ICASA 2025 Storytelling Video Competition

Celebrating Courage, Voices, and Visibility in the HIV Response

On Day 6 of ICASA 2025, Session 3 brought a powerful emotional shift as the Society for AIDS in Africa (SAA) hosted its highly anticipated Storytelling Video Competition—a platform designed to amplify the real-life experiences of people living with HIV and champion inclusive care across the continent.

In marking 35 years of ICASA, this session became a celebration of resilience, advocacy, and the transformative impact of personal narratives.

A Continental Effort to Elevate Voices

The competition featured a diverse panel of five judges representing Ghana, Malawi, Benin, and Burundi, who evaluated submissions and selected the top two videos from each category. Their selections reflected the depth, honesty, and creativity of storytellers committed to changing the narrative around HIV.

Opening the session, Mr. Luc A.H. Bodea, Director of the Society for AIDS in Africa, welcomed attendees and explained the voting process. He reaffirmed the purpose of the competition: to give people living with HIV a platform to share their journeys, confront stigma, and inspire communities across Africa.

Stories That Touched Hearts

Participants shared deeply personal stories in two categories—18–36 years and 36+ years. Each storyteller used their video to shed light on:

 

• • The importance of medication adherence
  • The emotional and social realities of stigma and discrimination
  • The need for awareness and accurate information
  • The role of community support and acceptance in shaping their journeys

Their narratives revealed not only the challenges they face but also their extraordinary strength and hope.

Honouring Advocacy Through Creativity

The winners in each category were awarded $3,000, while the runners-up received $2,000; a meaningful gesture to support their storytelling efforts and encourage continued advocacy.

A Platform for Change

Day 6, Session 3 demonstrated that storytelling is more than expression; it is a powerful tool in the HIV response. Through their videos, participants reminded the world that every story matters. Each voice shared contributes to a future where stigma is dismantled, inclusion is strengthened, and people living with HIV are fully supported.