Benin will host the 24th International Conference on AIDS and STIs in Africa (ICASA 2027), becoming the first West African country to stage the continental health forum.
The conference, scheduled for December 5 to 9, 2027, at the Palais des Congrès in Cotonou, is expected to bring together policymakers, researchers, healthcare professionals, civil society organisations, development partners and community advocates from across the world.
Mr Luc Armand Bodea, ICASA Director and Coordinator of the Society for AIDS in Africa (SAA), announced Benin’s selection during the 2026 International AIDS Conference in Brazil, where health leaders reviewed progress in the global HIV response.
He said Benin’s successful bid reflected the country’s commitment to advancing public health and strengthening regional collaboration in addressing HIV and other infectious diseases.
“The selection of Benin as the host country for ICASA 2027 underscores its dedication to improving health outcomes and strengthening regional collaboration in the response to HIV and other infectious diseases,” he said.
ICASA 2027 will focus on HIV/AIDS, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), tuberculosis (TB), malaria, viral hepatitis, emerging infectious diseases and approaches to strengthening Africa’s health systems.
The SAA said the conference, established in 1989, had remained a platform for scientific exchange, policy dialogue and community engagement on HIV/AIDS and related health challenges.
The previous edition, ICASA 2025, held in Accra, Ghana, attracted more than 3,169 participants from 87 countries.
Mr Bodea said the 2027 conference would provide an opportunity to accelerate efforts towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030 and advancing the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
He expressed appreciation to the Government of Benin for accepting to host the conference and pledged collaboration with national authorities and development partners to ensure a successful event.
Preparations for ICASA 2027 have commenced, with the first International Steering Committee meeting scheduled for November 23 and 24, 2026, in Cotonou.
The SAA called on governments, donors, researchers, civil society organisations and international partners to support preparations for the conference and sustain investment in innovative responses to HIV, STIs and emerging public health threats.
Founded in 1989 by African scientists, clinicians and activists, the Society for AIDS in Africa serves as the custodian of ICASA and promotes evidence-based policies, scientific collaboration and community participation in addressing health challenges across the continent.
Source: GNA
