IPHASA
The International Pediatric HIV/AIDS Symposium for Africa
Accelerating research to practice for children & adolescents living with HIV across Africa.
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 and partners aim to support evidence-to-practice translation so that what works in the lab or pilot setting becomes routine programme reality across Africa
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our focus areas
IPHASA’s work is grounded in the urgent need to translate evidence into scalable, context-appropriate action for African children and adolescents living with HIV. Each focus area brings together global experts, local implementers, and youth advocates to address persistent gaps. From research dissemination and implementation capacity to innovation and policy translation. Through its annual symposium and year-round engagements, IPHASA promotes cross-country learning, practical implementation frameworks, and the development of the next generation of African researchers driving the HIV response.
Research Dissemination
Curating and presenting peer-reviewed studies and abstracts from across Africa on paediatric/adolescent HIV prevention, treatment, retention and transition.
Implementation Science Capacity–Building
Facilitating workshops and training during the symposium to strengthen skills in design, measurement and scale-up of programme innovations
Young African Researcher Support
Providing grant opportunities, mentorship and platforms for early-career investigators to present and publish their findings
Integration & Innovation
Highlighting multidisciplinary innovations in paediatric/adolescent HIV including HIV/SRH integration, community models, digital tools, and equity focus
Policy to Practice Dialogue
Engaging Ministries of Health, implementers and donors in dialogue sessions to align research findings with national HIV strategies for children and youth
Young Person & Family Centred Care
Ensuring the symposium includes voices of adolescents, caregivers and networks of young people living with HIV to guide context-appropriate service design
Impact
Why It Matters
Children and adolescents living with HIV remain underserved globally—especially in Africa, where they face unique clinical, social and programme-barrier challenges. IPHASA bridges the gap between what is known and what is done, supporting the vision of ending AIDS in children by 2030 through evidence, innovation and local leadership
- 30+ Participating African Countries
- Evidence-Driven Implementation
- Scalable Toolkits & Frameworks
- Continuous Knowledge Exchange
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how it works
1
Submit & Present Your Research
Before the symposium submit your abstract, engage in peer review and prepare to present posters or talks.
2
Attend & Learn
Participate in plenaries, workshops and breakout sessions led by leading researchers, implementers and youth experts.
3
Apply & Scale What Works
Take new evidence, innovation and learning back to your country or programme, measure impact and contribute to the next IPHASA cycle.
Your Questions Answered
At PAHLCA, we understand that country programmes, clinicians, youth networks and funders have questions about paediatric and adolescent HIV care across programme settings. Here you’ll find clear, evidence-based answers to frequently asked questions to inform your planning, implementation and partnerships
The International Paediatric HIV/AIDS Symposium for Africa (IPHASA) aims to strengthen the pediatric and adolescent HIV response by accelerating the use of research and best practices in national programs. It provides a collaborative platform where scientists, policymakers, and implementers share evidence on prevention, treatment, and care to improve outcomes for children and youth 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 showcases practical models that have successfully improved diagnosis, treatment adherence, and transition to adult care. Countries then adapt these learnings within their national HIV frameworks, ensuring evidence-based strategies reach 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 website and partner platforms like IAS.
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Get Involved
1
Register
Register for upcoming PAHLCA events and virtual learning sessions
2
Contribute
Contribute your case studies, tools or innovations for peer sharing
3
Join
Join the directory of paediatric & adolescent HIV focal persons across African countries
3
Connect
Connect with other country teams, networks and research collaborations
