Ghana’s First Lady, H.E. Lordina Dramani Mahama, is leading a major continental health dialogue as she hosts a high-level side event for African First Ladies in Accra, ahead of the 23rd International Conference on AIDS and STIs in Africa (ICASA).
The First Lady of Sierra Leone and President of the Organisation of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD), H.E. Dr Fatima Maada Bio, and the First Lady of The Gambia, H.E. Fatoumatta Bah Barrow, arrived in Accra for the gathering, which will convene on Thursday, 4 December 2025.
The meeting, a major highlight of this year’s ICASA, is centred on Ending Mother-to-Child Transmission and advancing the Triple Elimination of HIV, Syphilis, and Hepatitis B across Africa.
Discussions will also explore the increasingly critical role of women in leadership in addressing stigma, discrimination, abuse, and neglect endured by victims—particularly women and children.
According to the Presidency, the deliberations are expected to produce concrete strategies that strengthen the protection of vulnerable groups and enhance the enforcement of their rights across African societies.
Over the past decade, Mrs. Mahama and the Lordina Foundation have earned widespread recognition for their sustained advocacy in promoting public health and supporting vulnerable groups.
In 2013, she was named a Health Ambassador for Ghana’s Heart-to-Heart campaign, taking up the mantle of championing the dignity and well-being of persons living with HIV.
Her continental leadership was further cemented in 2016 when, as President of the Organisation of African First Ladies against HIV/AIDS (OAFLA), she delivered a powerful call-to-action at the 7th Africa Conference on Sexual Health and Rights held in Accra.
In an emotional address, she underscored the urgency of protecting young people’s sexual and reproductive rights while strengthening Africa’s collective response to HIV.
The First Ladies of Kenya, Liberia, and a former First Lady of South Africa are also expected in Accra to participate in the high-level engagement.
As Ghana hosts this crucial summit, the event signals a renewed continental commitment to safeguarding the health and rights of women, children, and vulnerable communities—and reinforces the pivotal role First Ladies continue to play in Africa’s public health transformation.
