Zimbabwe to host the 22nd Edition of International Conference on AIDS and STIs in Africa (ICASA) from 4th to 9th December 2023
In the background, From left: Mr. Luc Armand Bodea, ICASA Director, H.E. Emerson Mnangagwa, President of. Zimbabwe, Prof. Morenike Ukpong, SAA Treasurer and Dr. Fikile Ndlovu, SAA Deputy Secretary General, during the Signing of the ICASA 2023 MoU, State House, Harare, Zimbabwe
The Society for AIDS in Africa was established in Kinshasa in October 1990 during the 4th International Conference on AIDS and Associated Cancers in Africa, a precursor to the International Conference on AIDS and STIs in Africa (ICASA). The formation of the Society for AIDS in Africa, which was facilitated by the (W.H.O) to encourage the African continent to host international conferences on HIV/AIDS, a disease whose scourge had the hardest impact on the continent. This move encouraged and empowered Africans to directly address and respond to the challenges posed by the HIV and AIDS pandemic on the continent.
Since its inception, SAA has successfully organized 21 International Conferences on HIV /AIDS and STIs in 19 African countries. The 21st edition of the International Conference on AIDS and STIs in Africa was held in Durban- South Africa, under the theme ‘’AFRICA’S AIDS RESPONSE: THE RACE TO 2030 – EVIDENCE. SCALE UP. ACCELERATE’’. This was the first time in its history that the conference was held virtually. Over 4025 delegates from 83 countries across Africa and other regions of the world participated virtually.
On 17th October 2022 in Harare, the Republic of Zimbabwe, the right to host the 22nd edition of the International Conference on AIDS and STIs in Africa was conferred to Zimbabwe under the effective leadership of His Excellency, Dr E. D. Mnangagwa, President of the Republic of Zimbabwe at the state house. This is the second time Zimbabwe is hosting ICASA. As previous hosts of ICASA 2015 held in Harare, Zimbabwe convened over 5400 delegates. Zimbabwe’s selection was a result of a rigorous evaluation process of two pre-selected countries out of five country bids.
With the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Honorable Vice President and Minister of Health and Child Care, General (Rtd) Dr. C.D.G. N. Chiwenga, representing the Government of Zimbabwe and the Society for AIDS in Africa, represented by Hon. Senator. Dr. David Pagwesese Parirenyatwa, SAA President and ICASA 2023 President, the Society for AIDs in Africa has the pleasure to officially declare Zimbabwe as the next host country of 22nd edition of ICASA, ICASA 2023!
The Society for AIDS in Africa is conscious of the momentous task ahead in preparing towards a successful ICASA 2023. We are confident that the Government of Zimbabwe with the good people of this country through ICASA 2023, will further motivate all African countries, and the International community to devote more attention and commitment to the fight against HIV/AIDS and other emerging viral infections and diseases in Africa towards the end of AIDS by 2030.
We are hereby appealing to all, to follow closely the unfolding preparations of ICASA 2023 and to lend your support to Zimbabwe, so that ICASA 2023 reflects lessons learnt that will further the new direction of the SDG strategies to move Africa towards strengthening our health systems, and the elimination of HIV, TB and Malaria.
From right (Back): Hon. Dr. David Pagwesese Parirenyatwa, SAA President/ICASA 2023 President and Air Commodore (Dr.) Jasper Chimedza, Permanent Secretary for Ministry of Health and Child Care, during the Signing of the ICASA 2023 MoU at the State House, Harare, Zimbabwe
NOTES TO EDITORS:
About The Society for AIDS in Africa (SAA)
The Society for AIDS in Africa was founded in 1989 at the Fourth International Symposium on AIDS and Associated Cancers in Africa (now ICASA) Held in Marseille, France by a group of African scientists, activists, and advocates in response to the HIV epidemic. The establishment of the Society was the effect of the agitations of some African scientists for the conference to be organised on African soil. These agitations began in the preceding year at the end of the third meeting held in Arusha, Tanzania in 1988. The cause of these scientists was supported by the then Director of WHO, Dr. Peter Piot.
At the 1990 conference held in the Democratic Republic of Congo, an Executive committee was inaugurated to oversee the establishment of the Society and to coordinate a subsequent international conference on AIDS and STIs in Africa (ICASA) conferences. The society was officially registered in Nairobi, Kenya with a functional secretariat in Nigeria. The permanent secretariat of the Society for AIDS in Africa was established in 2009 in Accra-Ghana. For more information on SAA please visit www.saafrica.org
Mr. Luc Armand Bodea
ICASA Director/SAA Coordinator
Permanent Secretariat
Society for AIDS in Africa
Mobile: (+233) (0)543748781
Office Direct: (+233) (0)302913739
Email: lucbodea@saafrica.org
Email: lucbodea@yahoo.fr
Website: www.saafrica.org
Comments (3)
This is great …thank you for trying to eradicate Hiv/AIDS
Thanks for the good job .
I have played a good role in prevention of HIV /Aids in our community.since I left the conference of 2021
It’s wonderful to hear that ICASA (International Conference on AIDS and STIs in Africa) is making a positive impact on the lives of many people, including your community. Conferences like ICASA play a crucial role in bringing together experts, activists, and communities to share knowledge, strategies, and innovations in the fight against HIV/AIDS and STIs. This collaborative effort is instrumental in improving prevention, treatment, and support programs worldwide. If there’s anything specific, you’d like to share or discuss about ICASA or your community’s experiences, please feel free to let me know. Your insights are valuable in our collective efforts to combat these health challenges.