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Havana, May 2002
Dear Colleague:
Being selected to organize the II FORUM on HIV/AIDS/STD in Latin America and the Caribbean from April 7th to 12th, 2003 is the highest honor and great responsibility for the Cuban people.
Havana has been selected on this occasion to host this important event. The city’s unique charm, tradition, culture and atmosphere make it the ideal location for an event of this magnitude for all our countries.
The event will follow in the footsteps of the I Forum and the II Conference of Horizontal Technical Cooperation in Latin America and the Caribbean on HIV/AIDS/STD, held in November 2000 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
The Forum 2003 intends to continue fortifying the process of experience and knowledge exchange between the National Programs, the Organizations of People living with HIV/AIDS (PLHIV), the non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and Networks, the Public and Private Institutions of Latin America and the Caribbean and International Agencies, as well as promoting closer ties between the different sectors, thereby consolidating the Forum as a facilitator of dialogue on the needs of the Latin American and Caribbean region.
The central themes to be discussed in the FORUM will be: Basic Sciences, Prevention, Behavioral and epidemiological studies, Social Response and Public Policy.
Other related sub-themes are: Greater inclusion of people living with HIV/AIDS, Human Rights, Gender, Social Vulnerability, Ethics, Participation.
As part of the Forum 2003, the II Latin American and Caribbean Community Forum on HIV/AIDS/STD will be held between April 7th and 8th.
FORUM 2003 is an event of the utmost importance and should not be missed. Your participation is important. We hope to see you in our city in April 2003.
Dr. Manuel Santín Peña |