IPHASA provides a continent-wide platform where African paediatric and adolescent HIV researchers, implementers, and policy makers gather to share original research, showcase innovations and build skills in implementation science. Through this symposium, STREPP Health for Africa and partners aim to support evidence-to-practice translation so that what works in the research or pilot settings becomes routine programme reality across Africa.
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IPHASA's work is grounded in the urgent need to translate evidence into scalable, context-appropriate action to improve health outcomes for African children and adolescents living with HIV. Each focus area brings together global experts, local implementers, policy makers, researchers, AIDS development partners, youth advocates and many other stakeholders to address persistent gaps in paediatric and Adolescent HIV programs. We do this through providing a platform for research dissemination, implementation science capacity building, providing implementation science research grants to young African researchers, innovation and integrated health service delivery, policy to practice dialogues, young person and family centered care, and providing a space for stakeholders to network. Through its biennial symposium and year-round engagements, IPHASA promotes cross-country learning, practical implementation frameworks, and the continuous development of the next generation of African researchers driving the HIV response.
Curating and presenting peer-reviewed paediatric and adolescent HIV studies and abstracts from across Africa on HIV cure, prevention, treatment, retention in care, service delivery models, implementation science research and health systems strengthening best practices.
Facilitating workshops and training during the symposium to strengthen skills in design, measurement and scale-up of evidence-based interventions and strategies in country programmes.
Providing grant opportunities, mentorship and platforms for early-career investigators to present and publish their findings
Highlighting multidisciplinary innovations in paediatric & adolescent HIV, and supporting delivery of patient centred care through integrated Health service delivery.
Engaging Ministries of Health, implementers and donors in dialogue sessions to align research findings with national HIV strategies for children and adolescents.
Ensuring the symposium includes voices of adolescents, caregivers and networks of young people living with HIV to guide context-appropriate service design and delivery.
The highest burden of children and adolescents living with HIV is on the African continent. Unfortunately, children and adolescents living with HIV remain underserved globally—especially in Africa, where they face unique clinical, social, financial and geographical barriers to access to HIV care and treatment. IPHASA bridges the gap between what is known to work, what is done, and what can be leveraged to advance the vision of ending AIDS in children by 2030 through home grown evidence, innovation and local leadership on the African continent.
Before the symposium submit your abstract, engage in peer review and prepare to present posters or talks.
Participate in plenaries, workshops and breakout sessions led by leading researchers, academia, policy makers, implementers and youth experts.
Take new evidence, innovation and learning back to your country or programme, measure impact and contribute to the next IPHASA cycle.
The International Paediatric HIV/AIDS Symposium for Africa (IPHASA) aims to strengthen the paediatric and adolescent HIV response by accelerating the use of research and best practices in national programmes. It provides a collaborative platform where scientists, policymakers, and implementers share evidence on prevention, treatment, and care to improve outcomes for children and adolescents living with HIV.
IPHASA welcomes a wide range of participants, including researchers, healthcare professionals, programme implementers, Ministry of Health officials, civil society members, youth advocates, and caregivers. The symposium also includes a dedicated track for early-career African researchers to present abstracts, receive mentorship, and gain visibility in the global HIV research community.
IPHASA plays a unique role in bridging the gap between research and real-world implementation. The symposium disseminates practical models that have successfully improved HIV prevention, diagnosis, care and treatment, adherence, and transition to adult care. Countries then adopt/adapt these learnings within their national HIV programs. This ensures that HIV programming is evidence based, and best practices are implemented to those most in need.
IPHASA is held annually in different African countries, rotating among partner nations to promote regional ownership and inclusion. Participants can engage by submitting abstracts, joining plenary and skills-building sessions, or partnering as sponsors or exhibitors. Information on the next symposium, registration, and submission deadlines is available on the official STREPP Health for Africa Website and partner platforms.
