Accra, Dec. 9, – The Ghana AIDS Commission (GAC) has praised the Government of Ghana, the Society for AIDS in Africa (SAA), and partners across the continent for the successful hosting of the 23rd International Conference on AIDS and Sexually Transmitted Infections in Africa (ICASA 2025).
Dr Kharmacelle Prosper Akanbong, Director-General of the Ghana AIDS Commission and Local Organising Chairman of ICASA 2025, delivered the commendation at the conference’s closing ceremony, where he expressed appreciation to all individuals and institutions whose efforts contributed to the event’s success.
He said the conference provided a platform for sharing new scientific evidence, exchanging practical experiences, and renewing commitment to strengthening Africa’s HIV response.
According to Dr Akanbong, the ideas, discussions and collaborations generated during the conference were significant and forward-looking, and would help shape national and regional interventions in the coming years.
He acknowledged the full backing of the President of the Republic of Ghana, noting that his leadership in public health and dedication to the continental HIV agenda offered strong national support for hosting ICASA 2025.
Describing ICASA 2025 as a test of resilience, Dr Akanbong said Africa had demonstrated excellence and urged participants to sustain the momentum created by the conference as they returned to their respective countries.
He encouraged delegates to deepen partnerships, apply evidence-based approaches, and work collectively towards the common objective of ending AIDS as a public health threat.
The five-day conference, held from December 3 to 8, 2025, was organised by the Society for AIDS in Africa under the theme: “Africa in Action: Catalysing Integrated and Resilient Health Systems for Sustainable Responses to End HIV, Other Infectious Diseases, and Emerging Threats.”
ICASA 2025 attracted about 3,000 participants, including global experts, policymakers, researchers, community advocates, development partners and leaders from 85 African countries.
The programme featured high-level meetings, scientific presentations, satellite symposia, abstract-driven and non-abstract-driven sessions, special sessions and workshops.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, Dr David Pagwesese Parirenyatwa, President of the Society for AIDS in Africa and ICASA, expressed gratitude to Ghana for hosting the conference and to stakeholders, development partners, First Ladies, ministers, policymakers and researchers for their support.
He said ICASA had expanded its scope beyond addressing HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, Hepatitis and Malaria to also promote the integration of traditional medicine in advancing treatment.
On progress made in the HIV response, Dr Parirenyatwa stressed the need for Africa to begin producing its own medicines, particularly vaccines, to effectively address diseases on the continent.
He further urged African countries to mobilise domestic resources to finance their HIV programmes and sustain the gains required to end AIDS by 2030.
GHBUSS
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