OAFLA

The Organisation of African First Ladies against HIV/AIDS (OAFLA) has announced that it is to expand its scope of work to incorporate a broader range of development issues affecting the continent. OAFLA has also changed its name, to the Organization of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD), and adopted a vision of “A developed Africa with healthy and empowered children, youth and women”.

During its General Assembly, held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on 11 February, the newly established OAFLAD endorsed its 2019–2023 strategic plan, which outlines the key thematic areas that the first ladies will be working on. These include a continued focus on reduction of new HIV infections and AIDS-related mortality, noncommunicable diseases, gender equality, women’s and youth empowerment, reproductive, maternal, newborn and child health, social security and social protection.

In a tribute to Michel Sidibé, the Executive Director of UNAIDS, the First Lady of Burkina Faso and Chair of OAFLAD, Sika Kaboré, said, “What we will remember from Michel Sidibé’s career is that we can reach ambitious targets if we believe in them, if we unite our forces strategically and if we keep our faith in our populations and in the African values of solidarity and sharing.” A number of first ladies added words of support and appreciation for Mr Sidibé’s leadership and engagement over many years, and he was awarded a certificate of appreciation.

“UNAIDS has worked hand in hand with the Organisation of African First Ladies against HIV/AIDS since that very first meeting in 2002. I had the privileged to be there then and I have the privilege to be with you still today. I urge you all to remain committed to ending AIDS, because together we can ensure a better future for our children and young people, and a generation free from AIDS,” said Mr Sidibé.

The first ladies committed to continue to work on one of their flagship campaigns, Free to Shine, a campaign to end AIDS among children, adolescents and young people and keep mothers healthy. To date, the campaign has been launched in 15 countries across Africa, many having integrated the campaign into their national HIV plans. UNAIDS is providing further funding to launch Free to Shine in Zimbabwe and Sierra Leone, with roll-out starting in 2019. 

First ladies across Africa are spearheading a campaign to stop children acquiring HIV, prevent AIDS-related deaths and keep mothers healthy across Africa.

The Free to Shine campaign was launched by the Organisation of African First Ladies Against HIV/AIDS (OAFLA) and the African Union on the sidelines of the 30th Ordinary Session of the African Union in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. It was launched during OAFLA’s annual General Assembly, which this year included 20 first ladies from across Africa, joining under the theme of “Transforming Africa through prioritizing children, adolescents and mothers in the fight against HIV”.  

The Free to Shine initiative was inspired by the progress and commitment from across Africa on stopping new HIV infections among children and aims to build on this progress by uniting people and organizations at the local and global levels to advance progress in ensuring access to HIV services to end AIDS among children and keep mothers healthy.

The campaign’s goals include improving maternal and childhood HIV programmes across Africa by building networks and partnerships, advocating for domestic and global resource mobilization, raising awareness around HIV prevention and mobilizing support for childhood AIDS programmes in Africa by working with high-level international and regional bodies and forums.

The Free to Shine campaign, led by OAFLA and the African Union, is supported by UNAIDS, the World Health Organization, Abbott, the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, the United Nations Children's Fund, the United Nations Development Programme and AIDS Accountability International.

At a high-level event held on the margins of the 71st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, United States of America, the Organisation of African First Ladies against HIV/AIDS (OAFLA) met with partners from the private sector, civil society and multilateral organizations to discuss how to improve access to sexual and reproductive health services and rights for young women and adolescent girls.

First ladies from some 20 African countries took part in the session, during which participants reiterated their support for the 2016 Political Declaration on Ending AIDS, which includes commitments to gender equality and reducing the disproportionate impact of the HIV epidemic among young women and adolescent girls. 

The first ladies heard from 14-year-old Hawaya from Chad, who at the age of 10 was married and faced violence from her husband on a daily basis. She escaped and found support just as Chad declared a ban on child marriages.

During the event the President of Namibia, Hage Geingob, joined the proceedings in support of his wife and the agenda for young women and adolescent girls. The First Lady of Japan and Yoo Soon-taek, the wife of the United Nations Secretary-General, were also present.

The Vice-Chairman of the China–Africa Business Council, Zhang Huarong, announced a donation of US$ 100 000 for OAFLA and voiced ongoing support for the first ladies’ mission.    

In his remarks, the UNAIDS Executive Director, Michel Sidibé, underlined the significant role played by the first ladies both at the national level and internationally, reiterating their transformative powers and UNAIDS’ commitment to continue supporting their work.  

