The need for a holistic approach to HIV prevention among young women and girls was the focus of the 15th Ordinary Assembly of the Organization of African First Ladies, (OAFLA). The meeting was held on the side lines of the 25th African Union Summit, held on 15 June in Johannesburg, South Africa.
The African First Ladies stressed that addressing the needs of young women and adolescent girls must be a priority at all levels of society—from the highest political leadership to schools, families and community leaders. They called for an integrated approach to HIV prevention, treatment and care that addresses all socio-economic and structural drivers which place young women and adolescent girls at a higher risk of HIV infection, including poverty, gender inequality and harmful cultural practices.
Lordina Mahama, First Lady of Ghana and newly-elected President of OAFLA, encouraged all African First Ladies to ensure that the UNAIDS and UNICEF All In! campaign, which focuses on ending adolescent AIDS, is rolled out in their countries.
“The time has come to ensure our commitments are translated into concrete action that can be fast tracked and scaled up across the continent. We must unite and hold each other accountable.”
Tobeka Madiba-Zuma, First Lady of South Africa
“We must agree to track the progress of our programmes for young women and adolescent girls to ensure that no young person is left behind.”
Lordina Mahama, First Lady of Ghana and newly-elected President of OAFLA
“I would like to thank UNAIDS for its contribution and partnership. We rely on our partnerships as we cannot do it alone.”
Hinda Déby Itno, First Lady of Chad and outgoing President of OAFLA
“We must continue to put in place conditions that will ensure young women and adolescent girls can claim their rights, access services for treatment and live free of violence and discrimination.”
Rosemary Museminali, UNAIDS Representative to the African Union and Economic Commission for Africa.
