By Samira Larbie, GNA
Accra, Dec 9, GNA – The Ghana AIDS Commission (GAC) has commended the government, the Society for AIDS in Africa (SAA) for a successful International Conference on AIDS and Sexually Transmitted Infections (ICASA 2025).
Dr Kharmacelle Prosper Akanbong, the Director-General Ghana AIDS Commission and Local Organizing Chairman of ICASA 2025, speaking at the closing ceremony also expressed appreciation to all who contributed to the success of the conference.
“Over the past days, we have shared new evidence, exchanged practical lessons, renewed our commitment to strengthen African HIV response. Your contributions have been meaningful and forward-looking.
“The insights, debates, and collaborations have enriched this conference and will influence national and regional actions in the years to come.
“We are grateful for the full support of the President of the Republic of Ghana. His leadership on public health and commitment to the continental HIV agenda have provided strong national backing for hosting the ICASA 2025.
ICASA 2025 was a litmus test of our resilience, and we have passed this with excellence. As you depart, I encourage you to maintain the momentum generated here, Dr Akanbong stated.
Dr Akanbong urged participants to continue to build partnership, apply evidence, and advance the shared goal of ending AIDS as a public health threat.
The 2025 23rd International Conference on AIDS and STIs in Africa (ICASA 2025), which began on December 3-8 was organised by the Society for AIDS in Africa (SAA).
It was on the theme; “Africa in Action: Catalysing Integrated and Resilient Health Systems for Sustainable Responses to end HIV, Other Infectious Diseases, and Emerging Threats”.
The five-day conference had about 3,000 delegates including global experts, policymakers, researchers, community advocates, partners and leaders from 85 African countries participating.
The conference witnessed high-level meeting, scientific sessions, satellite symposiums, abstract driven sessions, non abstract driven sessions, special sessions, workshop among others.
Dr David Pagwesese Parirenyatwa, the President of SAA and ICASA, speaking at the closing ceremony expressed gratitude to Ghana for hosting the conference, stakeholders, development partners, First Ladies who participated, ministers, policy makers, researchers among others for their support towards a successful ICASA 2025.
He said ICASA was expanding and did not only seek to mitigate the impact of HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, Hepatitis and Malaria, but also believes in the inclusion of traditional medicine to advance treatment.
Dr Parirenyatwa speaking on the progress made so far in the HIV fight said it was time Africa started manufacturing its own medications especially vaccines to fight diseases on the continent.
He added to the call on African countries to mobilize resources domestically to fund their HIV response to sustain the gains made to end AIDS by 2030.
GNA
Edited by George-Ramsey Benamba