Overview This operational guide provides practical, evidence-based guidance to support countries in planning, implementing and scaling up needle and syringe programmes for people who inject drugs as part of comprehensive harm reduction responses. It translates WHO's recommendations into actionable steps for programme managers, implementers, donors and community-led organizations. The guide presents...
In December the Society for AIDS in Africa (SAA), a Pan-African non-profit organisation committed to fighting for an HIV-free Africa, launched its African Journal for AIDS and Infectious Diseases (AJAID). The launch event formed part of the line-up of the 23rd International Conference on AIDS and Sexually Transmitted Infections in Africa (ICASA)...
The World Health Organisation (WHO) Ghana Office has urged African countries to scale up the integration of traditional medicine into their primary healthcare system and also invest in capacity-building. It said that for Africa to attain universal health coverage, which a lot of them had signed on to, they must...
Empowering Young Voices and Combating Stigmatization in the HIV Response Day 6 of ICASA 2025 opened with a dynamic Youth Special Session, bringing critical conversations to the forefront on the experiences of young people living with HIV, stigmatization, and the transformative role of digital advocacy. The session featured Dr. Rafiatou...
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...
The Closing Ceremony of ICASA 2025 brought the week-long conference to a powerful and hopeful conclusion, marking the end of a gathering that united leaders, experts, advocates, and communities from across Africa and the global health landscape. The atmosphere was filled with gratitude, reflection, and renewed determination. The Director General...
On Day 5 of ICASA 2025, Africa’s HIV response took center stage, highlighting innovative strategies, integrated care models, and youth-led solutions. The sessions underscored that ending AIDS requires holistic, community-driven, and evidence-based approaches. Experts stressed the importance of integrating mental health services into HIV care, particularly for older adults and...
The Society for AIDS in Africa (SAA), custodian of the International Conference on AIDS and Sexually Transmitted Infections in Africa (ICASA), is proud to celebrate 35 years of advancing African-led HIV and infectious disease research with the official launch of the African Journal for AIDS and Infectious Diseases (AJAID). Under...
As part of ICASA 2025, senior leaders and experts in HIV and public health, including Mr. Luc Armand Hégésiste Bodea, Dr. Pierre M’PELE, and Prof. Samuel Okware, actively engaged with a wide range of organizations at the Exhibition Hall, fostering collaboration, knowledge exchange, and innovation in Africa’s HIV response. The...
The session “Strengthening the Role of Traditional Medicine in Primary Health Care in West Africa,” held in the H.E. John Dramani Mahama Room, brought together leading academics, policymakers, and global health partners for a powerful dialogue on the future of traditional medicine in modern health systems. With the president...
