FROM THE PRESIDENT'S DESK.

“TIME FOR A CHANGE”
From the desk of the President of the Society For AIDS in Africa ( SAA) 

Dear Friends, Partners and Colleagues,
It is time for a change
“One of the marvelous work of nature is “change” and Nature has been programmed in such a way that “change” is inevitable.  Changes allow for rejuvenation, innovation, adjustment, and continuity all at the same time.” It is time to inject new blood into SAA Ruling Council. 
For the past 2 decades, 11 eminent African scientists have been at the helms of affairs in the running of the Society for AIDS in Africa.  Now, it is time to change the leadership of SAA.
Virtually all the current 11 Council members were the founding members of the Society for AIDS in Africa and they had all contributed not only to the growth of the society, but also to African responses to the global HIV and AIDS issues.
The Society for AIDS in Africa is committed to advancing knowledge through research, as well as to mitigating the impact of HIV in the continent through innovative responses at all levels.
Given the rapidly expanding HIV related problems across our continent and at the same time new scientific challenges to deal with them, the Society needs to look more inwardly to reposition itself and face these challenges. There is no doubt about it that the Society needs to be rejuvenated to be better positioned in the fight against HIV in Africa,  hence, the need for us to bring into the governing council, new people with new ideas.  We need to look into the AIDS issue, from a wider and inclusive perspective.
The election of new members into the ruling council of SAA is the beginning of process that we hope will ultimately bring us to realize the Society’s vision.
We are looking for committed, transparent, innovative, dedicated people, with broad-based knowledge of the problems that continue to fuel the epidemics on our continent, as well as astute scientists that can foster research and mentor young scientists interested in HIV and AIDS issues.
We call on all members to participate fully in this election process. Those that you will elect will lead the Society; represent your nationally and internationally as well as speak your voice.
The election will be transparently conducted and verifiable.  This is not a “political election” – it is a call to genuine service.
Please constantly check the SAA website for information regarding this election process.  We want you all to participate.  SAA is our Society.
Looking forward to welcoming the group of the people you would have chosen at the coming ICASA 2008 in Senegal where they would be presented to you, sworn into office and handed the rein of office to represent all stakeholders involved in HIV in Africa for the next 4 years.

I wish you a successful election.

Femi Soyinka
President SAA