PRESS RELEASE
BENIN Announced as Host Country for the 24th Edition of the International Conference on AIDS AND STIs in Africa (ICASA 2027)
By Isaac Eranga
Ministry of Health of Benin: ICASA 2027 Host country evaluation. From left to right, the fourth to sixth individuals are: Prof. Benjamin Ignace Bodounrin Hounkpatin, Minister of Health of the Republic of Benin; Dr. David P. Parirenyatwa, former President of the Society for AIDS in Africa (SAA); and Mr. Luc A. H. Bodea, ICASA Director. The first three individuals on the far left, from left to right, are: Dr. Anita Wadagni, Dr. Aliou Sylla, and Dr. Valentine Kiki Medegan Fagla. On the far right is Dr. Alain Azondekon.
COTONOU, BENIN — The Society for AIDS in Africa (SAA) is delighted to announce that the Republic of Benin has been selected as the host country for the 24th edition of the International Conference on AIDS and STIs in Africa (ICASA). The landmark event will take place in Cotonou, Benin, from 5th to 9th December 2027, at the Palais des Congrès.
ICASA 2027 will convene global leaders, community representatives, researchers, advocates, and healthcare professionals to advance the continent’s fight against HIV/AIDS, STIs, Hepatitis, Malaria, Tuberculosis, and emerging viral infections, while strengthening health systems across Africa.
Since its inception in 1989, SAA has provided a premier global platform for Africa’s response to the HIV/AIDS epidemic. ICASA has evolved into a vital biennial forum, uniting thousands of delegates worldwide to share research, clinical insights, and policy strategies to combat infectious diseases and strengthen public health resilience on the continent.
Building on the success of ICASA 2025 in Accra, Ghana—which convened over 3,100 participants from 87 countries—this marks the first time Benin will host the conference. Benin’s selection reflects the nation’s strong public health commitment and political leadership, spearheaded by the Government of Benin under the leadership of H. E. President Patrice Talon and Senior Minister of Economy and Finance, H. E. Romuald Wadagni. Following a rigorous and competitive evaluation process, Benin’s bid emerged as the successful host nation.
ICASA 2027 in Cotonou will serve as a critical catalyst for accelerating progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), achieving the global target of ending new HIV infections by 2030, and furthering the objectives of the AU Agenda 2063.
The Society for AIDS in Africa extends its sincere gratitude to the Government and people of Benin for their steadfast support and dedication to hosting this vital gathering. ICASA 2027 promises to build upon past achievements and mobilize the international community toward ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.
Preparations for ICASA 2027 are officially underway. Stakeholders, international donors, and members of the global health community are encouraged to follow official channels for updates. The first International Steering Committee meeting for ICASA 2027 will take place from 23rd to 24th November 2026 at the Golden Tulip Cotonou, Benin.
About the Society for AIDS in Africa (SAA):
Established in 1989, the Society for AIDS in Africa is a non-governmental, non-profit organization dedicated to promoting policy, research, and community responses to HIV/AIDS and emerging health challenges across the African continent.
Media Contact:
SAA Permanent Secretariat / ICASA Secretariat
Email: info@saafrica.org / ICASA2027bid@saafrica.org
Website: www.saafrica.org
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