NEW YORK/GENEVA, 9 June 2016—At the United Nations General Assembly High-Level Meeting on Ending AIDS, taking place in New York, United States of America, the Organisation of African First Ladies against HIV/AIDS (OAFLA) has called for the stronger integration of services to improve health outcomes among adolescent girls and young women.

First Ladies from Africa were joined by the First Lady of Haiti and the First Lady of Panama in calling for the empowerment of young women and adolescent girls in the AIDS response. The First Ladies said adolescent girls must assume leadership roles to ensure the development of programmes and policies that are appropriate to their needs and fully respect their sexual and reproductive health and rights. They urged providers of health-care services to better integrate service delivery and programme design to support the ability of adolescent girls and young women to make informed life choices and keep themselves healthy, including by protecting themselves from HIV infection.

Globally, AIDS-related illnesses remain the leading cause of death among women of reproductive age. In 2015, there were an estimated 250 000 [180 000–340 000] new HIV infections worldwide among adolescents (aged 15–19 years), with adolescent girls accounting for 65% of new HIV infections among this age group. AIDS-related illnesses are estimated to be the leading cause of death among adolescents in sub-Saharan Africa. Gender-based violence, gender inequity, harmful gender norms, stigma and discrimination often prevent women and girls from knowing their HIV status and accessing appropriate HIV prevention and treatment services.

The OAFLA session showcased examples of ground-breaking adolescent-centred policies and programmes delivered by governments, adolescent girls and young women, international organizations, the private sector and international donors. The event at the High-Level Meeting on Ending AIDS was organized by OAFLA in collaboration with UNAIDS, Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, and the United States President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief.

Quotes from speakers

“The Organisation of African First Ladies against HIV/AIDS strongly believes that in moving towards the Fast Track Targets we must ensure that no young girl or boy is left behind. We must address the needs of young people, especially young girls, ending gender inequality and other factors that increase their vulnerability to HIV.” Lordina Mahama, First Lady of Ghana

“Information allows young people to make choices and empowerment is having a choice. I encourage us all to listen to best practice programmes so we can be catalysts and advocates for policies that really work for young women.” Lorena Castillo de Varela, First Lady of Panama

“Despite the progress achieved, we must redouble our efforts. We must offer in a simple way information in relation to HIV infection.” Claudine Talon, First Lady of Benin

“At a time when we are entering a new phase in the AIDS response we need to pay particular attention to women, young girls and infants. We need new strategies to stop violence against women and girls, reduce school drop-outs and end forced early marriage.” Adjoavi Sika Kabore, First Lady of Burkina Faso

“We have to offer communities a package of integrated approaches that include immunization, sexual and reproductive health and rights and education.” Antoinette Sassou-Nguesso, First Lady of the Congo

“We need to redouble our efforts to offer antiretroviral therapy to protect the future of our countries because our young people are the future. In particular, our young women need to have equal and fair access to education and health care.” Dominique Ouattara, First Lady of Côte d’Ivoire

“I would like to make a call for effective international solidarity that will allow Haiti to protect young women and adolescent girls.” Ginette Michaud Privert, First Lady of Haiti

“The issue is how we prevent new HIV infections among young women. We need comprehensive sexual education in our school curricula and we must speak to them in the language they understand … We have done so much, but there is much more to be done.” Monica Geingos, First Lady of Namibia

“It is extremely important to meet the reproductive health needs of young Africans in order to end the HIV epidemic within the framework of the Sustainable Development Goals.” Aissata Issoufou Mahamadou, First Lady of Niger

 “We must push for comprehensive sexual and reproductive health and rights and ensure access for all young women and girls in all their diversity, including for key populations. We do not beg for our human rights, we demand them.” L’Orangelis Thomas Negron, HIV advocate

“We need to speak out and stop abuse and violence of any kind. I say enough!” Thandiwe Mudhumo, youth advocate

“Thandiwe Mudhumo is the embodiment of courage, resilience and hope. If we continue to fail adolescent girls and young women we will not end the AIDS epidemic.” Michel Sidibé, Executive Director of UNAIDS

“We need to value young girls, fix the issues that have resulted in the lack of impact in reducing HIV infections among them and develop determined, resilient, empowered, AIDS-free, mentored and safe young women who are ready to lead the next generation of girls.” Deborah Birx, United States Global AIDS Coordinator and Special Representative for Global Health Diplomacy

“Today’s generation of youth is the biggest in history. If we want a demographic dividend from that generation we have to invest in adolescents now. It depends on all of us breaking down silos and adopting innovative solutions.” Seth Berkley, Chief Executive Officer, Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance

