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Find alternative sources of funding for HIV- African leaders told
There is growing pressure on Ghana to secure alternative sources of funding for the control and management of HIV due to the United States foreign aid funding cuts.
The Director-General of the Ghana AIDS Commission, Dr Kharmacelle Prosper Akanbong, made this disclosure on Friday at the second International Steering Committee meeting held in Accra.
It formed part of preparations for Ghana to host the 23rd International Conference on AIDS and Sexually Transmitted Infections in Africa (ICASA) scheduled for December 3-8, 2025 and expected to attract over 12,000 participants from different backgrounds, including healthcare professionals, policy makers, scientists, and civil society organisations.
Dr Akanbong explained that with the huge number of patients with the virus, it would be important for government to find alternative sources of funding to avert what could be a calamity.
According to him, “The issue of sustainability has been on the table for some time, but with likely reductions in U.S. support, we must act quickly. African governments need to build financial resilience and present strong investment cases to maintain our programmes,” he stated.
He described Ghana’s hosting of ICASA as a major step in the country’s HIV response.
“For the first time, Ghana is hosting ICASA. As the local organising committee, we have a number of responsibilities. We’re expected to provide scholarships for about 500 young health workers and students. We also have to make sure venues such as the Accra International Conference Centre were ready,” he mentioned.
Dr Akanbong further noted that beyond its public health value, the conference would also have economic and research benefits, adding that “this is an opportunity to showcase Ghana’s progress in HIV response and to position the country more visibly in global health discussions.”
The president of the Society for AIDS in Africa (SAA) and Chair of International Conference on AIDS and Sexually Transmitted Infections in Africa (ICASA), Dr David Pagwesese Parirenyatwa, also called on Africans to wake up to the challenge of strengthening health systems on the continent.
He said the continent cannot continue to rely on donor funding but must now look inward to find other avenues to prioritise the health of its people.
He said the continent had depended on donor funds for far too long which poses a security risk.
“This is a wakeup call, we cannot continue to rely on American aid. We must begin to mobilise our own resources from oil, gold, platinum and other natural resources,” he stated.
Prof. Muhammad Chakron, Vice President of the Society for AIDS in Africa, said ICASA 2025 comes at a time when global health funding is under strain.
He urged African countries to increase their investments in HIV, TB, malaria, and health research.
“This is necessary to keep making progress, and we expect it to be thoroughly discussed at the upcoming conference,” he added.
By Jemima Esinam Kuatsinu
President John Dramani Mahama has arrived in Libreville, Gabon, to participate in the inaugural Libreville International Forum for Innovation and Development, a high-level event that brings together Heads of State, government officials, global investors, and technology experts.
The forum, being held under the patronage of Mr Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, President of the Republic of Gabon, is on the theme “Political Stability, Business Climate, and Artificial Intelligence: Catalysts for Growth.”
The forum seeks to position Gabon as a regional innovation hub and key destination for international investment.
Organisers are holding the Forum to inaugurate the newly constructed Omar Bongo Ondimba Congress Centre, which also serves as the venue for the Forum and as a future centre for international dialogue.
The forum will culminate in the “Libreville Declaration,” which will showcase the strategic political leaders’ commitments to enhancing governance, transparency, and digital integration across the continent.
President Mahama remains a strong advocate for fostering partnerships that bridge the gap between government policy and private-sector growth to ensure inclusive development.
Former Energy Minister Boakye Agyarko has informed the New Patriotic Party’s 2028 flagbearer, Mahamudu Bawumia, of his decision to contest for the position of National Chairman of the party.
Mr. Agyarko disclosed this during a courtesy call on Dr. Bawumia on May Day.
According to a statement from his team, the visit gave him the opportunity to commend the former Vice President for his service to both the New Patriotic Party and the country.
During the meeting, Mr. Agyarko, together with members of his campaign team, formally notified Dr. Bawumia of his planned nationwide tour as part of his campaign for the National Chairman position.
He reaffirmed his support for the former Vice President and stressed the need for unity within the party ahead of the 2028 general elections.
Mr. Agyarko said the NPP must remain united and committed to securing victory in the next elections.
According to the statement, his nationwide tour is expected to begin in the Ashanti Region next week.
By: Jacob Aggrey
