Advancing the HIV Cure agenda in West Africa

SANTHE, the Cameroon Ministry of Public Health (MINSANTE), the Centre de Recherches sur les Maladies Émergentes et Ré-émergentes (CREMER), the Higher Institute for Scientific and Medical Research (ISM), and the Africa HIV Cure Consortium (AHCC), recently convened the 2026 HIV Cure Agenda-Setting Workshop in Yaoundé. Held from 12–13 May 2026 at the United Hotel International, the two-day workshop brought together researchers, clinicians, policymakers, advocates, and community stakeholders committed to advancing HIV cure research in Cameroon and across the region.

Building on the momentum of the inaugural workshop held in 2025, which explored the current landscape of HIV cure-related efforts in Cameroon and identified key priorities for progress, this year’s meeting focused on translating dialogue into action. Discussions centered on finalising a formal country-specific HIV Cure Agenda for the next five years and securing commitment around the practical next steps needed to move the agenda forward. It provided a collaborative platform for participants to strengthen partnerships, align strategic priorities, and identify opportunities to expand African leadership in HIV cure research and innovation. By fostering engagement between scientific institutions, government stakeholders, and community representatives, the meeting reinforced the importance of co-ordinated, locally driven approaches to addressing the ongoing challenges of HIV.

Commenting on the outcome of the workshop, Marcel Tongo Passo, SANTHE Site PI at CREMER said, ”Political commitment is critical for monitoring the implementation of resolutions. Policymakers are responsible for translating concepts, resolutions, and strategic decisions into actionable initiatives that benefit local communities and the broader population. For this specific activity, political actors have committed to appointing a consultant to oversee daily progress. Furthermore, to maintain alignment between governmental actions and other stakeholders, this consultant will convene all parties regularly. This mechanism will eliminate operational disconnects, maintain open communication, and guarantee that all stakeholders pursue a common goal.”

The AHCC is funded by the Gates Foundation and Aidsfonds and comprises partner organisations including SANTHE, Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia (CIDRZ), Aids Vaccine Advocacy Coalition Inc. (AVAC), HIV Cure Africa Acceleration Partnership (HCAAP), African Alliance, International AIDS Societiy (IAS), and Global Gene Therapy Initiative (GGTI). Together, these partners are working to accelerate HIV cure research capacity, collaboration, and advocacy across Africa.