Today, the 6th of March 2025, we commemorate the 68th Anniversary of Ghana’s Independence. Allow me to take this opportunity to extend my warmest congratulations to President John Mahama and the wonderful people of Ghana on this momentous occasion.

As you are aware, Ghana is home to the headquarters of our organization, the Society for AIDS in Africa (SAA). This year, from the 3rd to the 8th of December, we will be organizing the International Conference on AIDS and STIs, the first time this significant event will be held in Africa. We are expecting over 10,000 participants to join us for this landmark conference.

This webinar is part of the Society for AIDS in Africa’s ongoing capacity-building activities, specifically aimed at supporting young researchers. It is designed to help you develop the skills needed to excel in writing high-quality abstracts, which are crucial in academic and scientific work.

I would also like to inform you that if you are a member of the SAA, you have the opportunity to participate in our mentorship program. This program will run throughout the abstract submission period, from 1st March to 30th May. It’s a fantastic opportunity to receive expert guidance and support.

Furthermore, I would like to take a moment to commend the African countries that have taken proactive steps to address the challenges arising from the recent cuts to AIDS funding by the US government. We believe that this current crisis should serve as a wake-up call for both civil society and governments across Africa, urging us all to think about sustainability and ownership in our healthcare systems.

Finally, I encourage you to enjoy today’s session with Professor Morenike. I look forward to seeing all of you in December in Accra, Ghana, for what promises to be a truly transformative event.

Thank you.