The Society for AIDS in Africa (SAA), a pioneering organization dedicated to combating HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, and emerging infectious diseases on the African continent, has recently concluded its Governing Board elections, ushering in a new cohort of leaders to guide the organization’s strategic direction for the next four years. The elections, conducted electronically between August 18 and 29, 2025, adhered to the SAA constitution’s stipulations for zonal representation, ensuring diverse perspectives and regional expertise are incorporated into the Society’s governance. This commitment to inclusivity and regional balance underscores SAA’s dedication to addressing the unique challenges posed by these diseases across the diverse landscape of the African continent.
The newly elected Governing Board represents a pan-African assembly of distinguished professionals from various fields related to public health, medicine, and advocacy. These individuals bring a wealth of experience and expertise to the SAA, positioning the organization to effectively tackle the complex and evolving landscape of infectious diseases in Africa. Hailing from five distinct regions of the continent – West Africa, East Africa, Central Africa, Southern Africa, and Northern Africa – these leaders embody a collective commitment to advancing the health and well-being of African communities. Their diverse backgrounds and perspectives are crucial for developing and implementing effective strategies that resonate with the specific needs and contexts of different regions within Africa.
The responsibilities of the Governing Board are substantial, encompassing the strategic and programmatic direction of the SAA. They are tasked with defining the Society’s overall goals, establishing priorities for action, overseeing the implementation of various programs and initiatives, and ensuring responsible financial management by approving budgets and annual financial accounts. This comprehensive oversight ensures that the SAA remains aligned with its core mission and vision, while also adapting to the changing dynamics of the public health landscape. The Board’s role in setting the strategic direction is particularly crucial in navigating the complexities of infectious disease control and prevention, which requires a nuanced understanding of evolving scientific knowledge, public health infrastructure, and socio-cultural contexts.
The Governing Board operates on a four-year term, with the possibility of a single renewal, providing continuity and stability to the organization’s leadership. From within this group, six members will be elected to form the Executive Committee, which comprises key leadership positions such as President, Vice President, Secretary-General, Deputy Secretary-General, Treasurer, and Deputy Treasurer. This Executive Committee will be responsible for the day-to-day management and execution of the SAA’s strategic priorities. The President also has the authority to appoint Board members to represent the SAA at significant international conferences, ensuring the organization’s voice and influence are present in global health discussions and policy forums.
The SAA constitution mandates formal board meetings once a year, with additional meetings conventionally held before and after the International Conference on AIDS and STIs in Africa (ICASA). These meetings provide opportunities for in-depth discussions, strategic planning, and evaluation of the organization’s progress. While SAA covers accommodation costs for these meetings, members are generally expected to offer their services pro bono, reflecting their commitment to the organization’s mission. Limited travel support is available in specific cases, recognizing the financial constraints that may hinder participation for some members. This structure emphasizes the dedication and volunteerism that underpin the SAA’s operations.
Established as an African-led and African-owned institution, the SAA holds a unique position in the fight against infectious diseases on the continent. Its central vision is an Africa free from the burden of HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, and emerging infectious diseases, where stigma and discrimination against affected individuals are eradicated, and governments remain steadfast in their commitment to the Abuja Declaration. This ambitious vision underscores the SAA’s comprehensive approach to tackling these diseases, encompassing not only biomedical interventions but also addressing the crucial social and political determinants of health. The SAA’s commitment to advocating for the rights and well-being of people living with HIV and other vulnerable groups reflects its understanding that effective disease control requires a holistic and equitable approach. This includes tackling stigma and discrimination, ensuring access to quality healthcare services, and promoting social inclusion for all individuals, regardless of their health status.
Furthermore, the SAA actively contributes to the global UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets, which aim to diagnose 95% of people living with HIV, provide antiretroviral therapy to 95% of those diagnosed, and achieve viral suppression in 95% of those on treatment. The Society also aligns its mission with the African Union’s Agenda 2063, a strategic framework for the socio-economic transformation of the continent, and the Sustainable Development Goals, a global call to action to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity. By actively supporting these continental and global initiatives, the SAA demonstrates its commitment to working collaboratively with other stakeholders to address the multifaceted challenges of infectious diseases and contribute to a healthier and more equitable future for Africa. The SAA’s emphasis on strengthening health systems and championing evidence-based interventions further underscores its dedication to building sustainable and impactful solutions for the long-term control and prevention of these diseases.
