AIDS 2016 - International AIDS Conference 2016

The 2016 International AIDS Congress will take place at the Durban International Convention Centre from 17-20 July 2016. The Mayor of eThekwini, James Nxumalo and bid partners announced the successful bid granted by the International AIDS Society.
"The congress is one of the most significant global association-related congresses. It is set to be attended by 20,000 delegates and the expected economic impact of this event will be in the region of R700 million," said Tourism Minister, Marthinus van Schalkwyk.
"The congress is one of only 30 international association meetings that have delegate numbers of more than 10,000 and which are officially listed on the International Congress and Convention Association database," stated Michael Mabuyakhulu, the MEC for Economic Development and Tourism, KwaZulu-Natal.
"This will be the biggest congress to be hosted in South Africa and the city of Durban and once again emphasises the considerable ability of our country and our city to host mega events of this nature. This will be the second time Durban hosts this event. No other city in the world has had the privilege of doing so," added Nxumalo.
"The prevention of HIV and AIDS is one of the most important challenges of South Africa's national development plan and 2030 vision and is critical to provincial growth and development strategy and the eThekwini integrated and development strategy. This disease is significantly stifling the economic development potential of South Africa, the province and Durban. The congress will be a key tool to assist us to deal with and continue to raise awareness of this key pandemic, which is prevalent in our city and the immediate rural surrounds," said the city manager of eThekwini, Sibusiso Sithole.