ICASA 2025 Official Launch Press Conference

The press conference launch for the 23rd International Conference on AIDS and Sexually Transmitted Infections in Africa (ICASA) 2025 was held on 2nd December 2025 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM in Accra, bringing together leading voices in public health and the national HIV response. Present at the briefing were Mr. Luc Bodea (Director of ICASA), Dr. Kharmacelle Prosper Akanbong (Director-General of the Ghana AIDS Commission (GAC) and Head of the Local Secretariat of the Society for AIDS in Africa (SAA)), Dr. Aliou Sylla (Secretary-General of SAA), Dr. Fiona Branka (WHO Country Representative), and Dr. Frank from WHO.

ICASA: A Legacy of Impact and a Future of Action

In his welcome address, Mr. Luc Bodea emphasized ICASA’s roots in the World Health Organization, noting that the conference originated from WHO’s mandate to strengthen Africa’s HIV response. Now celebrating its 23rd edition, ICASA has become a cornerstone platform for dialogue, innovation, and accountability.

“Today, because of ICASA, people can talk about HIV openly, without shame or silence. ICASA will not stop until HIV is stopped,” he said.

He announced that ICASA 2025 is expected to host over 3,000 delegates from 85 countries, beginning on December 3rd, with the President of the Republic of Ghana, H. E. John Dramani Mahama, gracing the Opening Ceremony. Reinforcing the importance of personal responsibility, he reminded the public that HIV does not kill; ignorance of one’s status does. Knowing your HIV status and staying committed to treatment, he noted, keeps individuals healthy and safe.

Ghana’s Pride and Opportunity: Dr. Kharmacelle Prosper Akanbong’s Remarks

Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Kharmacelle Prosper Akanbong highlighted the historic role of the Society for AIDS in Africa, describing SAA as the longest surviving HIV-oriented organization on the continent, now celebrating 35 years of leadership.

He described ICASA as one of Africa’s largest HIV/AIDS events and expressed pride that SAA is hosting it for the second time and Ghana for the first time in the conference’s 23-edition history.

Although ICASA traditionally attracts between 10,000 and 15,000 participants, he noted that travel restrictions and global challenges have reduced this year’s attendance. Still, hosting ICASA presents Ghana with a significant opportunity to learn best practices from across the continent and to reinvigorate the country’s national response to HIV.

A Call to Action for Equity and Inclusion: WHO’s Statement

Dr. Fiona Branka, speaking on behalf of WHO, acknowledged all dignitaries present and reaffirmed ICASA’s enduring influence:

“For over 30 years, ICASA has been a beacon of hope in Africa’s fight against HIV, TB, and malaria.”

She introduced the 2025 theme, Africa in Action: Catalyzing Integrated Sustainable Responses to End AIDS, TB, and Malaria. She emphasizes that inequality, stigma, and fragmented health systems continue to leave too many people behind, especially young women, adolescent girls, and key populations.

The final push to end AIDS by 2030, she said, demands strong health systems that place people at the center of care. WHO is providing clear guidance on how countries can leverage HIV response infrastructure data systems, laboratories, and community networks to build resilient health systems and advance universal health coverage.

She outlined key WHO priorities:

1. Mainstreaming care
2. Ensuring equity in innovation and service delivery
3. Driving policy action against stigma and discrimination, including a call for governments to review laws that criminalize disease and perpetuate discrimination.

She extended gratitude to the President of Ghana, H.E. John Dramani Mahama, for ongoing support, including through the Mahama Cares Foundation. She urged African governments to take full ownership of their national responses, donors to invest in long-term systems, and the media to hold all stakeholders accountable.

“The road to 2030 is short, but the path is clear. As we celebrate 35 years of SAA, let the headline be that Africa chose unity over fragmentation and dignity over discrimination.”

“A Conference from Africa, for Africa”: Dr. Aliou Sylla’s Message

Dr. Aliou Sylla expressed gratitude to the Government of Ghana and echoed the need for strong partnerships. He appealed directly to the media, urging journalists to inform the public accurately and consistently, noting that ICASA is a conference from Africa, for Africa, and must be represented with integrity.

During the question-and-answer session, journalists focused on Africa’s current HIV landscape and how SAA is integrating young people into the ICASA agenda. The leadership emphasized that youth engagement is central to sustaining progress, strengthening prevention efforts, and shaping Africa’s future HIV response.

The press conference closed with a unifying message: Africa’s fight against HIV is strongest when grounded in cooperation, evidence, and compassion. As Ghana prepares to welcome thousands of delegates for ICASA 2025, the nation stands at a pivotal moment to showcase progress, confront challenges, and reaffirm its commitment to ending AIDS by 2030.