Ghana officially launches ICASA 2025, a pivotal event to address HIV and other infectious diseases.
The 23rd International Conference on AIDS and STIs in Africa (ICASA 2025) marks Ghana's inaugural hosting. This conference, running from December 3rd to 8th, is organized by the Society for AIDS in Africa (SAA) under the theme, "Africa in Action: Catalysing Integrated and Resilient Health Systems for Sustainable Responses to End HIV, Other Infectious Diseases, and Emerging Threats."
ICASA, a significant bilingual AIDS conference, rotates biennially between Anglophone and Francophone African nations. Over the past three decades, it has played a crucial role in mitigating the impact of HIV and AIDS, Tuberculosis, Hepatitis, and Malaria. It fosters an inclusive environment, free from stigma and discrimination, for people living with HIV (PLHIV) and their families.
The conference's objectives encompass:
- Catalyzing Africa's progress towards the triple elimination of HIV, AIDS, and other infectious diseases, while building sustainable, resilient health systems through innovation and digital technologies.
- Promoting collaboration among governments, civil society, the private sector, and international organizations to enhance health security and improve pandemic preparedness and response.
- Strengthening capacity and facilitating knowledge exchange for healthcare professionals, researchers, and policymakers.
- Empowering communities and advocating for human rights and gender equality in the context of HIV and AIDS, as well as emerging and re-emerging diseases.
ICASA 2025 will gather approximately 3000 delegates from 85 countries, emphasizing the need for media coverage to inform the public about its proceedings. Dr. Kharmacelle Prosper Akanbong, Director-General of the Ghana AIDS Commission and Local Organizing Chairman of ICASA 2025, highlighted the conference's relevance, especially in light of Ghana's HIV statistics, urging a reevaluation of national response strategies.
Dr. Fiona Braka from the World Health Organisation (WHO) emphasized the conference's focus on accelerating Africa's progress towards the elimination of AIDS, TB, and Malaria through innovation and digital technologies. She urged governments to take ownership, integrate responses, provide permanent budget allocations, and called on partners and donors to invest in long-term system strengthening, local manufacturing, and the African workforce.
