Online Reporter
Rumbidzayi Zinyuke in ACCRA, Ghana
POLICYMAKERS should listen to communities and ensure that no one is left behind in the HIV response, Health and Child Care Minister Dr Douglas Mombeshora said while officially opening the Community Village at the ongoing International Conference on AIDS and STIs in Africa (ICASA 2025) here on Friday.
The Community Village — an open, inclusive platform where civil society, community networks, key populations, youth groups and people living with HIV come together to share experiences, showcase innovations and influence policy conversations — is one of ICASA’s most important spaces.
It is designed to amplify community voices, celebrate grassroots action and ensure that those most affected by HIV are central to shaping solutions.
Over the years, the village has become a symbol of solidarity, diversity and empowerment within the conference.
Speaking during the ceremony, Dr Mombeshora said the strong turnout of community organisations and key populations was a reminder that meaningful HIV responses must be built with, not for, communities.
“I am really impressed by the presence of the communities,” he said.
“We hear you when you say nothing for us without us, and I think that is very important. At times, we as policymakers tend to impose our thoughts on people, but it is important that we listen to your thoughts and work together to come up with policies that give us the correct direction.”
Participation of key populations, such as sex workers, he said, was critical.
Dr Mombeshora said he looked forward to engaging with different groups and innovations on display.
“We are here to share, not only to give speeches. If we look back, we have made a lot of strides in terms of fighting HIV. When HIV was first announced, we thought it was a death sentence,” he added.
“But now, look where we are. It is no longer a death sentence but a condition that can be managed. This is the work that was done through science and communities coming together.”
He urged continued collaboration between scientists, policymakers and communities to develop lasting solutions.
The opening ceremony also recognised dozens of volunteers from across Africa for their commitment to supporting ICASA activities, logistics and community engagement.
ICASA 2025 president Dr David Parirenyatwa said the volunteers demonstrated the spirit of the conference by dedicating their time, skills and energy to ensure that the event remained community-centred and impactful.
The Community Village ran throughout the week, hosting panel discussions, exhibitions, performances and knowledge-sharing sessions that highlight lived experiences, community-led innovations and the ongoing challenges faced by marginalised groups.