UNAIDS

The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) leads and inspires the world to achieve its shared vision of zero new HIV infections, zero discrimination and zero AIDS-related deaths. UNAIDS unites the efforts of 11 UN organizations—UNHCR, UNICEF, WFP, UNDP, UNFPA, UNODC, UN Women, ILO, UNESCO, WHO and the World Bank—and works closely with global and national partners towards ending the AIDS epidemic by 2030 as part of the Sustainable Development Goals. Learn more at unaids.org and connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

Africa–China Partnership: Caring for an AIDS-Free Generation launched on the sidelines of the Forum for China–Africa Cooperation in Johannesburg

JOHANNESBURG, 5 December 2015—The Organisation of African First Ladies against HIV/AIDS (OAFLA), along with Peng Liyuan, First Lady of China, today reaffirmed their commitment to an AIDS-free generation. The OAFLA Africa–China HIV advocacy event took place on the sidelines of the Forum for China–Africa Cooperation Heads of State Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa.

“We need to take advantage of our privileged positions as First Ladies to advocate with our people, and especially our youth, to ensure everyone takes responsibility for their health and has access to adequate services,” said Tobeka Madiba Zuma, First Lady of South Africa.

Keeping in line with the OAFLA focus on maternal and child health, discussions during the event focused on further reducing new HIV infections among children in Africa and China, and ensuring that all children, their mothers and pregnant women living with HIV have access to antiretroviral therapy. 

“This is the start of a long and fruitful partnership between Africa and China towards achieving an AIDS-free generation,” said Nana Lordina Dramani Mahama, First Lady of Ghana and President of OAFLA. “We must continue to expand prevention of mother-to-child HIV transmission programmes to ensure universal access to HIV treatment for all women and children. We will work hand-in-hand to secure a beautiful partnership for an AIDS-free generation.”

Both Africa and China have dramatically scaled up their prevention of mother-to-child HIV transmission programmes and produced impressive results. Seven African countries have rapidly reduced new HIV infections among children by 60% or more, and a further seven have experience a 30-60% decline.

Michel Sidibé, UNAIDS Executive Director, urged the First Ladies of OAFLA and China to continue their high level advocacy on HIV. “This meeting is happening at a great moment,” said Mr Sidibe. “It is just one day after President Xi laid out a new partnership between China and Africa that will enable us to have a generation free from HIV.  It is also important because we are together―and I know that the First Ladies have been fighting for a long time to be a voice for the voiceless.”

The First Ladies highlighted that HIV treatment programmes are leaving children far behind. They reiterated that urgent action is needed to accelerate the HIV treatment response among children. Without treatment, half of children living with HIV will die before their second birthday.

Peng Liyuan, First Lady of China, related four key issues critical to ending AIDS by 2030: universal access to HIV treatment; public information and education; educational opportunities for adolescents; and economic development to eliminate poverty. She reiterated China’s support to address HIV in Africa, especially maternal and child health. “As long as the international community works together we will be able to realize an AIDS-free world,” she added.

The First Ladies are extremely important advocates and very influential,” said Margaret Chan, Director-General of the World Health Organization. “They must continue to advocate for an AIDS-free generation and we will be there to support them.”

The First Ladies of Africa and China will join forces to achieve an AIDS-free generation by sharing information, helping each other to build expertise, and mobilizing resources for joint advocacy to support women and children living with and affected by HIV.

Aaron Motsoaledi, Minister of Health of South Africa, and Gertrude Mutharika, First Lady of Malawi and Vice-President of OAFLA, joined the panellists in pledging their support to reach the Fast-Track Targets to end the AIDS epidemic as a public health threat by 2030.

UNAIDS

The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) leads and inspires the world to achieve its shared vision of zero new HIV infections, zero discrimination and zero AIDS-related deaths. UNAIDS unites the efforts of 11 UN organizations—UNHCR, UNICEF, WFP, UNDP,  UNFPA, UNODC, UN Women, ILO, UNESCO, WHO and the World Bank—and works closely  with global and national partners to end the AIDS epidemic by 2030 as part of the Sustainable  Development Goals. Learn more at unaids.org and connect with us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Tobeka Madiba Zuma Foundation

The Tobeka Madiba Zuma Foundation, founded in 2009, advocates for prevention, treatment and care of non-communicable diseases, a #cancersmart South Africa, and HIV prevention, treatment and care. For more information follow TMZ Foundation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

First Ladies from across Africa joined the First Lady of Japan Akie Abe at a symposium entitled ‘Let’s talk about AIDS: Africa and Japan’s Shared Challenges’ during the opening day of the Fifth Tokyo Conference on Africa Development (TICAD V) held in Yokohama, Japan, from 1-3 June. The session assessed progress made and areas for intensified action on HIV. Participants underlined how continued commitment on AIDS and united responses across nations are critical to achieving the vision of zero new HIV infections, zero discrimination and zero AIDS-related deaths.

