The 23rd International Conference on AIDS and Sexually Transmitted Infections in Africa (ICASA 2025) took place from 3rd–8th December 2025 in Accra, Ghana, under the theme: Catalysing integrated, sustainable responses to end AIDS, TB and Malaria in Africa through innovation, digital technologies, health systems strengthening, and community empowerment.
ICASA is Africa’s leading platform for bringing together governments, researchers, civil society, communities, and partners to shape the continent’s HIV and broader health response. In 2025, the conference came at a critical moment, as global funding cuts, donor transitions, and new government-to-government financing models continue to reshape how health programmes are funded and delivered.
Why ICASA Is Important Today
ICASA 2025 highlighted that the HIV response is operating in a strained and uncertain funding environment, requiring a shift from expansion to sustainability, integration, and resilience. Key discussions focused on integrating HIV services into primary health care and Universal Health Coverage (UHC), strengthening domestic resource mobilisation, and ensuring that innovation and data systems support more efficient and accountable programmes.
Communities welcomed sustainability efforts but raised important concerns about the risk of losing vulnerable population-specific services, limited transparency in financing decisions, and the need for stronger community-led monitoring and accountability.
Consolation Participation at ICASA 2025
Consultation and community engagement were central to ICASA 2025, and our organisation actively participated in and supported several key sessions, including:
- The launch of the GC8 Data Hub, strengthening access to data and accountability around Global Fund GC8 implementation
- Integration and community sessions, bringing government and community perspectives together to ensure integration protects vulnerable populations
- A health coverage session for vulnerable populations, reinforcing that UHC must be inclusive and equitable
- Keeping the narrative alive session with MTV on youthful ways to educate the community about HIV, funding cuts, and awareness creation using films, art, and visuals. e.g., the HIV Quilt
- BHPF Pre conference, on the 2025 Biomedical HIV Prevention Forum (7th), a session about advancing the BHP as a national priority through choice. Talks about the new invetions on the HIV field, be it CAB-LA, Lenacapavir, oral prep, etc.
Looking Ahead
ICASA 2025 reaffirmed the importance of community leadership, data-informed advocacy, and genuine partnerships in sustaining progress against HIV, TB, and malaria. As funding landscapes continue to shift, ICASA remains a vital space for advancing African-led solutions that center communities and protect the most vulnerable.
