Cotonou to host 2027 ICASA+ as conference adopts broader Africa-led health agenda

The Society for AIDS in Africa (SAA) has officially selected Cotonou, Benin, as the host city for the 24th edition of the International Conference on AIDS and Sexually Transmitted Infections in Africa, which has been rebranded as ICASA+ 2027.

The conference, scheduled for December 5 to 9, 2027, will mark the first edition under the new ICASA+ identity and is expected to attract delegates from more than 152 countries.

The announcement was made by the President of the SAA and ICASA+ 2027, Dr Nchabi Richard Kamwi, during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the SAA and the Government of Benin in Cotonou.

“On behalf of the Board of Directors of the Society for AIDS in Africa, and indeed on my own behalf, I declare that Cotonou will host, ICASA+ 2027,” Dr Kamwi said.

ICASA adopts broader health focus

Dr Kamwi said the rebranding from ICASA to ICASA+ reflected the need for a broader and more integrated approach to Africa’s health challenges.

He explained that while HIV would remain central to the SAA’s work, other major health threats, including malaria, tuberculosis and emerging epidemics, also required coordinated attention.

He said the new vision was aimed at promoting stronger health systems and advancing universal health coverage across the continent.

“Addressing all these issues in an integrated manner calls upon us to strengthen our health systems to move toward genuine universal health coverage, accessible to all without distinction,” he said.

Dr Kamwi also stressed the need to accelerate efforts towards ending HIV by 2030.

The signing ceremony was attended by Benin’s Minister of Health, Prof Benjamin Hounkpatin, who is also Vice-President of ICASA+ 2027; Minister Delegate in charge of Mobilization of External Resources and Debt Management, Mr Hugues Oscar Lokossou; Dr Anita Wadagni, representing the President of Benin; members of the diplomatic corps; representatives of the United Nations family; civil society leaders; and national and international media.

Dr Kamwi expressed appreciation to President Romuald Wadagni, the Government and people of Benin for agreeing to host the conference.

He particularly commended the government for proceeding with the MoU signing despite the national public holiday marking Maouloud, saying the decision demonstrated the importance attached to the health and wellbeing of the people of Benin and Africa.

According to him, the agreement also reflects the continent’s determination to develop home-grown responses to its health challenges.

Traditional medicine to feature prominently

Dr Kamwi said Benin’s status as a renowned centre of Vodun tradition presented an opportunity for ICASA+ 2027 to give greater attention to African traditional medicine.

He called on the organisers to use the conference to promote the recognition, regulation and scientific evaluation of traditional medical knowledge.

“During this historic edition, we must place particular emphasis on African traditional medicine,” he said.

He urged the leadership of ICASA+ 2027 to promote an Africa that embraces its traditional medical heritage while subjecting it to appropriate regulation and scientific assessment to support its development and wider application.

Dr Kamwi said the approach formed part of the broader objective of achieving health sovereignty for Africa.

He further described ICASA+ 2027 as more than an international conference, saying it should provide a platform for dialogue, innovation, knowledge-sharing and the development of practical African solutions to the continent’s health challenges.

“Together, let us make Cotonou 2027 the gathering of an Africa that innovates, unites, and takes charge of its health future,” he declared.