Update

African heads of state and government endorse AIDS Watch Africa report

18 July 2016

African heads of state and government have backed a report from AIDS Watch Africa that welcomed the recently adopted Political Declaration on Ending AIDS and recommended its inclusion in national strategic plans for the AIDS response.

At the 27th African Union summit, held in Kigali, Rwanda, leaders called on Member States to explore innovative mechanisms to increase the allocation of domestic financing for health, while underscoring the continuing importance of global solidarity to respond to HIV, tuberculosis and malaria.

Leaders also stressed the importance of strengthening Africa’s pharmaceutical sector to promote public health and development.

Quotes

“AIDS Watch Africa will continue to play an important leadership role in shaping the implementation of health continental policies at various levels. Let us continue to amplify our voices individually and collectively through AIDS Watch Africa to advocate for more resource mobilization and accountability in line with our 2013 Abuja commitments to end AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria by 2030.”

Idriss Déby Itno President of Chad and Chairperson of the African Union and AIDS Watch Africa

“I commend the African Union for its continued leadership in the response to the AIDS epidemic and welcome its support for the 2016 United Nations Political Declaration on Ending AIDS, as well as its call for strengthened infrastructures and systems to improve the health of Africans across the continent.”

Michel Sidibé Executive Director, UNAIDS