The Society for AIDS in Africa (SAA) has selected Ghana to host the 23rd International Conference on AIDS and STIs in Africa (ICASA) from December 3-8, 2025.
This major global event, which has been a cornerstone in Africa’s battle against HIV/AIDS, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and other emerging viral diseases, will take place from December 3rd to 8th at the Accra International Conference Centre.
The announcement came through an official press release signed by Mr. Luc Armand Bodea, ICASA Director and SAA Coordinator, marking a historic moment for the country as it will be the first time Ghana is hosting this prestigious conference.
“This prestigious event will convene global leaders, community, researchers, advocates, and healthcare professionals to further the continent’s fight against HIV/AIDS, STIs, Hepatitis, Malaria, TB, emerging viral infections and strengthening Africa’s Health systems.”
Mr. Luc Armand Bodea, ICASA Director and SAA Coordinator
The selection is a significant achievement for Ghana and a recognition of its strong leadership and commitment to combating HIV/AIDS under the leadership of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
The Society for AIDS in Africa (SAA), the organization behind ICASA, expressed its delight over the decision, which positions Ghana at the forefront of health discourse and policy on the African continent.
“ICASA 2025 in Accra will be a pivotal moment in advancing Africa’s health systems towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), global goal of ending new HIV infections by 2030 and advancing the AU Agenda 2063.”
Mr. Luc Armand Bodea, ICASA Director and SAA Coordinator
Ghana’s selection as the ICASA 2025 host did not come easy. The press release highlighted that the bidding process was highly competitive, with several nations vying for the opportunity to host the conference.
However, Ghana’s demonstrated commitment to addressing the HIV/AIDS challenge within the West African sub-region set it apart.
The press release highlighted that Ghana has made notable strides in the fight against the HIV epidemic and continues to invest in its health systems, ensuring that both prevention and treatment services are accessible to its population.
Strengthening Health Systems and Addressing New Challenges
As the press release emphasized, ICASA 2025 will focus not just on HIV/AIDS but also on strengthening Africa’s health systems to address the increasing threat of emerging viral infections and other infectious diseases.
The conference will serve as a platform for discussing innovative solutions to improve healthcare delivery, enhance the capacity of health institutions, and foster resilience in African health systems to deal with future epidemics.
“Over 8118 delegates from over 105 countries attended ICASA 2023 in Harare, Zimbabwe. This 23rd edition of ICASA will be hosted in West Africa to mark the 35th Anniversary of Society for AIDS in Africa.”
Mr. Luc Armand Bodea, ICASA Director and SAA Coordinator
The Society was founded in 1989 at the Fourth International Symposium on AIDS and Associated Cancers in Africa, held in Marseille, France, in response to the growing HIV epidemic.
The idea to create a dedicated African organization was championed by African scientists and advocates who pushed for an African-based conference to address the unique challenges faced by the continent in combating HIV/AIDS.
Since then, SAA has organized numerous ICASA conferences, helping to shape the continent’s response to the HIV/AIDS crisis.
The press release emphasized that preparations for ICASA 2025 are already underway, with the first International Steering Committee meeting scheduled for November 28-29, 2024, at the Alisa Hotel in Accra, Ghana.
The Society for AIDS in Africa has invited stakeholders, health professionals, researchers, and donors to stay updated on the developments leading up to the conference.
This gathering of health leaders will undoubtedly provide a significant boost to Ghana’s reputation as a leader in public health and an advocate for international cooperation in the fight against infectious diseases.
ICASA 2025 is poised to be a transformative event for the global health community, marking a major step forward in Africa’s health systems and further mobilizing efforts to end AIDS and combat other infectious diseases.
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