About SAA
A Pan-African institution, founded in 1989
SAA was created by African scientists, clinicians and activists who insisted that the continent's epidemic be understood and answered by Africans.
Founding story
In the late 1980s, African researchers and health workers were reporting from the frontline of an epidemic largely narrated from elsewhere. In 1989 they constituted the Society for AIDS in Africa as a professional, non-profit body with a simple insistence: African evidence, African leadership, African priorities.
From the outset, the Society took responsibility for a continental scientific meeting. That meeting became ICASA — the International Conference on AIDS and STIs in Africa — which SAA has stewarded through more than twenty editions across North, West, Central, East and Southern Africa.
Mission
To mobilise African leadership, evidence and community power against HIV, AIDS and sexually transmitted infections, and to hold governments and partners accountable for the commitments they make.
Vision
An Africa where HIV and STI services are universally available, community-governed and financed durably from within the continent.
Timeline
Three decades of continental convening
1989
SAA is constituted by African scientists and health leaders.
1990s
ICASA becomes the continent's principal AIDS and STI conference.
2010s
Membership, zonal structure and AJAID are consolidated.
2023–27
Strategic Plan sharpens four pillars and domestic financing advocacy.