More Education and Awareness Key to Ending HIV/AIDS – Society for AIDS in Africa
SAA urges stronger public campaigns as leaders highlight ongoing gaps in HIV response across Africa.
- SAA calls for stronger education campaigns.
- Leadership transition held in Accra.
- Experts stress sustained HIV response efforts.
The Society for AIDS in Africa (Society for AIDS in Africa) has emphasized that sustained education and public awareness campaigns remain key to ending HIV/AIDS across the continent.
The message was delivered during the organisation’s 8th Executive Board handing-over ceremony held on May 14, 2026, in Accra, themed “Transition of Leadership.”
The event marked the formal transfer of leadership from the outgoing Executive Board led by Hon. Dr. David Pagwesesu Pariranya to newly elected President Dr. Richard Nchabi Kamwi, who will guide the organisation for the next four years.
The Society for AIDS in Africa conducts elections every four years, allowing members across the continent to vote for a new board. The elected board then selects key leadership positions, including the President, Secretary, and Treasurer.
The ceremony brought together key stakeholders in the HIV/AIDS response, including the Director-General of the Ghana AIDS Commission, Ghana AIDS Commission, Dr. Kharmacelle Prosper Akanpong, the World Health Organization Country Director, Fiona Braka, and the Society’s Coordinator, Mr. Luc Armand Bodea.
Speakers at the event highlighted both progress made and ongoing challenges in the fight against HIV/AIDS across Africa.
Dr. Braka noted that sustaining the HIV response remains critical, as global targets have not yet been fully achieved.
Newly elected President Dr. Kamwi stressed the need to strengthen prevention and elimination efforts across all preventable diseases, including HIV/AIDS.
Mr. Bodea also called for more creative approaches, especially increased public education and awareness campaigns, saying stronger visibility efforts such as billboards and outreach are needed to keep HIV awareness active in communities.
