UNESCO’s Science Sector, in collaboration with UNESCO Nairobi Office, is currently working with key partners in East and Southern Africa to increase interactions and networking between biomedical scientists in Africa in HIV- and AIDS-related research and diagnosis technologies, and to increase awareness of the potential role of scientists as resource personnel for HIV and AIDS education programmes.
The project aims to:
• provide a forum for presentation of the most recent scientific research findings on the biology of HIV, and an overview of HIV prevention, treatment, care and support;
• establish a network of African biomedical scientists for exchange of information and offering of expertise in the development of education programmes and materials;
• raise awareness among scientists and engineers in African Universities on the important role that they can play as scientists in the response to HIV and AIDS; and
• promote inclusion of HIV and AIDS issues in the curricula of Faculties of Science and Engineering.