Panellists stressed the need for Japan and African nations to share experiences and build on progress together, putting at the centre of the AIDS response the respect for rights of people living with HIV and the involvement of young people.

UNAIDS Deputy Executive Director, Management and Governance, Jan Beagle highlighted progress made in Africa under the leadership of the Organization of African First Ladies against HIV/AIDS (OAFLA) and stressed the importance of investing in women and girls.

TICAD V concluded with the adoption of the Yokohama Declaration 2013 and the Yokohama Action Plan 2013-2017 that included the promotion of human security, emphasis on the empowerment of women and youth, support for African initiatives for peace and stability, and the recognition and promotion of the role of the private sector through public-private partnerships.

First lady of Ethiopia, Wzro Azeb Mesfin with Michel Sidibé, UNAIDS Executive Director.
Credit: UNAIDS/P.Wiggers

In a meeting at the Presidential Palace in Addis Ababa on 5 December, Mr Sidibé congratulated the First Lady of Ethiopia on her successful stewardship of the Organization of African First Ladies Against HIV/AIDS (OAFLA) and urged her to continue to champion the health and well-being of women and girls across Africa.

“We are counting on you to remain fully engaged in the HIV response,” said Michel Sidibé, UNAIDS Executive Director. “We hope that you will continue to call for the elimination of new HIV infections among children, and that you will continue your conversations with community and traditional leaders around difficult cultural issues.”

As Chair of OAFLA from June 2008 to June 2011, First Lady Wzro Azeb Mesfin was a staunch advocate for the elimination of new HIV infections among children and spoke out against harmful cultural practices, among other issues. She currently serves as a member of the Ethiopian Parliament, a Board Chairperson of the National Coalition for Women Against HIV/AIDS and President of the Ethiopian Women's Federation.

During his meeting with the First Lady, Mr Sidibé emphasized the critical link between AIDS and the wider health and development agenda. “It is important that we take AIDS out of isolation—OAFLA must continue to build a bridge between AIDS and maternal mortality, young people, violence against women and other issues,” Mr Sidibé said.

The First Lady noted that preventing new HIV infections among children has become an increasingly visible issue in Ethiopia. “PMTCT is now on the national health and development agenda on a near-daily basis.” She added that later this month in Addis Ababa, PMTCT will be widely discussed at a conference focused on women’s leadership attended by Members of Parliament, Ministers and representatives of women’s associations across the country.

According to government estimates, there were 1445 health facilities in Ethiopia in 2010-11 providing services that prevent new HIV infections in children, up from just 32 facilities in 2003-04. However, only about 9.3% of the estimated pregnant women in need of PMTCT services nationwide are currently receiving them. Globally, an estimated 390 000 children were born with HIV in 2010—mainly in sub-Saharan Africa.

Mr Sidibé’s meeting with the First Lady was held alongside the International Conference on AIDS and STIs in Africa (ICASA)—a gathering of 7000 AIDS experts focused on the HIV epidemic and response across the African continent.

African First Ladies at ICASA

Later in the day, several African First Ladies gathered at ICASA for a panel session entitled “Towards an HIV-Free Generation.”  The First Ladies were joined in the session by Ministers from Ethiopia, Rwanda and Chad, as well as Ambassador Eric Goosby and Bience Gawanas, the African Union Commissioner for Social Affairs.

Members of OAFLA who took part in the session called for greater male involvement in campaigns to end new HIV infections among children. “An HIV-free generation tomorrow needs both caring men and women today, and the work of OAFLA will reflect this,” said the newly elected Chair of OAFLA, H.E. Pohamba Penehupifo of Namibia.

The overarching message in the session was that the AIDS response requires concerted efforts from all stakeholders, including home-grown solutions to the current economic crisis. The First Lady of Namibia expressed the need for OAFLA to focus on raising resources beyond traditional funders.

(from left) First Lady of Mali, Madame Lobbo Traore Toure; Minister of Women, Senegal, Madame Awa Ndiaye; UNAIDS Deputy Executive Director Mr Michel Sidibé. Dakar, 4 December 2008. Credit: UNAIDS/Mamadou Gomis

Stigma towards people living with HIV as well as the need to halt the spread of the disease were the main themes discussed by a gathering of First Ladies of Africa which took place earlier today in Dakar. Their panel discussion on the HIV response was moderated by Mr Michel Sidibé, UNAIDS Deputy Executive Director.

