Overview
Background
The International Conference on AIDS and Sexually Transmitted Infections in Africa (ICASA) is a major, bilingual AIDS conference held exclusively in Africa, alternating biennially between Anglophone and Francophone countries. For over 30 years, ICASA has been instrumental in mitigating the impact of HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, Hepatitis, and Malaria, while promoting an inclusive environment free from stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV (PLHIV) and their families. ICASA also advocates for social justice and equitable access to treatment. So far, the conference has been hosted in 15 countries, drawing more than 100,000 participants. The most recent edition, held in Harare, Zimbabwe in 2023, attracted 8,118 delegates, with 78 abstracts selected for oral presentation and 815 for virtual poster exhibitions, out of 2,600 submissions. Additionally, 717 scholarships were awarded for in-person participation, with 1,571 recipients receiving virtual access.
In light of recent developments, including the suspension of foreign aid by the Trump administration, which puts millions of lives in Africa at risk, ICASA 2025 Ghana takes on even greater significance. This vibrant platform will mobilize leadership, scientific, and community action to address the far-reaching impact of this decision and to advocate for sustainable solutions to fill the gap left by the withdrawal of critical AIDS funding. We believe that domestic financing is a do-or-die affair for Africa. ICASA can help us to ensure that the progress made in the fight against HIV/AIDS is not reversed and that Africa’s health systems remain resilient.
The 23rd edition of ICASA, scheduled to be held in Accra, Ghana from 3rd to 8th December 2025, is expected to convene more than 10,000 delegates from nearly 150 countries, including over 200 journalists. This event will serve as a platform to assess and share knowledge, review inter-sectoral achievements in the HIV response, Malaria, Hepatitis and emerging diseases and strengthen partnerships among the government, civil society, scientists, and development partners. The conference will focus on the 95-95-95 goals, the target of ending AIDS by 2030 as global health threat, and the African Union’s Agenda 2063 on health.
The 23rd edition of International Conference on AIDS and Sexually Transmitted Infections in Africa will be a special edition since Society for AIDS in Africa (SAA) the custodian and organizer of ICASA will be celebrating its 35th anniversary alongside ICASA in Accra, Ghana. It will be a special opportunity to appreciate the organization's remarkable achievements while reflecting on its progress in achieving its vision and mission. Founded in 1989 during the fourth International Symposium on AIDS and Associated Cancers in Africa (now ICASA) in Marseille, France, SAA was established by African scientists, activists, and advocates, with support of one of then, WHO Director Peter Piot. Their efforts marked a pivotal moment in bringing the fight against HIV/AIDS to African soil and strengthening Africa’s response in global health advocacy.