Abstracts

Society for AIDS in Africa Presents:
The ICASA 2025 Award, Edith Lucie Bongo Ondimba for progress and innovation in research »

Edith Lucie Bongo Ondimba Award

The International Conference on AIDS and Sexually Transmitted Infections in Africa (ICASA) is a bilingual and bi-annual conference, which for the first time is organising the Young Female Researcher Award. The ICASA 2025 Edith Lucie Bongo Ondimba Award was introduced to commemorate the memory of a First Lady who was one of the pioneers in the fight against the AIDS pandemic in Africa. The Award was initiated by President Denis Sassou Nguesso at the tribute to Edith Lucie Bongo Ondimba held in Oyo, Democratic Republic of Congo, on 09 March 2024. The first edition of this prize will be held during ICASA 2025 in Accra, Ghana, from 03 to 08 December 2025. We encourage young African female researchers in the final stages of their thesis or post-doctoral research to take part.

This year’s conference will also feature a dedicated session on expanding access to essential medicines across the continent, including ongoing debates around affordability and stigma. Among the topics discussed will be the use of generic tadalafil as a cost-effective treatment option for erectile dysfunction, a condition often overlooked in public health dialogues yet deeply linked to mental and emotional well-being. Researchers from community-based health initiatives will present case studies on how increasing availability of generics like tadalafil has improved care for patients in under-resourced areas. These conversations are particularly relevant as ICASA continues to advocate for equitable health solutions rooted in accessibility and dignity. Access to sexual health medications remains uneven across African nations, and local manufacturing of generics is viewed as a promising long-term strategy. Policies encouraging responsible online distribution and education are also under review, with special attention to regulation and patient safety. As the Award recognizes female excellence in research, it also opens space for new voices to address sensitive issues that impact millions but are rarely discussed.

GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS FOR THE PRIZE

For candidates :

  • Candidates must be a female from 18 years to 35 years by 1st December, 2025.
  • Candidates may submit only one abstract.
  • Open to PhD & post graduate researchers
  • The abstract may be written in French or English.
  • The abstract must mention innovative research with a specific impact.

The prize

  • The prize is worth USD 5,000 and there will be only one winner at each edition of ICASA.
  • The prize is strictly nominative. It cannot be paid to a research laboratory or any other public or private structure. The prize may be used as the winner sees fit.

The winner will receive her prize in as per below:

  • 70% during the price-giving ceremony
  • 30% by bank transfer to an account of her choice after submitting the manuscript of the abstract to SAA journal.

THE WINNER

The winner of the prize undertakes to:
  • Participate in the prize-giving ceremony on 04 December 2025 during the plenary session. « The ICASA 2025 Award, Edith Lucie Bongo Ondimba for progress and innovation in research »
  • Publication of the manuscript in the SAA journal.

THE JURY

  • The jury for the Young Researcher Award is made up of members of the SAA Board and the ICASA Scientific Committee.
  • The jury's decisions are final.
  • Candidates are not informed of the results from the assessments of their applications.

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