At the 38th Ordinary Session of the African Union Assembly, UNAIDS congratulated H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf on his election as the new Chairperson of the African Union Commission, along with the newly elected Commissioners. UNAIDS looks forward to strengthening the long lasting and fruitful cooperation with the African Union to end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030. 

At the event UNAIDS welcomed the historic adoption of the African Union Convention on Ending Violence Against Women and Girls and the endorsement of the African Union Roadmap on Sustaining AIDS, Strengthening Health Systems and Ensuring Health Security for Africa's Development. These two key policy documents represent a collective commitment to address pressing health and human rights challenges faced by women and girls and vulnerable populations across the continent.  

The African Union Convention on Ending Violence Against Women and Girls is a significant step forward in the response to gender-based violence. It underscores the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to eliminate violence against women and girls and recognizes the systemic inequalities that perpetuate such violence. UNAIDS stands ready to support African Member States in the implementation of this Convention and to ensure that health systems are equipped to provide essential services to survivors of violence.  

“This Convention, Africa’s first dedicated legal instrument to combat all forms of violence, is a strong step toward justice, equality, and protection for every woman and girl on the continent,” said Winnie Byanyima, Executive Director of UNAIDS. 

Similarly, the African Union Roadmap marks a transformative vision for health in Africa, aiming to end HIV as a public health threat by 2030 and to effectively control tuberculosis, malaria, and other communicable diseases. The roadmap is critical to strengthening health systems and achieving universal health coverage, especially for the most marginalized populations. It emphasizes the importance of community empowerment, innovative financing, and global solidarity in addressing current and future health challenges. 

"The adoption of the African Union Roadmap is a great milestone for Africa’s health,” said Winnie Byanyima, UNAIDS Executive Director. “With a bold and ambitious vision to tackle the HIV epidemic and other diseases, this roadmap reflects Africa’s commitment to end AIDS." 

UNAIDS is committed to using the African Union Roadmap as a platform for advocacy at the country and regional levels to ensure that HIV remains a priority on political agendas. This will require a holistic approach that integrates health services, human rights, and gender equality. 

The adoption of these frameworks not only sets a bold agenda for health and human rights but also reaffirms the commitment of African Union Member States to the principles of Agenda 2063 and the Sustainable Development Goals. Together, we can build resilient health systems that uphold the dignity, rights, and health of all people, especially women and girls in Africa. 

UNAIDS calls on all stakeholders, governments, civil society, and international partners—to unite in implementing these critical agreements for a future free from violence and free from HIV, where women and girls can prosper.