On the occasion of the 15th International Conference on AIDS and STIs in Africa (ICASA) taking place in Dakar this week, high-level delegates, civil society representatives and technical experts from across Africa and elsewhere are gathering for discussions under the theme “Africa’s Response: Face the facts.”

UNAIDS Deputy Executive Director Mr Michel Sidibé speaks with Princess Lalla Salma of Marocco before the First Ladies of Africa event. Dakar, 4 December 2008. Credit: UNAIDS/Mamadou Gomis

Madame Lobbo Traore Toure, First Lady of Mali; Madame Jeannette Kagame, First Lady of Rwanda and Her Royal Highness, Princess Lalla Salma of Morocco participated in this afternoon’s event.

Thanking them for their presence and for their long-term personal engagement in the AIDS response, UNAIDS Deputy Executive Director Michel Sidibé spoke of how their commitment has enabled the creation of dialogue and political action around the issue of stigma and HIV prevention.

“As mothers, spouses and concerned citizens, you, First Ladies of Africa, have decided to take leadership on AIDS, speaking out against stigma and against violence against women and girls and advocating for the protection and rights of people living with HIV,” said Mr Sidibé.

At the meeting the panelists spoke of the importance of HIV prevention programmes and brought into focus priorities including the care of orphans and vulnerable children, preventing mother-to-child HIV transmission and access to paediatric treatment. The panellists also discussed how resources could be better mobilized for HIV programmes at country level.

UNAIDS Deputy Executive Director Mr Michel Sidibé. Dakar, 4 December 2008. Credit: UNAIDS/Mamadou Gomis

The First Ladies shared their experiences of the HIV response through regional organizations such as the Organization of African First Ladies Against AIDS (OAFLA) and Synergies Africaines, as well as in their own countries through national organizations. The meeting was a chance to exchange perspectives and enhance collaboration in west Africa.

In 2007 the OAFLA launched the “Save the Unborn Child First Ladies Campaign” in the 50 OAFLA member countries. This campaign focuses on the prevention of HIV transmission from mother to child. The prevention of new infections among young people, and protection of children affected by HIV from stigma were the aims of the “Treat every child as your own" campaign launched by OAFLA in 2005.

Yesterday during the conference opening ceremony, Princess Lalla Salma, spouse of King Mohammed VI of Morocco, received the prize of the 15th ICASA 2008 in recognition of her commitment to the fight against AIDS. The prize was presented by ICASA's chairman, Professor Soulaymane Mboup.

In her address to the Assembly, UNAIDS
Deputy Executive Director Mrs. Deborah
Landey commended the organization for
its success in bringing women’s issues to
the forefront, particularly the focus on
preventing mother to child transmission
of HIV.

The Organisation of African First Ladies against HIV and AIDS (OAFLA), held their 5th Extra Ordinary General Assembly in Addis Ababa from 1-2 February. More than 30 first ladies (or their high level representatives) attended the assembly which was held in parallel with the African Union Summit.

The First Lady of Ethiopia and Vice President of OAFLA, Madam Azeb Mesfin, (also hosting meeting) gave the opening remarks, followed by the First Lady of Zambia and Acting OAFLA President Maureen Mwanawasa, who urged her peers to reflect on the successes of the organization whilst planning carefully for future activities.

In her address to the Assembly, UNAIDS Deputy Executive Director Mrs. Deborah Landey commended the organization for its success in bringing women’s issues to the forefront, particularly the focus on preventing mother to child transmission of HIV. Ms. Landey stressed that significant progress had been achieved in Africa over the last decade both in terms of providing anti-retroviral treatment and in reducing HIV prevalence.

The Deputy Executive Director of UNAIDS also encouraged the First Ladies to continue their campaigns to mobilise action on preventing new infections which still remains a major challenge. “HIV prevention is the key. It is a highly complex issue. But this can be no excuse for inaction. We still have a long, long way to go to make HIV prevention truly effective,” said Ms Landey.

Elizabeth Mataka, UN Special Envoy in
Africa, urged OAFLA members and leaders
at all levels to take collective responsibility
in the fight against AIDS.

Elizabeth Mataka, UN Special Envoy in Africa, urged OAFLA members and leaders at all levels to take collective responsibility in the fight against AIDS. “Each of us here today has considerable influence and we have a duty and a responsibility to lend our support, advocacy and leadership to build on the extraordinary response that has so far been mobilised.”

The UN special envoy also encouraged the organisation to seek support from major funding organisations such as the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. The Global Fund Board is now requesting countries to take particular note of the vulnerabilities of women and girls as they put forward their proposals for Round 8 funding and beyond.