By Munyaradzi Blessing Doma
Benin has been selected to host the 24th International Conference on AIDS and STIs in Africa, marking the first time the West African nation will stage the continent's premier HIV and health conference.
Organised by the Society for AIDS in Africa, the conference will be held at the Palais des Congrès in Cotonou from December 5 to 9, 2027.
The event is expected to bring together global leaders, researchers, healthcare professionals, advocates and community representatives to discuss Africa's response to HIV/AIDS, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), hepatitis, malaria, tuberculosis, emerging viral infections and strategies to strengthen health systems.
According to a statement from the Society for AIDS in Africa, Benin was selected following a competitive bidding process.
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The organisation said the decision reflects Benin's leadership and commitment to advancing public health under its national leadership.
"Benin's selection marks its first time hosting the conference," the SAA said.
The organisation noted that since its inception in 1989, ICASA has served as a key platform for shaping Africa's response to HIV/AIDS and has grown into one of the continent's largest health conferences.
The 2025 edition, held in Accra, Ghana, attracted more than 3,169 participants from 87 countries.
SAA said the 2027 conference will contribute to strengthening Africa's health systems, supporting the Sustainable Development Goals, advancing the target of ending new HIV infections by 2030 and promoting the African Union's Agenda 2063.
"The Society for AIDS in Africa extends its deepest gratitude to the Government of Benin for its unwavering support and commitment to hosting this important event," the organisation said.
Preparations for ICASA 2027 are already underway, with the first International Steering Committee meeting scheduled for November 23-24, 2026, at the Golden Tulip Cotonou in Benin.
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