before a bid can be formally considered.

The team landed in Harare on Wednesday where it was met at the Robert Mugabe International Airport by Vice President General Retired, Dr Constantino Chiwenga, who took them to President Mnangagwa.

Robert Mugabe International Airport

The President has pledged Government support for Zimbabwe’s bid to host the event, giving the nod to the delegation to assess local facilities.

The team has already assessed the eligibility of Kenya and final results are expected after they complete assessing Zimbabwe, which is Harare and Victoria Falls, and the vetting process. 

Head of delegation Dr Luc Armand Bodea who is Icasa director said he was impressed by the hospitality of Zimbabweans, starting with the President, the Vice President and all stakeholders that handled their itinerary.

In Victoria Falls, they landed at the newly refurbished Victoria Falls international Airport, which can now accommodate wide bodied aircraft with a capacity of handling 1,5 million passengers per year.

They were accompanied by a team from the National Aids Council before meeting Zimbabwe Tourism Authority and hotel industry executives. The team visited hotels and outdoor facilities as well as the local authority.

At Elephant Hills Resort, the possible venue, they inspected the conference rooms and the golf course, which has capacity to host thousands of guests.

Elephant Hills Resort

Dr Bodea said they expect venues that can accommodate 5 000 guests for the main plenary and breakaway rooms that can take more than 1 000 people.

“We came here and directly from the airport we were received by the Vice President Chiwenga and then President Mnangagwa,” he said. 

“They have shown commitment and readiness to host if the country is selected. They have proposed Victoria Falls and this is why we are here to see the facilities,” said Dr Bodea.

He said in case the country wins the bid, it has to start planning now. – @ncubeleon.