GEC and WCC to Host High-Level Roundtable with Legislators and Faith Leaders Ahead of ICASA 2025

 

The Global Equality Caucus (GEC), in partnership with the World Council of Churches (WCC) and with support from ViiV Healthcare, will host an invitation-only roundtable discussion on 3 December 2025 in Accra, Ghana, ahead of the 23rd International Conference on AIDS and STIs in Africa (ICASA).

The session, titled “Uniting Voices for Action: Legislators and Faith Leaders Advancing an Equitable HIV Response,” will convene legislators, faith leaders, and select civil society advocates to explore how political and religious stakeholders can work together to strengthen HIV prevention and treatment efforts.

Despite remarkable scientific progress, including the development of long-acting innovations for HIV treatment and prevention, uptake in many countries remains hindered by cultural, religious, and political dynamics. These barriers threaten to derail hard-won progress in ensuring HIV remains a national and regional health priority.

This roundtable will provide a secure setting  for evidence-based dialogue, focusing on:

  • Building a shared understanding of the public health, social justice, and economic benefits of advancing HIV prevention and treatment.

  • Positioning long-acting innovations within culturally resonant frameworks of responsibility, dignity, justice, and care.

  • Reducing stigma and political resistance in policy spaces influenced by exclusionary ideologies that uphold health inequities.

  • Strengthening alliances between faith-based institutions, policymakers, and civil society.

At the Global Equality Caucus we look forward to continuing this important work together with WCC as we continue to build on our shared commitment to strengthening partnerships legislators. More details on upcoming plans to be shared.

 
Vianey Estrada