Society for AIDS in Africa opens nominations for governing Board and Executive Council Elections

The Society for AIDS in Africa (SAA) has officially opened nominations for ten distinguished individuals to be elected as members of its Governing Board for the 2026–2029 term, as well as for its Executive Council elections, scheduled between April and July 2025.

“This is your opportunity to contribute to strategic leadership in the fight against HIV/AIDS, STIs, and health system strengthening across Africa,” SAA stated in a release made available to the Communication for Development and Advocacy Consult (CDA Consult).

As the Pan-African body that serves as custodian of the International Conference on AIDS and STIs in Africa (ICASA), SAA is seeking dynamic and committed leaders from a variety of cultural and linguistic backgrounds.

The incoming Governing Board members will be tasked with setting the strategic direction for SAA, providing oversight for programmes and budgets, ensuring financial accountability, and representing the organization in high-level forums focused on HIV/AIDS research, policy advocacy, and health systems strengthening.

According to SAA, candidates for nomination must meet the following criteria: hold at least a master’s degree in public health, social or management sciences; have over five years of experience in HIV/AIDS, sexual and reproductive health (SRH), or health systems; have at least five relevant publications; be a paid SAA member for three consecutive years (2023–2025); and have attended a minimum of three ICASA conferences.

To nominate a candidate, “you must be an active SAA member, provide a nomination letter, and the candidate’s resume/CV, which must be submitted by June 15th, 2025 through SAA links."

Eligible nominators include Institutional Members/Association Members, Honorary Fellows, and Individual Affiliates.

The election timeline is as follows:

• Nomination Period: April 25 – June 15, 2025

• Voting Period: July 7–18, 2025 (via electronic ballot)

• Results Announcement: July 28, 2025

• Handover Ceremony: To be held in Accra, Ghana, where the newly elected members will also select the Executive Board.

SAA’s overarching mission is to help control and manage HIV/AIDS, TB, and malaria across the African continent. It facilitates information exchange through partnerships with the World Health Organization (WHO), UNAIDS, the International AIDS Society, and other relevant bodies.

Beyond governance, SAA also acts as a focal point and coordinator for HIV/AIDS activities in Africa. It promotes research, training, and capacity building for prevention and care, and works collaboratively with African governments to mitigate the impact of HIV/AIDS, TB, and malaria.

The organization regularly hosts international conferences, supports specific workshops on HIV and emerging infectious diseases, and manages funding in support of its health-focused initiatives.

SAA additionally serves as a central registry of professionals engaged in AIDS research and advocacy and stands as a voice of the African scientific community—particularly in countering discrimination, upholding ethical standards in clinical trials, and promoting the dignity and well-being of people living with HIV, TB, and malaria.

The society remains committed to raising awareness about emerging health threats and advancing public health across Africa.