Photo Credit: Gay Rights30 Nov 2010 19:48 Africa/Lagos
Commemoration of World AIDS Day / Invitation to the representatives of the media
ADDIS ABABA, November 30, 2010/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- African Union Invitation to the representatives of the media
WHAT: Commemoration of World AIDS Day
THEME: “Universal Access and Human Rights''
WHEN: The event will be organized in two phases:
i) 01 December 2010: workshop and panel discussions.
ii) 04 December 2010: Walk from Arat Kilo to AU premises.
WHERE: African Union Headquarters, Addis Ababa.
WHO: Jointly organized by the Department of Medical Service and Social Affair of the
African Union Commission (AUC).
WHY: The African Union Commission commemorates World AIDS Day every year. To
that effect the Commission organized this year's event:
i) To express solidarity in awareness raising efforts in line with the International Community.
ii) To promote and popularize the AU Commission HIV/AIDS Workplace policy among the staff of the commission
Expected outcome:
To Increase awareness on HIV/AIDS and the AU Commission HIV/AIV Workplace Policy.
Background:
Since the first World AIDS Day in 1988, when the World Health Organization called on everyone to “Join the Worldwide Effort”, AIDS has become one of the defining issues of our time. There is still a serious shortfall in resources for AIDS, and stigma and discrimination around AIDS continue to prevail. As a result, two-thirds of those who require antiretroviral treatment are unable to access it. Less than one in ten people at risk of HIV infection have the means to protect themselves.
Sustaining leadership and accelerating action on AIDS isn't something just for politicians. It involves religious leaders, community, youth and council leaders, chief executives and trade union leaders. It involves people living with HIV, and their families and friends. It involves you, me – each and every one of us – taking the lead to eliminate stigma and discrimination, to advocate for more resources to tackle AIDS. The fight against HIV/AIDS cannot be won by individuals alone, but the combined efforts of all stakeholders.
According to the five year review of the Abuja Call for accelerated action towards universal access to HIV/AIDS,TB, and Malaria services, conducted by the AU Commission in May 2010, since 2006, significant progress has been made by Members States towards universal access to health services in general and HIV/AIDS in particular. There is a clear continental and international political will and commitment to achieving universal access and health related MDGs by 2015. In spite of the commendable progress made, this is still insufficient to attain the Abuja target of universal access to HIV/AIDS services.
Participants:
The commemoration event is expected to be attended by representatives of Embassies of Member States, Staff of the Commission and Media Representatives.
All media representatives are invited to participate and cover the commemoration event tomorrow, 01 December 2010 starting 15:30hrs at the African Union Commission.
Media representatives are also invited to participate on the Walk event on Saturday 04 December 2010.
Source: African Union Commission (AUC)
