Accra: Ghana's First Lady Lordina Mahama has rallied her fellow African First Ladies participating in the High Level ICASA conference in Accra to intensify their advocacy efforts aimed at combating HIV/AIDS.
According to Ghana News Agency, the High Level ICASA conference was held under the auspices of the African First Ladies for Development (OFLAD) and hosted by Mrs Mahama. African First Ladies, through the OAFLAD, at the Accra conference actively rallied together to combat shared challenges like climate change, gender-based violence (GBV), HIV/AIDS, and promoting women's empowerment, with recent meetings focusing on health (HIV/Syphilis/Hepatitis B).
Mrs Mahama welcomed Dr Fatima Maada Bio, First Lady of Sierra Leone and President of OAFLAD; Mrs Rachel Ruto, First Lady of Kenya; Mrs Fatoumatta Bah Barrow, First Lady of The Gambia; Madam Kartumu Yarta Boakai, First Lady of Liberia and Mrs Tobeka Stacie Madiba Zuma, former First Lady of South Africa, to Accra for the High-Level ICASA 2025 Side Event on Ending Mother-to-Child Transmission and the Triple Elimination of HIV, Syphilis, and Hepatitis B in Africa.
Mrs Mahama highlighted the importance of the gathering, emphasizing the unity and shared commitment among the First Ladies, stating, 'We are indeed sisters united for life'. She commended the participating First Ladies for their presence, leadership, and dedication to the health and dignity of African mothers and children.
She noted the significance of the gathering, adding, 'The power of this gathering lies not merely in our titles but in our shared determination to translate advocacy into action and platforms into progress.' Mrs Mahama stressed the responsibility they carry to elevate the voices of mothers in remote villages, vulnerable newborns, and communities striving for healthier lives.
Mrs Mahama expressed her gratitude to OAFLAD, UNAIDS, the Society for AIDS in Africa (SAA), and the NAP+ Ghana community for their leadership and technical support. She remarked, 'No child should enter this world bearing an infection that could have been prevented,' and further emphasized that no mother should be denied the services and dignity necessary for her health and her baby's future.