Ex-African leaders discuss HIV/Aids threat, sign declaration
A grouping of former Africa Heads of State says the current pace of Africa’s response to HIV is “too slow” to keep the fast-expanding young population healthy and productive. They have called for rapid expansion and acceleration of the AIDS response.
The grouping, ‘Champions for an AIDS-Free Generation’ comprises Joyce Banda the former President of Malawi, Festus Mogae former President of Botswana and Chairperson, , JoaquimChissano, former President of Mozambique, Kenneth Kaunda, former President of Zambia, Alpha OumarKonaré, former President of Mali, Benjamin William Mkapa, former President of the United Republic of Tanzania, KgalemaMotlanthe, former President of South Africa, SpeciosaWandira-Kazibwe, former Vice-President of Uganda, Miriam Were, former Chairperson of the Kenya National AIDS Control Council, OlusegunObasanjo, former President of Nigeria, Hifikepunye Pohamba, former President of Namibia, Edwin Cameron, Justice of the Constitutional Court of South Africa.
The leaders signed a Declaration following their meeting in Johannesburg last week, emphasizing that more than ever, much focus should now be directed towards HIV prevention.
“Africa must break down the barriers and obstacles that stop our young people from accessing education, including quality sexual health education, and health services that meet the specific needs of adolescents and young adults.
“Girls and women are more vulnerable to HIV because they are more vulnerable generally—biologically, socially and economically. They are also more vulnerable to sexual violence and early marriage,” reads the Declaration made available to Nyasa Times.
The leaders say “the new narrative must speak to young people, especially to adolescent girls and young women”.
“It must also speak up for the imperative of ending early marriage and intergenerational sex. All of us have a role and have a responsibility to end this epidemic,” the Declaration reads.
According to the Declaration, in the past five years new HIV infections in Africa have fallen by 22%. For children, there has been an “even more dramatic drop in new HIV infections of 42% since 2009”.
“More than 9 million Africans are now accessing life-saving HIV treatment. Medicines that were out of reach 10 years ago are now more widely available across the continent as prices fall and access is expanded.
In her remarks, Malawi former president Banda said: “I am honoured to attend this very important meeting. I am going to work and work until the job of ending the AIDS epidemic is done. I don’t know about you but I’m ready.”
Do u know the welfare,duties & strength of ex-president’s world over…and would u also like to learn who sponsors the list of ex-african leaders/presidents at forums? Unfortunately we’r not in a classroom.ETHURAMA’s1st comment…PONDER BEFORE WRITING..BRAVO TO ALL EX-AFRIQUE LEADERS.PEPANI MWENE LUSUNGU MWA DZINA LANU NDAKUMVELANI CHISONI/CHIFUNDO.
Very sad indeed. Who is financing her trip to this meeting? Who is she representing when donors ceased to pay for ARVs because amayi ndi anyamata awo ananyamula chikwama chonse. Shamee!!!!!
Zikomo JB,now come back and do more to your Malawi
No chance of repeating the grave mistake of woman president it’s against nature. Kulibenso kudzakoketsa ng’ombe yayikazi ngolo even ili ya thanzi. Kuli Chakwera, Jumbe, Chilima, Atupele, ndi Mphongo zina zomwe zingayimike manja kuti zipikisane ndi Peter.
I thought Malewezi would have been the better person here. Amayi nduwona ngati uchembere wabwino nde Field yawotu.
your excellency the state president JB keep representing is there you carry our flag and souls. your passion has no comparison. enawa akusowa chochita akuti anapita ku msonkhano woti unachitika kalekale mu March. Mzeru kunozasowa.
mubwere 2018 tikufunaa inyaamuke. Chakasichinathe koma kuno njala mbava kuba aMull aja akuwapatsa Bank yomwe ija anatenga ma biliyoni ija qualification Ulomwe basi
sometimes we should learn to look and appreciate positive things our former leaders did. every human being has his strength and weakness. Look at your life and ask yourself what have you done that has contributed to a good cause?
Waiting to see impacts of such forrums to the locals. As far as I am concerned deaths in relation to the pandemic has decreased as per your calculations but what this madness in cancer whose most victims are also HIV positive
the declaration is nothing but a piece of paper signed by unemployed has-beens who were useless when in power. nuff said.
When can we expect you back home in Malawi JB? You have been away so long when we need you here to help us.