DURBAN - The 11th South African AIDS Conference gets underway in KwaZulu-Natal on Tuesday.
Deputy President Paul Mashatile as Chair of the National AIDS Council was to deliver the keynote address.
The opening will now be done by Health Minister Joe Phaahla as Mashatile is not available.
Scientists, researchers and civil society will gather to reflect on progress made in fighting the disease.
The meeting is being held under the theme 'Act, Connect and End the Epidemic.'
KZN Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube will also attend the opening plenary.
They'll be joined by representatives from UN and SADC Agencies.