CALL FOR ABSTRACTS

The 7th SAHARA Conference 2013 (SAHARA 7) hereby invites you to submit an abstract for the Conference, taking place from 7 to 10 October 2013, at the Cheikh Anta Diop University (UCAD) in Dakar, Senegal.The closing date for abstract submission is 28 February 2013. SAHARA 7 provides a world-class line-up of speakers invited to address the conference and opportunities to attend interactive, high quality, peer-reviewed parallel sessions that will provide detailed insights in high-quality refereed track themes. SAHARA 7 provides networking opportunities with international colleagues. The SAHARA 7 conference theme is

Translating evidence into action: Engaging with communities, policies, human rights, gender, service delivery
SAHARA 7 is not a standard scientific conference and will be like no other. It is the largest conference of its kind: going beyond knowledge sharing through focusing on practical methods to bridge the gap between cutting edge evidence and action.

SUBMIT ABSTRACT
Abstracts are invited on the following track themes: Track 1: HIV/AIDS epidemiology - The latest HIV/AIDS Epidemiology research findings in sub Saharan Africa. How to use evidence based on HIV/AIDS Epidemiology (Knowing your Epidemic) to inform policy and programming. Track 2: HIV/AIDS, stigma and human rights - What are the effective methods to address HIV/AIDS stigma and human rights and how to translate these into sustainable programmes. Track 3: Rethinking prevention - Bringing about a revolution in prevention, based on a package of new priorities and good practices that better account for the needs of at risk/vulnerable populations). Track 4: Key populations - The latest key populations research findings in sub Saharan Africa. How to deal with contextual barriers in conducting studies to improve knowledge on key populations, appropriate responses and improve access to treatment and on the respect of human rights. Track 5: Accessibility, uptake and adherence to treatment - Addressing systemic obstacles to delivery systems and community participation. Track 6: Accountability and political commitment - Addressing the decrease in financial resources and the requirement for greater global commitment to transparency and good governance, better management and involvement of the civil society. Track 7: Gender - Reversing HIV/AIDS trends among women and advocating for better access to care and treatment for women living with HIV/AIDS within the African context of high maternal mortality). Track 8: Community responses - Bridging the gap between research evidence and populations; grounding evidence in socio-cultural contexts; and understanding socio-cultural context as a resource in the fight against HIV/AIDS).

GUIDELINES FOR ABSTRACT SUBMISSIONS

Abstract submissions close on 28 February 2013. Please draft your abstract according to the SAHARA 7 guidelines. Refer to: http://www.sahara.org.za/submission-guideline Abstracts can only be submitted online at: https://cmt.research.microsoft.com/SAHARA2013/. Should you require further assistance please contact the SAHARA 7 Conference Secretariat: saharaconference@hsrc.ac.za

ABSTRACT STRUCTURE
The abstract should give a clear indication of the objectives, scope, results and conclusion of your work. There are two options:

General Abstract structure: BACKGROUND OBJECTIVE(S) METHODS KEY RESULTS CONCLUSION IMPLICATION FOR POLICY, ACTIVISM, AND/OR SERVICE DELIVERY Community Organisation Abstract structure: BACKGROUND DESCRIPTION OF ACTION LESSON/S LEARNT PERSPECTIVES CONCLUSION IMPLICATION FOR POLICY, ACTIVISM, AND/OR SERVICE DELIVERY Length: 500 words. Abstracts can only be submitted in text format no images, tables or graphs should be included.

CONFERENCE PROCEEDINGS
Submissions will be double blind-reviewed by the review committee who will decide on the acceptance of the proposed abstracts. The proceedings will be published in electronic format with an ISBN reference and will be available for distribution.

SATELLITE SESSIONS WORKSHOPS AND ROUNDTABLE MEETINGS

SAHARA 7 will be hosting a number of high-calibre satellite sessions. By attending the SAHARA 7, you will also have the opportunity to participate in a number of pre-conference workshops, in-conference workshops, roundtable meetings and capacity-building sessions. A number of quality workshops presented by high-profile local and international HIV and AIDS organisations have been confirmed. All workshops will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis, so register early! Proposals for satellite sessions, workshops and roundtable meeting are hereby invited for consideration by the SAHARA 7 Scientific Committee. Please contact SAHARA 7 Conference Secretariat for further information in this regard.

EXHIBITION OPPORTUNITIES
The exhibition plays an integral part in the conference. The SAHARA 7 offers limited exhibition space to interested Institutions. Maximize your presence by sponsoring SAHARA 7. This event provides a unique opportunity to showcase your organisation. For further information please contact the SAHARA 7 Conference Secretariat or refer to http://www.sahara.org.za/exhibitions.

SCHOLARSHIPS
Priority will be given to applicants whose participation in the Conference will enhance their individual work in their respective communities through the transfer of skills and knowledge acquired at the Conference. Further announcement will made in this regard in due course.

REGISTRATION
We urge you to take advantage of this opportunity to be involved in a Conference that aims to address issues affecting the social facet of the HIV/AIDS pandemic. For more information visit http://www.sahara.org.za/conferences/2013

We look forward to welcoming you at SAHARA 7.

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