The National AIDS Secretariat has, in collaboration with its development partners, held a day’s partnership forum. The forum with the theme: "Challenges for Universal Access to HIV and AIDS Prevention Treatment, Care and Support", was held on the 12th November 2009 at the Bintumani Hotel, Aberdeen in Freetown.

Minister of Presidential and Public Affairs, Mr. Joe Koroma, commended NAS for organizing such a forum that attracted various stakeholders from across the country, adding that the meeting is a demonstration of the commitment of NAS towards the fight against HIV/AIDS in the country.

He encouraged NAS and partners to continue their laudable efforts, although the spread of the pandemic, according to statistics, has been halted.

Director NAS, Dr. Brima Kargbo the attendance of government functionaries is a demonstration of the government’s commitment in partnering with the Secretariat. He disclosed that the Secretariat cannot fight AIDS alone, adding that it needs the active participation of their partners in order to develop ideas and techniques to end the spread of the disease.

He encouraged participants to talk about the challenges they are facing in their areas of responsibilities so that possible recommendations can be reached at the end of the one day forum.