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Writes Catherine Murombedzi
The Society for AIDS in Africa (SAA) has announced that Accra, Ghana will host the 23rd edition of the International Conference on AIDS and STIs in Africa (ICASA) from December 3rd to 8th next year.
This conference is a significant milestone, marking the 35th anniversary of SAA and bringing together global leaders, community leaders, researchers, human rights advocates, and health professionals to combat HIV/AIDS, STIs, and other diseases.
ICASA Director and SAA Coordinator, Luc Armand Bodea, stated that Ghana’s successful bid was attributed to its exceptional dedication to combating HIV/AIDS in the West African sub-region, demonstrated through its tireless efforts and commitment to improving healthcare outcomes.
“Ghana’s exceptional dedication to addressing HIV/AIDS challenges in the West African sub-region made it stand out in the highly competitive selection process,” said Luc Armand Bodea.
In 1989, African scientists, activists, and advocates founded SAA at the Fourth International Symposium on AIDS and Associated Cancers in Africa (now ICASA) in Marseille, France.
In 1990, the Executive Committee was inaugurated in the Democratic Republic of Congo, with the official registration in Nairobi, Kenya. The initial secretariat was in Nigeria.
In 2009, a permanent secretariat was established in Accra, Ghana.
ICASA is one of the largest and most important conferences on HIV/AIDS in Africa, held every two years. The previous edition, ICASA 2023, drew over 8,118 delegates from 105 countries in Harare, Zimbabwe.
However, some advocates expressed concerns about limited space and opportunities for community expression during the conference.
A planned march for Universal Health Coverage was halted due to security concerns, raising worries about suppressing self-expression, particularly among the LGBTQI+ community.
Given Ghana’s recent legislation criminalisung sexual minorities and restricting advocacy for LGBTQI+ rights, ensuring inclusivity and self-expression for key populations at ICASA 2025 is crucial.
Civil rights organisations like Rightify Ghana argue that this law undermines progress in fighting HIV and AIDS.
ICASA 2025 organisers must prioritise supporting key populations and creating a safe space for all participants.
To achieve this, advocates from Ghana and other African countries can:
● Engage with ICASA 2025 organisers to ensure inclusive programming and safe spaces for key populations.
● Raise awareness about the importance of inclusivity and human rights in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
● Collaborate with civil rights organisations to promote advocacy and support for marginalised communities.
● Develop strategies to address potential challenges and ensure participant safety.
By working together, ICASA 2025 can be a successful and inclusive conference that advances the fight against HIV/AIDS and promotes health equity in Africa leaving no one behind.
Feedback: cathymwauyakufa@gmail.com