Speech by Hon. Dr. David Pagwesese Parirenyatwa – Out going SAA President (2022 – 2025))
15 May 2026
Speech by Hon. Dr. David Pagwesese Parirenyatwa – Out going SAA President (2022 – 2025))
Dear Honorable Outgoing Board Members, Dear Honorable Newly Elected Board Members, Dear Honorable Members of the Board of Trustees of the Society for AIDS in Africa, Dear Director of ICASA and SAA Coordinator,
First, allow me to particularly recognize the 4th President of SAA, Professor Robert Soudre, who is here with us today to witness this vital and historic moment in the life of our Society. I also wish to sincerely acknowledge Dr. Meskerem Bekele Grunitzky, one of our very active trustees, who, despite a few challenges, could not join us during ICASA 2025 in Ghana, but is with us here today alongside her twin sister, Professor Sheila Tlou. These distinguished leaders are truly iconic figures who have continuously safeguarded and nurtured this organization as institutional custodians.
Secondly, let me recognize my fellow Board members, some of whom are online while others are present here today in Ghana. This SAA Board handover is more than just an event; it reflects the importance of good governance, accountability, and transparency in the life of our organization.
I was fortunate to serve this noble organization for four years as Vice President and four years as President. After eight years of service to SAA, I am deeply honored to pass the baton today to the incoming Executive Board.
I firmly believe that the achievements realized during my tenure would not have been possible without the unwavering support of my fellow Board members and the dedicated management of the SAA Permanent Secretariat.
Together, despite the many challenges posed by the global environment, we successfully organized two ICASA conferences. We enhanced the visibility of SAA through impactful initiatives, including webinars conducted with various partners. We developed capacity-building tools for young scientists, particularly in abstract writing and scientific participation. We also worked to sustain and strengthen the Secretariat workforce by creating a more conducive working environment for our staff, while continuing to develop innovative ways to encourage membership growth.
Most recently, we launched AJAID — the African Journal on AIDS and Infectious Diseases in Africa. These are only a few of the achievements accomplished during our tenure.
Guided by the SAA Strategic Plan 2023–2027, I believe I am leaving behind a solid foundation and legacy upon which the incoming Board can strategically build.
Of course, we also faced several challenges, which I would like to highlight. One of our major dreams was to build a new headquarters for SAA. Unfortunately, due to funding limitations and challenges related to acquiring suitable land, we could not achieve this goal.
In this regard, I would advise the new Board to carefully consider maintaining the current headquarters. Should there be a decision to relocate, I would recommend either purchasing a fully constructed building or redeveloping the existing property on the current land.
I would also encourage the incoming Board to critically review the SAA bylaws in order to adapt them to emerging trends and further strengthen the structural foundation of the organization.
On that note, I wish everyone good health and continued success. Let us all continue to uphold the spirit of Pan-Africanism as we advocate for stronger health systems across our continent.
Thank you very much.
Hon. Dr. David Pagwesese Parirenyatwa – Out going SAA President