Our Journey – PAHCS

The Pan African HIV Clinicians Society (PAHCS) was born from the vision of Dr Muhangwi Mulaudzi and Dr Mabowa Makhomisane. What began as a dream in 2018 has grown through strategic meetings across Africa into a powerful clinician-led movement. We are now preparing for the official continental launch on 16–17 May 2026.

Founders

Dr Muhangwi Mulaudzi and Dr Mabowa Makhomisane – the visionaries behind PAHCS

2018 – Foundation Laid in Amsterdam (IAS Conference)

The dream of a united African response to HIV was first conceived during the IAS Conference AIDS 2018 in Amsterdam. Leading clinicians from across the continent gathered to discuss the need for an Africa-led organisation.

Key attendees (left to right):

  • Dr Muhangwi Mulaudzi (South Africa)
  • Dr Andrew Kambugu (Uganda)
  • Dr Omu Onzala (Kenya)
  • Dr Cleophus Chimbetet (Zimbabwe)
  • Dr Enoch Omonge (Kenya)
  • Dr Joseph Aluoch (Kenya)
  • Dr Tendai Gaolathe (not pictured)
2018 Amsterdam

2018 - Amsterdam (IAS Conference)

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22 February 2025 – Nairobi, Kenya

Historic first consultative meeting at the Serene Hotel. Kenyan HIV Clinicians Society and SAVCS agreed to form a Pan-African body. An interim committee was elected and a roadmap for further meetings was presented.

Key decisions & outcomes:

  • Interim Committee elected
  • Roadmap for West & North Africa consultative meetings
  • Focus on Africa-specific policies, education, patient rights, mentorship, and research

Key speakers: Dr Muhangwi Mulaudzi, Dr Enoch Omonge, Dr Mabowa Makhomisane, Prof Walter Jaoko

Nairobi 2025 Read full Nairobi story →

29 May 2025 – Accra, Ghana

Consultative meeting to secure Ghana’s membership. Emphasis placed on Africa-led research, Ghana’s low HIV rates, pandemic preparedness, and integrated care for women and children.

Key decisions:

  • Ghana accepted as founding member
  • Commitment to peer-to-peer mentorship and continent-wide pandemic preparedness
  • Advocacy for women & children programmes

Key attendees: Dr Muhangwi Mulaudzi (Chair), Dr Timmy Donko (IPVS Ambassador), Dr Mabowa Makhomisane

Accra 2025 Read full Accra story →

30 May 2025 – Lagos, Nigeria

Official structuring meeting. The name “Pan African HIV Clinicians Society (PAHCS)” was formally adopted. Founding member countries and core objectives were finalised.

Core objectives agreed:

  • Advocacy for equitable access to ARVs across Africa
  • Standardisation of educational frameworks for healthcare workers
  • Mentorship and leadership development
  • Representation of all 53 African nations
  • Reducing dependency on donor funding

Founding countries: South Africa, Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Ethiopia, Senegal, Uganda, Sierra Leone

Key attendees: Prof Alani Sulaimon Akanmu (Chair), Dr Muhangwi Mulaudzi, Dr Mabowa Makhomisane, Prof Oliver Ezechid and others (supported by CIPLA South Africa)

Lagos 2025 Read full Lagos story →

15 July 2025 – Kigali, Rwanda (IAS side meetings)

Strategic engagements with leaders from multiple countries and initial pharmaceutical partnership discussions.

Key discussions & decisions:

  • Integrated care models (HIV + diabetes/hypertension)
  • Mother & child health and EMTCT strategies
  • Pharmaceutical collaborations (Hetero, Viatris, Gilead, LUPIN, MSD, McLeods, MERCK)

Key leaders engaged: Dr Tendani Kgailatli (Botswana), Dr Loyde Mulenga (Zambia), Dr Salam Derme (Burkina Faso), Dr Cissy Kityo (Uganda), Dr Placide Mugwaneza & Dr Gad Murenzi (Rwanda), Dr Olympia Laswai (Tanzania)

Kigali 2025 Read full Kigali story →

16–17 May 2026 – Official Continental Launch

The Pan African HIV Clinicians Society will be officially launched in a major continental event. This will mark the beginning of a unified African voice in HIV and viral disease management, fully driven by African clinicians.

Interim Leadership:

  • Dr Muhangwi Mulaudzi – Interim Chairperson
  • Dr Mabowa Makhomisane – Interim Treasurer General
  • Prof Walter Jaoko – Secretary General
  • Dr Enoch Omonge – Vice Chairperson
  • Prof Alani Sulaimon Akanmu, Prof Oliver Ezechid, Dr Andrew Kambugu and others
2026 Launch

Photo to be added after the launch event