Vice President Prof. Jane Naana Opoku Agyemang delivered the opening remarks at the 23rd International Conference on AIDS and STIs in Africa (ICASA 2025) on behalf of President John Dramani Mahama, emphasising the need for Africa to take charge of its own healthcare agenda.

The conference, hosted in Ghana, brought together distinguished guests including the First Lady of The Gambia, H.E. Fatoumatta Bah-Barrow, and the First Lady of Sierra Leone, H.E. Dr. Fatima Maada Bio, reaffirming the continent’s commitment to scientific research and public health.

In her address, the Vice President highlighted Ghana’s progress in combating HIV, noting that 65% of persons living with HIV are aware of their status, with many receiving lifesaving treatment.

She, however, stressed that discrimination persists and some populations remain underserved.

“Prevention must be at the heart of every discussion, and communities must be empowered to drive locally grounded solutions,” she said.

Prof. Naana Opoku Agyemang also outlined Ghana’s broader healthcare initiatives, including the expansion of the National Health Insurance Scheme, the Free Primary Healthcare initiative, and the Ghana Medical Trust Fund (MahamaCares), which target improved access and coverage for chronic conditions such as cancers.

She called for stronger regulatory systems, better service delivery, and sustainable, Africa-driven financing models, noting that diseases such as HIV, TB, and malaria pose not only health but economic threats that undermine the continent’s human capital and competitiveness.

The Vice President also underscored the importance of regional collaboration, citing the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as a platform for shared learning, harmonised policies, and collective action.

“Africa has the capacity to end the threat of AIDS, but only if we prioritise long-term resilience over short-term responses,” she added.

Concluding her remarks, Prof. Naana Opoku Agyemang wished all delegates a successful conference, expressing confidence that the outcomes will contribute to a healthier, stronger, and more self-reliant Africa.