Dear Colleagues,

Let us begin by paying tribute to eight departed heroes of Ghana, those who tragically lost their lives in the helicopter crash earlier this August. May their souls rest in perfect peace, and may the Almighty God continue to comfort and strengthen their loved ones.

I would like to recognize the following distinguished personalities:

• The Honorable Minister of Health of Ghana and Vice President of ICASA 2025, Hon. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh
• The SAA Board Members joining us online, and present here, the Secretary General of the Society for AIDS in Africa, Dr. Aliou Sylla, and Dr. Niyi
• The Director General of the Ghana AIDS Commission, Dr. Kharmacelle Prosper Akanbong
• The Director General of Ghana’s National AIDS Control Program, Dr. Emmanuel Teviu
• The Director General of the South African National AIDS Council (SANAC), Dr. Thembisile
• The Director of ICASA, Mr. Luc Armand Bodea
• Distinguished chairs and co-chairs of the ICASA 2025 committees,
• Members of the Society for AIDS in Africa,
• Ladies and gentlemen,

Today, the 19th of August, we gather for the 3rd Preparatory Meeting of ICASA 2025, known as the Marathon Meeting. As a reminder, in preparation for ICASA, the Society for AIDS in Africa organizes at least three such meetings in the host country, where more than 120 professionals from across Africa’s five regions are invited to contribute their expertise. These meetings aim to shape a program that addresses the current challenges we face in HIV/AIDS, STIs, and the strengthening of Africa’s health systems.

This Marathon Meeting takes place at a particularly difficult time, one in which Africa’s leadership is being called upon to own the HIV response and to champion domestic financing of our health systems.

But it is also time for us, as African citizens, to reflect deeply: How are we personally contributing to the continental effort of ownership and sustainability?

Each of us has a role to play. Starting with ICASA 2025, let us ask ourselves:

• As stakeholders, how are we mobilizing our communities, our networks, our delegates, and our local governments?
• How are we demonstrating leadership in ensuring the success of this uniquely African platform?

Let us remember: ICASA is currently the only Black-led, Pan-African platform where leaders, communities, and scientists come together under one roof to address Africa’s public health challenges in a truly inclusive way.

The theme for ICASA 2025 is:

“Africa in Action: Catalyzing Integrated Sustainable Responses to End AIDS, TB & Malaria.”

Let me conclude by invoking the powerful words of Kwame Nkrumah, spoken at the founding of the Organization of African Unity in Addis Ababa, May 25, 1963:

“This is not because we are a race of supermen, but because we have emerged in the age of science and technology in which poverty, ignorance and disease are no longer the masters, but the retreating foes of mankind.”

Let these words guide us as we prepare for ICASA 2025. Let us scale up our actions and mobilize our continent to ensure this platform remains vibrant, relevant, and impactful.

I wish you all fruitful deliberation and a successful ICASA 2025 Marathon Meeting.

Thank you.