Society for AIDS in Africa invites African countries to bid for 2029 ICASA conference

The Society for AIDS in Africa (SAA) has opened the bidding process for African countries interested in hosting the 25th International Conference on AIDS and STIs in Africa (ICASA 2029).

The SAA said any African country that meets the prescribed qualification criteria is eligible to submit a bid to host the conference in 2029.

In a statement issued by the SAA President, Dr Nchabi Richard Kamwi, African countries interested in hosting ICASA 2029 were invited to submit their application documents to the SAA Secretariat in Accra.

The new deadline for submission of applications is Friday, October 30, 2026, the statement obtained by Modern Ghana News in Accra on Monday said.

According to the SAA, the initial stage of the selection process requires interested countries to submit a comprehensive bid document supported by evidence demonstrating their capacity and commitment to host the international conference.

The bid must demonstrate strong government support, financial commitment and political will to host the event.

Prospective host countries are also required to demonstrate their ability to provide and financially support a suitable conference venue, including plenary facilities with a capacity of at least 5,000 seats and a minimum of seven breakout rooms capable of accommodating between 150 and 1,500 participants.

The host country will also be expected to provide financial support for the local secretariat, which will work with the international secretariat, as well as scholarships for at least 500 local participants.

It must further demonstrate the availability of standard hotel accommodation for up to 10,000 participants and conference venues equipped with the required facilities.

The SAA said countries bidding to host the conference must also have reliable transportation and telecommunications networks capable of connecting participants within the country, across Africa and internationally.

They are also expected to demonstrate the presence of scientific, leadership and civil society groups, organised networks of people living with HIV, private-sector organisations and youth groups involved in HIV/AIDS-related activities.

In addition, prospective host countries must have convenient air and road access where necessary, as well as a recognised government institution responsible for coordinating HIV/AIDS-related activities.

The SAA also requires bidders to demonstrate the availability of a strong security network capable of guaranteeing the safety of conference participants.

On immigration and inclusion, interested countries must provide assurances of accessible visa facilities and assistance for participants.

They must also guarantee that there will be no restrictions on entry for people living with HIV, men who have sex with men (MSM) or other minority groups.

The qualification criteria further require prospective host countries to demonstrate that they do not maintain discriminatory government policies based on gender, HIV status or religion.

The ICASA conference brings together stakeholders from across Africa and beyond to deliberate on HIV/AIDS, sexually transmitted infections and related public health issues.